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Holbeach band leader Mel rubs shoulders with Royalty




Tea with royalty was the reward for many years of dedicated service for band leader Mel Hopkin.

Mel, musical director of Holbeach Town Band, and his wife Trish attended the first Royal Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace.

Chairman of the Holbeach band, Stephanie Palmer, said Mel had been nominated by the band in recognition of all his hard work.

Mel Hopkin and wife Trish.
Mel Hopkin and wife Trish.

She said: "It was extremely well deserved and the band is proud of him."

Mel admitted he had no idea the band had organised this for him.

He said: "It was a complete but very pleasant surprise."

Mel and Trish travelled to London by 1st class train, then by taxi to Buckingham Palace, before joining a long queue to get into the Palace gardens.

Prince Charles, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne were at the event, along with 8,000 invited guests.

The Royal party walked through the grounds talking to guests as they made their way to the Royal tea tent. Two military bands played alternately throughout the afternoon.

Afternoon tea was provided, with an estimated 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 pieces of cake served during the afternoon!

Mel has been musical director of Holbeach Town Band for more than 20 years.

In that time, he has started the Holbeach Victoria Training Band, a Learner Group and a Starter Group, all of which he runs. The learner and starter groups are free and the band provides a suitable instrument.

Members of the town band and the training band pay a modest weekly subscription but, again, the band provides instruments if members do not have their own.

New musicians are always welcome, and there are vacancies in the training band, learner and starter groups.

Mel will be running the band’s 18th annual Learn to Play Week from July 29, when people of all ages can come and try out brass band instruments under expert guidance free of charge.



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