Langholm veteran awarded MBE in New Years Honours

Langholm Town Band cornet player and president David Calvert has been awarded an MBE by His Majesty the King in the New Years Honours for 71 years of voluntary service to the band and wider community.

The veteran bandsman has been a dedicated and committed supporter of Langholm Town Band for the majority of his life, having joined the ranks at the age of 12.

His first public engagement with the band was on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. He has also played for the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, when the astronaut was made Freeman of the Burgh of Langholm.

David was the major driving force behind the creation of a junior band to encourage youngsters to learn to play brass instruments.

David’s selfless continuous service has been critical to the ongoing success of the band whose members offer sincere congratulations on his achievement.

Here’s a video produced by James Mahon for the ITV Border news programme: https://youtu.be/9_XAzQSukcg?feature=shared

Cover photo: Lorne Campbell