Life memberships for Croy Silver’s long-serving duo

Congratulations to Croy Silver Band cornetist Tommy Rafferty and Eb bass player Joe Hadnum on achieving their Scottish Brass Band Association life memberships for lengthy service to the brass band movement.

The duo received the medals at the band’s Christmas concert in Holy Cross Parish Hall, Croy, together with portrait pictures of each of them, produced by artist Sarah Devlin, daughter of Croy Silver secretary Carol and a former regular cornet and flugel player with the band.

Tommy started playing cornet in the late 1960s and has remained on the instrument throughout his banding career. On occasions, though, he has helped out on percussion, most notably for the visit of the Pope to Bellahouston Park in 2010.

Although always registered with Croy Silver, he has helped out bands like Bo’ness & Carriden and Bathgate in the past. His first Nationals contest was in 1994.

Joe joined Croy Silver after following in the footsteps of this grandfather and uncle. He started learning the baritone at the age of 13, transferring to Eb bass in 1968 when he replaced a player who had emigrated to Canada – in time to take part in his first contest.

Among his many memorable moments with the band have been ‘apres contest’ celebrations of good results and heartfelt debates of poor performances. One of his most enjoyable experiences was the band’s Scottish qualification in 1994 for the National Finals in Wembley Way, London.

Also at the concert, the band was presented with a quaich by SBBA secretary Tom Allan to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

Photographs courtesy of Robert G Henderson