Queen’s Honours Awarded to Diane Pannell

The Musical Director of Haverhill Youth & Community Band and Hadstock Silver Band, Diane Pannell, has been awarded the British Empire Medal.

The award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, is in recognition of her many years of outstanding service to music in the local community. As a player, teacher and conductor, Diane has inspired musicians of all ages. Since the early 1980s, she has taught dozens of young people to play and conducted the successful Haverhill and then, Soham youth bands while directing various smaller youth brass groups.

Returning to Haverhill Youth and Community Band in 2002, she reenergised it into one that brings together around 30 musicians aged between 5 and 70 years who regularly performs concerts on its own and alongside other local bands. She also finds the time to conduct the Hadstock Silver Band, taking them this year to their highest ever placing at this year’s Area Contest.

The medal is also for thousands of extra hours Diane has put into both performing arts and PE activities within schools. Haverhill Silver Band President, Len Jacobs, told A4B: “We are delighted that Di’s dedication and commitment over a long period has been recognised in this way. Alongside her husband Richard, their efforts have enhanced the lives of many local musicians, both young and old.”