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.

The band were successfully at the weekend of securing funding for our Brass Academy Youth Project at the Irvine Valley Participatory Budgeting Event in Stewarton. Thanks to everyone who supported us by voting on the day! Special mention to Glen and Mia who were fantastic Youth Ambassadors for the band! 🎶

The band competed in the Scottish Championships on Saturday coming 3rd in the First Section of 10 bands. We are all delighted and are grateful to our players for all their hard work and preparations but more importantly Alan our musical director for his commitment to achieve the best from us all.

Watch out for the band over the festive period entertaining the crowds at various venues throughout Ayrshire. Check out our diary page for further information.

oUR NEW BAND HALL IN NEWMILNS IF OFFICIALLY OPENING FOLLOWING OUR OPEN EVENING LAST WEDNESDAY. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE BAND IN THIS VENTURE.