Mayor honours Salvation Army Dunstable Bandmaster for 50 years of service

A dedicated 76-year-old Salvation Army bandmaster who has provided the musical backdrop to the town’s most cherished civic events for half a century has been honoured with a prestigious award from the Mayor of Dunstable.

Tommy Spratt, Bandmaster at The Salvation Army in Dunstable, received the “Mayor's Special Award” in a surprise presentation during the Mayor’s Annual Civic Service last week. The ceremony, held to celebrate the end of the Mayoral year, saw Madam Mayor Cllr Sally Kimondo take to the stage to recognise Mr. Spratt’s “remarkable dedication and leadership.”

The award citation praised Tommy’s "unwavering commitment to our community," highlighting his pivotal role in providing music for the annual town Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Mayor’s Candlelight Carols, and the St George’s Day Parade.

The honour marks a significant milestone for Tommy, who will celebrate an incredible 50 years as Bandmaster this June. Having first learned to play a brass instrument as a child at the Dunstable Corps, he served as Deputy Bandmaster from 1969 before taking on the full leadership role in 1976. Under his baton, the band has travelled across the United Kingdom, leading weekends of music festivals and worship.

Despite the accolade, the modest bandmaster was quick to divert the praise towards his fellow musicians.

Tommy said, “I was completely shocked and deeply honoured. I don't do this for awards, but to receive this recognition from the Mayor and the town means the world to me. My name might be on it, but it’s the band who does the work on behalf of the whole church. And on a personal level, I have to thank my family for their patience and encouragement, particularly my wife Wendy—her support is my rock.”

While music is his passion, Tommy’s contribution to Dunstable extends far beyond the bandstand. In addition to his musical leadership, he manages the food store at the Dunstable Salvation Army church, organising weekly food parcels for those in the community who require support.

Jacqueline and Roger Coates, leaders of The Salvation Army in Dunstable, expressed their pride at the recognition.

"Tommy’s life for 50-plus years has involved the band. We are blessed that he chooses to live out his Christian experience using the gifts God has given him through the ministry and music of the band. This award shows the impact made on the local community to share the good news story of Jesus. We also recognise the support he has given to all previous Corps Officers at Dunstable throughout his tenure."

The Mayor’s office released the full citation alongside the award, which reads:

“In recognition of your remarkable dedication and leadership of the Dunstable Salvation Army Band for the past 50 years, we celebrate your unwavering commitment to our community. Your passion and guidance have not only enriched our musical heritage but have also played a vital role in giving back to Dunstable through significant events. Your contribution has brought joy and inspiration to countless individuals, making a lasting impact on our town. Thank you for your exceptional service and for being a beacon of hope and unity in our community.”

For The Salvation Army, the award underscores the wider mission of the church in Dunstable. As with all Salvation Army bands, the group’s primary purpose is to share the message of the gospel through music, supporting Sunday worship and playing everywhere from the high street to local care homes and schools.

The church has consistently served the needs of the people of Dunstable, offering a range of inter-generational support services that have evolved alongside the needs of the community. 

In addition to church services every Sunday, The Salvation Army runs a group for over-75s who are living alone or are in circumstances where opportunities for meaningful social interaction are limited, to meet and make friends. They meet on Thursdays between 10.30am - 3pm.

On Wednesdays between 7pm and 8.15pm the church’s community kitchen opens its doors to help people who are homeless: serves hot meals, provides showers and laundry machines for people to freshen-up. The community kitchen goes beyond a plate as it serves as a listening post for those feeling alone and excluded.

Through its Debt Advice Service the church offers a free, confidential service and support to anyone in the local community who is in debt. For more information about The Salvation Army in Dunstable visit: Dunstable | The Salvation Army.