THE Band of the Island of Jersey have elected a new president. Retired Prison Service worker and Sea Cadet officer Trevor Rayson was elected unopposed at the band’s annual general meeting.

Mr Rayson, who turns 60 this month, takes over from Owen Wiscombe, who died in September. Mr Rayson is looking forward to the challenges that are ahead. ‘I was surprised but very pleased to be asked if I would consider the role,’ he said. ‘Being president involves supporting the band in public and representing them if they need help to find funding.

‘I will also chair the monthly meetings and have the casting vote if needs be. At the annual general meeting I was very warmly welcomed and I look forward to working with the band and supporting them.’

He said that his position would be reviewed at the end of the year, but if he and the band are happy he hopes to continue in the role for the foreseeable future. ‘It is purely an honorary position and I will serve initially for the year,’ he said.

Mr Rayson, who does not play in the band, was nominated because of his work with the Sea Cadets, his military background and his past support of the band. He trained originally as an aircraft technician and worked on helicopters for the British Army, serving in the Far East in Penang with the 10th Gurkha Rifles and in Brunei with the 2nd KEO Gurkha Rifles.

He returned to Jersey in 1973 and became an engineer for Aurigny Air Services, moving in 1974 to work for the Prison Service, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. He still works as a part-time civil servant at La Moye.

Since returning to Jersey he has rekindled a childhood interest in the Sea Cadets, progressing through the ranks and serving as commanding officer for eight years. He is now responsible for both Jersey and Guernsey Sea Cadet units in his role as assistant district officer.

• Picture: The new president of the Band of the Island of Jersey, Trevor Rayson, with the band practising behind him. Picture: by Tony Pike (00622336)