15/05/2026
Today we said a final goodbye to our long-standing President, Mr John Lyon. John lived a long and very full life, filled with joy and happiness, and we were incredibly fortunate to have had him as President of our band for so many years.
John loved the band dearly, and even when he wasn’t feeling so well last year, his passion for the band never faded. In one very special moment, the band descended on his home and performed a short concert in his garden for him. You could see just how much it meant to him by that wonderful cheeky grin on his face — a smile none of us will ever forget.
John also contributed enormously towards the building of our brand-new band room. Without his dedication and support, it would certainly have taken much longer to raise the funds we needed.
Last evening, we were honoured to be joined by John’s family as we unveiled the new name for the rehearsal room, dedicated to the two Johns who were absolutely instrumental in making the hall a reality — Mr John Cook and Mr John Lyon.
Today, it was an honour for some of us to perform at his funeral and wake, giving John the musical farewell he truly deserved.
We thank both Johns from the bottom of our hearts for everything they did and have done for the band. Their dedication, friendship, and support will never be forgotten.