POPULAR music stalwart Jean Horsfall has stepped down after 41 years as principal conductor with Trowbridge Orchestra.

Miss Horsfall, who was appointed as the orchestra's conductor in 1959, retired at a celebration concert on December 1.

Her first concert after taking over was a milestone in the orchestra's history, being the first occasion the orchestra played all four movements of a symphony, something previously considered too difficult for a small amateur orchestra.

Since then Miss Horsfall, with the help of David Price who has been associate conductor since 1994, have rehearsed an estimated 79 overtures, 64 concertos, 65 symphonies, 48 suites and 93 other items.

Music has varied from classics by Haydn and Handel to more modern works by Prokofiev, Holst, and Vaughn Williams.

At a reception after the celebration concert, Trowbridge mayor Jeff Osborn made a presentation on behalf of the town council.

Miss Horsfall received a statue of a dog from members of the orchestra and Peter Quinney made a celebration cake.

Orchestra secretary Eirwen Quinney said: "Under Jean's tireless baton, the orchestra has grown from a very small orchestra, playing one concert every year or so, to a full symphony orchestra which gives three major concerts every year."

She said the orchestra had shared many experiences in that time, ranging from sadness at deaths, happiness at marriages and births, to the loss of lighting during a concert.

Other memories include delight at the talent and friendly helpfulness of professional soloists, notably the late Johnny Morris who performed Peter and the Wolf with the orchestra at one of its summer concerts.

Miss Horsfall will continue her association with the orchestra as a guest conductor and will remain as its president.

Members, and Miss Horsfall, can next be heard at a mass carols event at Castle Place Shopping Centre in Trowbridge on December 22.

The orchestra's next concerts are on March 23 in the Wiltshire Music Centre, and June 15 in Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge.