Reg Lewis, pictured, has decided to cut back his playing commitments at the age of 84 and has retired as a playing member.
Ken Henton, the band’s secretary, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Reg will be sorely missed. He has been a member of the band longer that I or he cares to remember.”
“He has been the mainstay of the front bench cornet line-up. A few years ago, when the band had difficulty finding players, Reg was often the only solo cornet at rehearsals.”
“It is down to Reg that the band got through that sticky patch and is able now to put a full combination on the stage. The band owes Reg a great deal of gratitude.”
Reg will not stop playing altogether, though, because as a life-long member of the Salvation Army, he will maintain his commitment to them and continue to play hymn tunes and religious music for services in the Bridgwater Salvation Army Band.
Ken added: “We could not just say ‘goodbye’ to Reg and let him disappear, so our committee have decided to make him a non-playing life member of the band.”
“Reg was noted not only for his Herculean stamina but also for a fabulous cornet tone which so few players seem able to achieve these days.”
“I put it down to years of hymn tune playing and we are delighted Reg will continue this aspect of his music-making.”
