AGE Concern Crediton and District organised a well-attended Concert featuring Crediton Town Band and the Ad-Hoc Singers at Crediton Parish Church on Saturday, October 7.

It was the last concert with Crediton Town Band for one of the band’s mainstays over the years, John Glanfield.

John (91), had been the band’s solo Tenor horn player for many years and was a former Musical Director of the Town Band.

He was Head of Music at Queen Elizabeth’s School and over the years has played trumpet, clarinet and saxophone, and at one time had his own band “The Stars”, which went on to become Johnny Glanfield and the Stars.

He and his band played throughout Devon playing mostly Trad Jazz, John playing with legends such as Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and Chris Barber.

John formed a new band called Strictly Ballroom which went on to entertain at numerous events in Devon.

For the concert, John created a musical arrangement for the QE School Song “Schola Kyrtonensis”, which was played by the band.

The audience joined in with the singing.

A band spokesperson said: “John will be greatly missed. We cannot thank him enough for his long contribution to the band over so many years.”

Jenny Berg, from Age Concern Crediton and District said: “A huge thanks to Crediton Town Band and the Ad-Hoc Singers for performing in the parish church in aid of Crediton Age Concern.

“For the amazing John Glanfield, aged 91, it was his final concert for playing in the band after very many years, so an extra special occasion.

“There was a rousing rendition of his composition ‘Black and Gold’ at the end.

“It was a full church and a wonderful evening and much enjoyed.

“Thank you very much to Ashgrove Kitchens for their sponsorship of the event and to everyone who came or supported it in any way.

“I am thrilled to say that £1,200.97 was raised for Age Concern Crediton and District.”

Alan Quick