Former mayor of Shipston appointed president of town band

A former mayor is taking on a new role.

Fay Ivens, who served as mayor of Shipston from 2012 to 2013, has been named president of Shipston Town Band.

She takes over from fellow former mayor Ronnie Murphy, who has retired after many years in the position.

Mrs Ivens said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed the president of such an important and much-loved Shipston institution.

“The band has been a central part of town life for more than a century, and in fact I was the mayor in its centenary year and was able to take part in its celebrations then.

“So, I feel really proud to now be representing this wonderful group of musicians as their president and look forward to being a part of the next chapter in the band’s story.”

Liz Smith, chairman of the band, said: “The whole band is thrilled that Fay is our new president.

“It is a role that needs someone who truly knows the town and its people, and there is nobody better placed to fulfil that role than Fay.

“I thank her on behalf of the band and all the musicians involved for agreeing to be an important part of our music making.”

Mrs Ivens served on Shipston Town Council from 2009 to 2021 and has chaired Shipston in Bloom, helping the town secure the Britain in Bloom Heart of England Gold Award.

She is a recipient of the Ann Sankey Medal, now the Shipston Community Award, and currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Shipston.

Mrs Ivens was introduced as president by band conductor Alex Bland during a concert at St Edmund’s Church, held on the penultimate night of the recent Shipston Proms festival.

For more information on Shipston Town Band, visit the band’s website.