After a normal rehearsal on Wednesday 26th September Matt became the subject of a speech about his life and times in the band - normally it was Matt giving the speeches about someone else who was leaving! Matt's long time friend Pete 'Nobby' Scrowther, St Albans' soprano cornet player, gave an entertaining presentation about the life and times of Matt, from his early days in Holme Silver Band in the land of elderly men going down hills in bathtubs, through his student days with Unity Brass in Leicester up to the present time and the last 6 years with St Albans. Matt was then presented with an engraved tankard and specially printed St Albans Band polo shirt.

Matt's contribution to St Albans Band in real terms cannot be measured - his 5 years as Bandmaster has left a great mark on the band and he will be well remembered for many years to come by the many friends and colleagues he leaves in both St Albans Band and the banding community across the country. However I am told it may not be long before he picks up an instrument in New Zealand!