The band is looking forward to working with Lt. Col. Owen again in the future.

With great sadness we report the passing of our fellow bandsman and friend, Neil Ferguson, aged just fifty.

Neil was the finest and most faithful servant any band could ever wish for, having dedicated himself to our organisation for over twenty years. He excelled in many roles within the band, including secretary, chairman and fundraising organiser. Neil also served on the committee of the Northern Counties Brass Band Association, culminating in his election as Chairman.

Neil was a fine musician, with a natural affinity for the soprano cornet, on which he performed beautifully for many years. In his contribution to the Band, musical, organisational and social, Neil will no doubt prove to be utterly irreplaceable. He was a true “bandsman”, a generous and

kindly spirit who chose to see the good in everybody, whose optimism, common sense and open friendliness will never be forgotten by those who knew him, and whose tireless efforts for the Band he loved will perhaps never be surpassed. Neil’s courage in the face of serious illness was an inspiration over the past few years, and even when facing the gravest of challenges, his legendary good humour never faltered.

Neil was a devoted family man, and our deepest condolences go to his widow Joyce, herself a dedicated servant to the Band of many years, their sons Lloyd, Darryl and Ross, and the rest of the family.

Neil's funeral will be held at the West Chapel, Aberdeen Crematorium on Friday the 27th of February at 11:45 am.

Granite City Brass are delighted to announce that they have secured the services of David Ashworth to spearhead their bid for success at the 2009 Scottish Championships in Dundee. David has 50 years experience in the brass band movement and has worked extensively with bands of all sections and is in popular demand assisting bands in their test piece preparation at which he has become a specialist, a reputation previously confirmed by 4barsrest who noted that 'Without question, David is one of the finest Conductors outside the Championship Section.'

He is also the Founder and Musical Director of the CANCER RESEARCH BAND, which is made up of numerous very well known and famous brass band personalities. Over a period of five years, the band has contributed a total exceeding £4500.00 to the Cancer Research Charity. He also regularly adjudicates throughout the country at many different Brass Band and Choral Contests and has served as the National Public Relations Officer with the National Association of Brass Band Conductors from 2000 to 2005 and served on the National Executive Committee. David also teaches brass, and in the past has had several students who have moved up the ladder to the higher sections of the Brass Band movement.

With such an impressive musical pedigree the band are delighted to have secured someone of David’s caliber and are eagerly looking forward to working together on the challenges of the set test piece, New World Sketches by Dan Price. David’s appointment will without doubt be a great benefit to the band and will hopefully lead to success both in Dundee and beyond.

It is with great sorrow and regret that Granite City Brass announce the death of Stewart Gilmour on the 26^th June 2008 after a very short and courageous battle with cancer. Stewart was a dedicated bandsman and talented musician who played the Flugel Horn with great distinction in the band and had recently been the band chairman. Stewart moved to Aberdeen in 1979 to study music education having been taught to play by Hugh Brennan and having previously played for Kirkintilloch and Irvine Benwhat bands. Stewart graduated with two merits in Academic Studies and Practice of Teaching and gained a Masters Degree in Education (Educational Management). For 16 years Stewart was Principal Teacher of Music at St Machar Academy but held the post of Deputy Head Teacher at the time of his untimely death aged only 48.

Stewart was a beloved husband of Kay and a much loved father of Ashlea, Matthew, Bethany, Chloe and Kyle. Funeral service, to which all family and friends are invited, will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen on Tuesday, July 1 at 1.00 p.m, thereafter a committal service at Echt Cemetery Family flowers only please and donations in lieu to Roxburghe House or Macmillan Nurses. No black attire.

He will be sorely missed by all.