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Wednesday 24th June 2026
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Cakes For A Cause Pages 10
Cornhole Comes to Selwyn Page 14
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KING’S SERVICE MEDAL HONOURS LIFETIME OF BRASS BAND DEDICATION A Rolleston brass band stalwart who has spent more than 50 years playing, teaching and building community music says he was surprised to learn he had been awarded a King’s Service Medal. Leigh Martin, originally from New Plymouth, says he first learned of the honour by email in April during the week of the national brass band competitions and initially thought the message was spam. “Then I read it and thought, oh my goodness, this is me.” He still does not know for certain who nominated him and may find out at his Christchurch investiture on October 20. The honour recognises decades of service to brass banding in New Zealand through performance, teaching, conducting and community leadership. A B-flat bass player, Leigh began learning music through school in New Plymouth and says banding quickly became a major part of his life. Over the years, music took him across New Zealand and overseas. He played in the National Youth Band and the New Zealand representative band, toured internationally, and later joined the Army Band in his 40s, becoming a professional musician for a time. Among Leigh’s proudest memories is sharing those experiences with family. He and his son, Raynor, both played in the national band and later served in the Army Band, giving them the rare
chance to tour and work side by side as father and son. While his playing career has taken him far, some of his greatest satisfaction has come from teaching and mentoring others. In provincial centres, he has spent years conducting bands and helping young musicians develop, with some former students now continuing their own music journeys in Canterbury and beyond. In Selwyn, Leigh helped establish Rolleston Brass with the reshaping of the former Selwyn District Youth Band into a community band. By opening the group to a wider mix of ages and experience levels, a pathway was created
that included both a main band and an academy band for learners. That change helped build momentum, with players
returning to music after time away and new members joining.
Continued on page 13…..
Rolleston Brass’ president, Leigh Martin, was awarded the King’s Service Medal for his services to brass bands. Photo source: Rolleston Brass Facebook
DEADLINES: Editorial Tuesday 21 July ‘26 | Advertising Wednesday 22 July ‘26