Life Membership for Cliff

The 25th Anniversary Formal on 27 June 2015 was the perfect moment to recognise one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Downshire Brass. Clifford Morton has been a key figure in the band over the last 45 years and was the first Chairperson of the newly-formed Downshire Brass in 1990.

Cliff joined Reid Memorial Silver Band in 1970 as 2nd euphonium, and also played solo cornet, euphonium & drums on various parades. He was Secretary and then Chairman of Reid Memorial Silver Band from 1972 until 1990, and then moved on to become a founder member and first Chairman of Downshire Brass. He played principal euphonium with Downshire from 1990 until 2004, winning 3 BBL and 5 NIBA Championships plus the Irish National Championships in 1992.

Cliff emigrated to Spain in 2007, but retained his involvement with Downshire, being appointed Vice-President in 2008, and travelling back to compete with the Band until 2009.  In February 2008 he joined LA Concert (Rojales) playing percussion, and joined Just Brass (San Miguel) in April 2011 playing percussion.

The Band presented Cliff with an engraved silver pocket watch with the inscription "Downshire Brass, Honorary Lifetime Member, Cliff Morton 2015". Cliff joins Billy Harbinson as a Lifetime Member of the Band.

Speaking of the award, Cliff said:

"I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way, I have always considered Downshire to be my band and the friendship I receive from members, quite a number of whom weren´t even born when the band was formed, is fantastic. I am truly honoured and very proud to have been made an Honorary Life Member of the Band.  But don´t worry, I´ll continue to pay my dues each month..."