Lewis Bettles bids his farewell to Irvine & Dreghorn

Lewis Bettles, musical director of Irvine & Dreghorn Brass, has conducted his final concert with the band following a decision to move back south to explore new opportunities.

Lewis has enjoyed considerable success with IDB, having led the band to victory twice in the Borders Entertainment Contest and winning the second section title in this year’s Scottish Championships.

He will be returning home to Sheffield with his partner Becky, the band’s solo trombone player, to pursue new playing and conducting opportunities. He has already been approached by a number of bands that have heard of his successes north of the border.

Becky has graduated as a music teacher having completed her probationary period in Scotland.

“We are really sad to see Lewis and Becky leave us and thank them both for their time with the band. We wish them every success for the future,” said band chairperson Carrie Boax.

Lewis’s farewell concert last Sunday was in the Dunlop Hall, Dreghorn (the IDB band hall) where he and Becky were presented with numerous gifts to remind them of their time in Ayrshire.