Newmilns & Galston Band are saddened by the news of the passing of Tom (Tam) Paton, the band’s former euphonium/baritone player and chairman.

 Tam started his banding career, which spanned over 50 years, in Newmilns in 1946 and later joined the RAF for National Service. On returning to civilian life he joined Galston Band and thereafter joined the CWS Glasgow Band where he enjoyed a fruitful spell. In 1981 Tam returned to the recently revived Newmilns Band and alongside his brother Matt guided the band through the sections to the top of Scottish banding again. A lifetime of banding saw Tam awarded Life Membership of the Scottish Brass Band Association in 1996 in recognition of his service to the movement.

 Always respected as a trusted and reliable support to his lead players, during his playing career Tam played euphonium & baritone beside some of the all-time greats Jimmy (Mac) McMillan, Peter Moore, John Stark, Jim Bryce, David Laughland and David Belshaw.

 On retiring from playing Tam still enthusiastically followed Newmilns & Galston Band wherever they played with many players making a beeline for him when the contest performance was over to get his “fag paper crit”.

 Tam will be sorely missed by the whole brass banding world and all at Newmilns & Galston Band send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Tam’s funeral will be on Tuesday 3rd of May at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium, Dreghorn, Irvine, KA11 4EF at 12:30.