Talented musician Bill Freeman, has hung up his baton and conducted Alsager Light Orchestra for the last time.

Bill has been involved in local music for 27 years and here we share some details from Alsager and District U3A's programme from their silver anniversary concert.

In 1986 Bill and his wife Pam moved to Barthomley near Alsager and nine years later he started gathering people together and formed the 'Sounds Joyful' group.

"One memorable occasion in 2012 was to celebrate the Queen's 60th year on the throne," said Pam.

"Another raised £700 to buy an electric piano and he also did a 'Heat Aid' concert to buy much-needed church heaters."

Pam and Bill Freeman moved to Alsager in 2003. (Photo: Geoff Reader)

When the couple moved to Alsager in 2003, the Alsager Light Orchestra was born and now has over 50 musicians.

"Bill is now 91 and had become concerned for the future," explained Pam. "The first tentative steps were taken to find a replacement via the orchestra's website – www.alsagerlightorchestra.co.uk

"Some years ago, Bill was fortunate enough to have the conductor and lead violin of the Macclesfield Light Orchestra join him, Ian and Eunice Mackintosh.

"Their son Ken has now made contact and he is going to take over from Bill.

"Bill and Ken have had lots of discussions about how they might move the transition along replacing Bill.

"From January 1st, Bill will therefore become Ken's back-up, helping him into taking over the many functions that the leader does – conducting the orchestra being just one of them."

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