A gathering to mark the 30th anniversary of Hugh Davies as musical director of the Sale City Band is planned for next month. Current and former band members are invited to go along to celebrations and share memories over wine, canapes and music on Saturday April 5 from 6:30 pm at Sporting Legends, Sale.

SALE City Band band master Hugh Davies celebrated 30 years in the role with a special function at Legends, Sale, earlier this month.

Surrounded by friends family and former and current band members  Mr Davies was greeted with live music played by several of the band's serving member, and musically inclined friends.

Friends from the Traralgon Band, East Gippsland Band, Croyden Concert Hand. Darebin Band, Sale RSL Pipe Band and Sale City Band were among the more than 70 people who attended.

Mr Davies' sister Faye and her husband Bob Edmonds came from Blackbum in Melboume and his daughter Marita travelled from Port Douglas.

Sale City Band president Mike Riley was master of ceremonies, presenting speeches and a special slide show detailing Mr Davies' musical career which has included military service in the army and air force bands and establishing a police band on the Pacific island Kiribati.

Guest speakers included senior Sale City Band member Ray Jago, Wellington Shire councillor Darren McCubbin and Marita Davies who shared several anecdotes about growing up with a father who enjoyed using a rousing military march as an alarm clock.

Mr Davies was presented with a personalised leather satchel and an arrangement of flowers was presented to his wife, Teaote.

As part of his speech Mr Davies presented certificates of appreciation to Sale City Band members Ken Garner, Ray Jago, Leon Salter, Reg Monck, Jim Wood and Heather Wood in recognition of their dedication to the band.

The night culminated w1th Sale RSL Pipe Band's John Hanlon escorting in the cake while playing the bagpipes.

Sale City Band plays at the Holey Plain Gippsland Garden and Heritage Fest. An estimated 2000 people viewed the homestead and grounds on Saturday and Sunday.

SALE City Band is seeking new members.

After a busy Christmas period, the Sale City Band played at Australia Day services across the Wellington Shire.

Rehearsals are underway for performances in the Sale Music Festival and an historic Anzac Day tribute concert to be held at Wellington Entertainment Centre in April.

Sale's junior brass band members have also dusted off their cases.

The junior band provides a fun andencouraging environment for budding musicians of all ages to learn to play in an ensemble and be part of a team.

An infonnation night will be held on February 17 at 5pm.

Anyone who has considered introducing or extending their child's music education, or would like to learn a brass instrument themseles are invited to attend.