This month, we were delighted to receive a nomination from Liz Cox for Sheila Ball, Chair of Royston Town Twinning and lead of Royston Town Band’s Development Band, and how her roles impact on our community.
Tell us why you are nominating Sheila
Sheila devotes a considerable amount of time to both the organisations that she represents, Royston Town Twinning Association and Royston Town Band. She is a key member of the band and encourages new talent through her work with the Development Band, which is open for anyone of any age who wishes to learn a brass instrument. She is also the enthusiastic Chair of the Royston Town Twinning Association committee.
Tell us what makes Sheila stand out in her role or as a person?
Sheila’s enthusiasm is infectious! With 30 years serving in various roles in education, Sheila is now working and studying for a doctorate at Leeds Beckett University which she juggles with family commitments and her involvement in the community.
How does Sheila go above and beyond with Royston Town Band?
Simply being a member of Royston Town Band and taking part in the weekly rehearsals is a big time commitment for all band members, but Sheila goes above and beyond by leading the Development Band, where she encourages new and young talent within the town band.
Sheila outlines the value of the Development Band; “It is a joy to see children and adults, sometimes parent and child combos, grow in confidence and musicality over the years and be part of an intergenerational community. With close links with the main band, we are able to loan instruments too and so some members choose to move from say cornet on to horn and then euphonium or even trombone! Some have chosen to use their brass playing as a skill for their DofE award and it’s been a pleasure to help encourage that.”
Royston Town Band were established over 150 years ago, and are committed to playing a wide range of music, entertaining, having fun and keeping music live. Keep an eye out for their next performances this summer!
How does Sheila contribute to Royston Town Twinning Association?
Town twinning in Royston and the surrounding villages has been going strong since 1974 when a formal link was formed with Großalmerode in Germany. Subsequently, twinning links were formed with La Loupe in France and Villanueva de la Cañada in Spain.
Royston and District Twinning Association encourages greater understanding between towns and individuals from different countries through regular visits to the towns, and hosting visitors back here in Royston. These visits have led to the development of long-lasting friendships and even two town-twinning marriages! Chairing the organisation involves a lot of liaison with members of the committee and ensuring links with the towns are maintained and continue to flourish, all of which take time. Sheila does this with much energy and enthusiam!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Community is such an important aspect of life in a small town, and here in Royston, Sheila encourages people to actually BE community. Her leadership brings people together, and encourages them to get involved to help make Royston the vibrant place that it is.
Royston Town Band meet every Thursday 7.30-9.30pm (Main band rehearsal) and every Tuesday 7-8pm (Development band)
To find out more, visit: roystontownband.org.uk
To find out more about Royston Town Twinning, visit: roystontowntwinning.org
If you would like to recognise someone who you believe is deserving of Local Recognition, please email us hello@thelistingmagazine.co.uk
