Jim Murray steps down from Besses' Top Chair

Published in Band News on 2013-06-24 by Empty Chairs

More news from Besses o th Barn Band

Jum Murray, principal cornet of Besses o'th' Barn Band has stepped down after three and a half years of dedicated service.

In a statement on Facebook Matt Bailey, Chairman, Besses o'th' Barn Band commentated.

After 3 and a half years as Besses' 'top chair', Jim Murray has relinquished his position as Principal Cornet with the band for the most worthy reason possible- to dedicate more time to his wife, who is due to undergo surgery in the near future. 

Jim's association with Besses stretches to around 60 years, from a young cornetist with the Boys Band through to the present day. To describe Jim as a stalwart of the band would do him incredible injustice. Jim has dedicated his life to banding, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. However, as Jim has stated, for once banding must come secondary to his family. Jim's final performance as Principal will be at the band's concert at Radcliffe Civic Suite on the 5th July, where he will perform one of his favourite solos "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen". 

News on the band's new Principal Cornet will be announced soon, and Jim has already given his approval and blessing to his replacement. Jim hopes to return to the band once all is settled, and he will be welcomed back 'home' at that time. 

Until then, from all at Besses past and present, thank you Jim for your lifetime of service, and very best wishes until we see you again.