Christopher Helyer, of South Embankment, Dartmouth, writes:

Despite an initial two-year commitment to be the founding director of the BRNC Royal Naval volunteer band, former RM bandmaster officer Phil Watson took his final bow last Saturday evening in St Saviour's church, at a charity concert in support of Dartmouth Caring, after four years at the helm.

What Phil has given in terms of high-quality music-making to the Royal Navy, to BRNC and to Dartmouth is immense.

During his time as director he has taken the band to a number of national volunteer band competitions and come away with highly prestigious prizes.

He has also brought tremendous good-humour and warmth of personality, both to the band and to its audiences.

It was, therefore, disappointing that Saturday night's audience was so small.

Nevertheless, I am sure that the many who have attended previous volunteer band concerts will join with me in saluting Phil and saying 'thank you for the music, for giving it to' us.

Finally, warmest good wishes go to Phil's successor, Simon Nichols, who took over the baton for the majority of Saturday's concert, and to the band, for many years of continuing splendid music-making and excellent entertainment in our town.