The euphonium player has been inducted as a life member of the town band in recognition for his service.

“Bert is part of the band’s character, he’s one of the founding members of the brass band and helped resurrect the band from recess,” president Jackie Starr said.

“He’s the bedrock of the band.

“He’s played at every Anzac Day and Australia Day for us for as long as I can remember.”

Mrs Starr said Mr Mees helped with everything from transport to tuition.

Mr Mees has been at every Monday and Tuesday band practise helping people learn the art of playing musical instruments, Mrs Starr credited his patience in helping her to learn.

“I didn’t know anything about music when I started, if it had been for Bert, I wouldn’t be playing music,” Mrs Starr said.

It was in 2002 that Mr Mees joined Don Christie, Shane Logan and David Ingram to resurrect a band after nearly 25 year recess.

“I just got into it for fun,” Mr Mees said.

However, it’s not just the town band that Mr Mees has worked for several years tutoring the students at Temora West Public School, he’s also pitched in to help develop junior talent in Junee.

Mr Mees said it was great to see the band grow from just eight musicians in 2003 to a proper concert band performing in town.