Shirley’s award caps a memorable year for Arbroath & Carnoustie

A truly memorable year for Arbroath & Carnoustie Band ended on another high note yesterday as Shirley Bennett, secretary and principal euphonium with the 2025 Fourth Section Scottish and National champion band, was named the British Bandsman’s Bandsperson of the Year.

Shirley came out on top of 40 nominations for the accolade, a list which contained numerous Scots including Arbroath & Carnoustie musical director Neill McDonald, George Annan of Perthshire Brass, Graham Caldwell of Clackmannan District Brass Band, Ian Dickie, retired bandmaster of Bellshill Salvation Army, Chris Robertson of Brighouse & Rastrick, and Katrina Marzella Wheeler and Alan Douglas of the cooperation band.

Shirley’s successful nomination cited how she has been at the heart of the band’s resurgence after it almost folded following Covid. Due to the exceptional hard work of many people, including MD Neill McDonald, the band has been transformed into the current successful organisation.

“Shirley puts a huge amount of hard work in to keeping the band running smoothly, making sure information is communicated clearly, ensuring a full band is in place for each event, and becoming our de facto contest secretary as well,” said the nomination.

“Though she works tirelessly, she's not trying to do everything and has also been overseeing the process of drawing new people into different roles, supporting them as they take on new responsibilities.

“She is also the go-to person if anyone in the band is struggling with anything, effectively acting as a welfare officer, and she is someone who will listen and support where she can.”

Shirley is very keen to ensure that everyone who contributes in and around the band is acknowledged and appreciated, including in the small training band which has some younger players who are also being integrated into the main band.

In a year when the safeguarding regulations in Scotland changed, Shirley has dealt with the additional work extremely well. On top of all this, as principal euphonium, Shirley has shown herself to be “a wonderful contest player”.

“She is one of those players who will turn up at every event, no matter how small an ensemble or how low profile it is. It's no surprise that in our own band awards she won Player of the Year, Player's Player of the Year, and led the euphoniums and baritones to Section of the Year.”

In another citation, Shirley was likened to “the backbone of Arbroath & Carnoustie Band”.

“She brings a real sense of joy and reassurance to the organisation, always putting others before herself. She provides a friendly face and welcoming environment in which everyone in the organisation benefits, including players and their families.

“The band nearly folded a couple of years ago due to the detrimental effect of the Covid pandemic but Shirley put her all into keeping the organisation running.
She is a well-rounded person who deserves this award for her hard work, dedication and commitment to our band.”

Well done and congratulations, Shirley, on a well-deserved award! You are a credit to the Scottish banding community!