Birmingham Citadel Band celebrated 60 years of service by bandsman George Dickens.
Prior to the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to George, special mention was made of 4 other gentlemen who have recently stepped down from active service with Birmingham Citadel Band. Whilst they have not, as of yet, requested to be placed on the band reserve and to officially retire from active service, their incredible commitment and the way in which they have contributed to music ministry was acknowledged. Phil Harris, Graham Andrews, Howard Wilkinson and Graham Daff have not only played in BCB for many years but have also taken on many other responsibilities during their time with the band.
It’s difficult to imagine a Birmingham Citadel Band without George as 53 of those 60 years have been spent playing with BCB. During this time he has taken on extra responsibilities as Assistant Band Secretary, Junior Band Sergeant, Assistant Band Secretary, BCB Band Sergeant, Junior Band Sergeant and, more recently, our flag carrier.
George has completed nearly 20 studio recordings with the band, 8 foreign tours and countless concerts. He has been ever-present Christmas caroling and hospital visits and of course, as part of our Church at Birmingham Citadel, he takes his place each week during worship and open air meetings.
One of George’s highlights in the band will be his opportunity to “solo” with the band. He played “Solo Secondo - a major work for Second Horn and Band” by William Himes a number of times which always delighted both the audience and his colleagues in the band. This typified George’s great sense of humour as the solo only uses one note! As part of the celebrations George was present with a copy of the soloist’s part signed by Bill Himes.
George, we salute your service in Music Ministry and thank you for your dedication to Birmingham Citadel Band. I’m delighted to report that George will continue to be our flag carrier for the moment, for which we are very grateful!
