Long service awards

Chairperson Andrew Wilson joined Staines Brass at their Christmas concert to present two 50-year certificates.

Nigel Campbell started playing the euphonium age 9, in his village band in the Scottish Borders. His first contesting band was Broxburn.

Over the years Nigel has played for many bands including St Boswells, the Scottish Youth Band, Regent, Milton Keynes, Staines and Fjell Brass. Highlights for Nigel include the Regent Midwest Tour, and playing at the Siddis Brass Entertainment contest in Norway.

Nigel joined Staines Brass for a second time in in 2015, this time on baritone. As well as contributing to the band through his playing, Nigel has also held various committee positions over the years, and throughout his time in banding Nigel has been a dedicated musician and a good friend to many.


New Zealander John Gillespie learned to play a brass instrument aged 10 years old and played with the Mount Roskill Band for 20 years before emigrating to the UK in 1987, setting up a business in Camberley called Heathlands Plantcare.

John played briefly with St Albans Band, Alder Valley Brass and Friary Guildford before settling with Hillingdon Band where a number of fellow Kiwis also played under their well-known conductor/composer Philip Sparke. John then played with Egham and Sandhurst Bands and Alder Valley again before retunring to Staines in 2022 after a gap of 30 years. The band was delighted to welcome him back as both a bandsman and a true friend.

Although mainly an EEb Bass player John also plays tenor horn with Cove Brass, and on a monthly basis he plays with the Guildford SA Fellowship Band.