We are sad to announce that our long standing Chairman and Band Manager Austin Davies has taken the hard decision to stand down from his position with the band at the end of December after serving more than 15 years in the role.
Austin joined Cory as an Eb Bass player in 1996 and several years later became Chairman. During these early years the vision and long term planning was developed for Cory to become one of the very best bands in the World. Throughout his association with the band, Austin has been instrumental in this vision together with the small management team and Musical Directors Robert Childs and in recent years Philip Harper. The success and consistency of the band has been witnessed by everyone in the Brass Band movement and Austin has for many years been the public face during concerts and contests. The results of his long term efforts see Cory once again end the year as the Number One Brass Band in the World.
Austin leaves his position with the band to concentrate on his work, increasing responsibilities as a local councillor and of course to spend more quality time with his wife Mary, children and grand-children. Austin will still remain associated with Cory and will support when time permits.
Musical Director Philip Harper commented “ For as long as I can remember, Austin’s name has been synonymous with that of Cory Band, and since I arrived in 2012, I have certainly considered him to be my right hand man – ever dependable, ever faithful, ever able to be a great sounding board and to offer advice on all kinds of matters. His drive, determination and passion for Cory has been a big factor in the band’s success in the last 15 years, and to say that his work will be missed is a self-evident understatement. I would like to thank Austin for everything he has done for Cory – he leaves with a standing ovation from us all.“
Following his decision, Austin said: “It has been an honour and privilege to represent Cory both on and off the stage since 1996. I continue to pledge my support & friendship to both Cory and the wider brass band movement.”
The trustees of the band are undertaking a review of current roles and developing a new operational structure to take the band forward. Everyone associated with Cory Band would like to publicly thank Austin for his unwavering commitment and significant time invested into the role over many years, and hope that we will still continue to see him regularly in the band-room and supporting in competitions in the future.
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