FOUR members of the Clackmannan District Brass Band have been awarded lifetime membership medals from the Scottish Brass Band Association.

The quartet was honoured at the band’s annual awards presentation in recognition of their long service to banding.

Lorraine McLeod, John and Lesley Muir and Julie Johnstone have all been a part of the Clackmannan Band for over 20 years, assuming several roles within the hierarchy and committee.

Principal cornet Lorraine took over the role following the sad passing of Paul Dornan two years ago. She has spent most of her career on cornet, but dabbled in the euphonium for a short while.

Bass trombone player John has conducted the band’s small-group ensemble for around 20 years and is a conductor and tutor with the Hillfoots Music for Youth Orchestra, serving on the brass band since the mid-1990s.

His wife Lesley has over 50 years service with the band, initially with Alloa and then Clackmannan before the merging of the two.

Lastly, Julie has been a part of the band for 45 years, serving as president for ten years while now currently serving as the band’s vice president.

Debbie Wark, president of the Clackmannan District Brass Band, said the four thoroughly deserved their lifetime membership medals.

She said: “For us to see these four who are such an integral part of the band and the organisation receive these medals, it’s fantastic.

“Julie is our vice president and was our president for ten years herself, she’s put so much into the brass band.

“Lorraine stepped into Paul’s shoes as principal and John does the ensemble, he’s very committed to that and Lesley as well.

“They’re just true bands people, they would do anything and everything for the band and they deserve their medals.”

The Clackmannan District Brass Band also had recent success at a contest held last Saturday, which saw them place third out of 26 competing bands.

The band placed ahead of eight higher sectioned bands, coming in third place with only the last two bands finishing in front of them.

Lorraine also won best principal cornet at the contest, an award created to remember the life of Paul Dornan.

The band now look ahead to their annual Christmas concert, which will be held on Saturday, December 9 at Alloa Town Hall.