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The Hatfield and Askern Colliery Band is sad to announce that Stan Lippeatt is to stand down from his role as the band\u2019s Musical Director in May this year. Stan has, however, clearly indicated that \u201cI\u2019m retiring from day to day banding, yet will continue to be available as an adjudicator and to conduct on a freelance basis<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stan took over the baton of the band in 2013 from his good friend and fellow bandsman at Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the late Graham O\u2019Connor, with the brief to look after \u201chis band\u201d. As such, Stan has rebuilt the band and expresses that doing so has been \u201ca pleasure\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The band have enjoyed many successes under Stan\u2019s leadership, being Brass at the Guild Champions in 2017; NEMBBA First Section Winner 2019; and Yorkshire First Section Champions in 2019; making three appearances at the National Finals and all topped off with success at the Spring Festival in Blackpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stan\u2019s last formal concert with the band took place on Friday 25th March in a well-received concert at Hatfield Woodhouse, where Band Manager Dr. Robert Brown presented him with a commemorative \u2018final concert<\/em>\u2019 programme, duly signed by all members of the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stan\u2019s final appearance with the band as MD, his last Stan(d), will be on the contest stage, when taking the band at the forthcoming Spring Festival. The test piece this year is Life Divine, a fitting swansong to his 62 years in the banding front line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On behalf of the band members, back room staff and supporters of the band, Dr Brown said, \u201cwe owe Stan much gratitude for the hard work and dedication that he has put into the band, which has helped to progress and develop the band into the solid organisation it is today. Also, we thank Stan for many amusing moments which have helped lighten rehearsals and coach trips. We wish him continued good health and every enjoyment in his future banding endeavours<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n