Arts Contribution of the Year: Alan Gough

‘ALAN GOUGH has been a key figure in Guernsey’s music scene for over 40 years,’ said Natalie Davidson, who nominated him for the Moonpig-sponsored Arts Contribution of the Year award.

‘Some of his roles have included head of woodwind at the Music Service and conductor of the Guernsey Chamber Choir, Town Church Choir and the Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society.

‘By day, Alan teaches and in his spare time he has established the Guernsey Symphony Winds and Guernsey Bach Choir.

‘Both of these allow and encourage adults to pick up their instruments or start singing again.

‘They have reached a very high standard over the last 16 and 14 years respectively.’

Alan gives up his time to source and sort music, set up for rehearsals and transport percussion instruments between rehearsal and concert venues.

‘Rehearsals are always good fun,’ Natalie adds, ‘and enhanced by Alan’s great sense of humour and his gift as a raconteur.’

The Guernsey Symphony Winds gave the first post-lockdown concert in the UK, as well as one of the only Remembrance Day concerts in the country last year.

The band have held concerts in Saumarez Park and at St James to raise money for local charities, as well as donating £1,000 each to the Poppy Appeal and Clic Sargent in 2020.

‘Alan did a fantastic job during both lockdowns keeping in touch with all the band and choir members. He sent us Youtube clips for us to listen to, which boosted our morale.’