Bournemouth born Simon Ross Wheeler was recognised for his 25 years’ service as bandmaster of a youth band in Wimborne when he attended a Royal Garden Party last month.
Simon joined the scouts when he was ten, quickly followed by his three brothers, Marc, Tim and Nick. He played the bugle in the East Dorset Scout Band and at the age of 20 took over the band in 1990 after Rod Raymond, the bandmaster died.
Six years later the band became a registered charity and changed its name to the Dorset Youth Marching Band and soon after took part in a competition at the Royal Albert Hall in London, winning the championship class. The band took part in many other competitions run by the British Youth Band Association.
In 1999 Simon was nominated for the Dorset Youth and Community Services certificate of merit for his dedication to the cause of young people in Dorset.
The band have also been fondly known as the Quarterjacks and because of close ties to Wimborne in 2009 it became Wimborne Town Band.
Simon's great grandfather and other members of the Wheeler family were part of the original Wimborne Town Band.
Today Simon's family are still involved with the band. His daughter Abigail plays in the bell lyre section and his son Jack is a drummer or drum major, as well as his brother Nick, a bass drummer or bass bugler, along with his son Alfie on the bugle. Simon's wife and parents also help run the band.
One of the band's annual fundraising events is the Moors Valley Run.
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