Perthshire Brass celebrates SBBA Life Membership for five members
Five members were presented with SBBA Life Membership medals at a special Celebration Concert held at St Matthew’s Church in Perth.
Perthshire Brass hosted a Celebration Concert at St Matthew’s Church, Perth on Sunday 22nd June 2025 to honour five members who were each awarded Life Membership medals from the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA). Gillian, Harry, Jim, Lindsay and Sandra have amassed a combined total of 220 years of banding between them and the concert featured a programme of music chosen by them, reflecting their years of playing with Perthshire Brass.
The SBBA Life Membership medal is a prestigious recognition granted to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and long-term commitment to brass banding in Scotland. The band was delighted to welcome guests Provost Xander McDade and SBBA representatives Tom Allan and Jim Wishart, who presented the awards and shared words of appreciation.
About our Life Members
Gillian Brailsford
Gillian’s brass band journey began under the guidance of the band's founder George Annan at Robert Douglas Memorial School in Scone. By 1985, she had found her home on tenor horn with Perthshire Youth Brass, and since 1988 she’s held the position of Solo Horn with exemplary consistency, dedication and musicianship.
Known affectionately as “Judith Chalmers” thanks to her love of holidays, we happily plan around her busy travel schedule because Gillian is simply essential to Perthshire Brass. Her warmth, loyalty and high standards inspire every player, and her impact on the band can’t be overstated.
She’s toured with us around the world, from New Zealand to the Bahamas, and has played in every Nationals Finals appearance the band has made. A true Perthshire Brass stalwart, Gillian is loved, admired and thoroughly deserving of this honour. We’re proud to celebrate her extraordinary contribution.
Harry Cooper
Harry began playing cornet in 1955 with the Atherton Salvation Army Band where after serving as both secretary and bandmaster, he became a Salvation Army officer in 1974. He continued to play as he moved across the UK from Alderney to Edinburgh and eventually to Perth.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Harry played with Perth Salvation Army Band and Perth Silver Band, later joining Clackmannan Brass and Callander Brass. Among his musical highlights are appearances at the National Finals in 1995 and 2014. As a member of Perth’s Rotary Club, he was instrumental in bringing the world-famous Black Dyke Band to the Concert Hall and has long championed his son Paul’s music.
Joining Perthshire Brass in 2019, Harry has become a much-loved mentor and steadying presence for the band. Even when facing major surgery in 2023, he delayed treatment to join the band’s tour to Perth's twin city of Aschaffenburg in Germany. His unwavering dedication, humour, and heart continue to inspire us all.
Jim Annan
Jim is the only remaining founding member of Perthshire Brass and has been part of the band’s journey since day one. His musical path began in Dundee in 1974, aged just nine, and continued after a family move to Methven the following year, when his dad - band founder George Annan - took up a post in Perth.
In the 1980s and 90s, Jimmy was a mainstay on the front row, but also played flugel on a few occasions, most notably during the band’s Scottish Championships Third Section victory in 1993. Jimmy also continued playing with the band when work commitments took him away from Perth to Derby, making the journey North as often as he could.
Now Chairperson and a proud member of the bass section, Jimmy brings not only musical strength but also guidance, care, and a healthy dose of humour. His recent 60th birthday and upcoming wedding to Tracey make this Life Membership recognition all the more special.
Lindsay Kettles
Lindsay’s musical journey began under the tutelage of George Annan, starting on French horn before moving to tenor horn. Lindsay quickly made her mark in local ensembles, including Perth Youth Orchestra and Perth Symphony Orchestra joining Perthshire Brass in 1990 and has been a cornerstone of the band ever since.
As the band's secretary, Lindsay works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly including coordinating rehearsals, performances, and even ambitious overseas tours (including one involving 61 players across five countries). Her dedication extends to nurturing the next generation too, through tutoring Perth & Kinross Central Groups and supporting our youth band.
A skilled and reliable horn player, Lindsay’s presence in the Perthshire Brass horn section is matched only by her quiet leadership and warm encouragement. Her loyalty, talent and sense of fun make her an indispensable of the Perthshire Brass organisation.
Sandra Smith
Sandra's brass band story began at "Saturday Morning School", one of many rural pupils given a chance to learn a musical instrument and taught by the band's founder George Annan. Starting on trumpet, then cornet, she moved to baritone in 1987 and has been a valued member of our lower brass section ever since. Now playing euphonium, Sandra has always quietly stepped into whatever role the band has required.
Always reliable, she brings accuracy, calm confidence and quiet encouragement which have helped shape Perthshire Brass for decades. From solo performances to supporting younger players, Sandra’s impact is immense. Sandra has played with the band across the world, including an unforgettable tour to the Czech Republic while heavily pregnant!
Sandra embodies everything great about the brass band community, and we are delighted to celebrate her outstanding service and dedication with this richly deserved honour.
The band would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to this special occasion. Our warmest congratulations to Gillian, Harry, Jim, Lindsay and Sandra on their achievements and we thank them for their continued service to the Perthshire Brass organisation.