Nantwich musician honoured with rare and prestigious medal

A Nantwich musician has been honoured with a rare and prestigious medal from The Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Ian Raisbeck is the recipient of the Mortimer Medal for 2026, made by the City of London’s historic livery company formed in 1500.

The medal, awarded in recognition of outstanding service to the brass band movement, was endowed in 1995 in memory of Harry Mortimer by his widow Margaret Mortimer.

Ian – a conductor, player and educator – receives it in recognition of “services for the teaching of young people in the brass band movement”.

He also follows in a line of inspirational figures — from Nigel Boddice MBE, to last year’s recipient Louise Renshaw.

Ian, who went to Weaver Primary and Brine Leas School, will be honoured at the British Open Championship at Symphony Hall in September with official presentations made at a livery event later in the year.

He has enjoyed an association with the Lions Youth Band spanning more than 25 years, from a young player to being appointed their first ‘Composer in Residence’, tutor, deputy conductor, and finally, following the death of inspirational figure Nigel Birch, as Musical Director in 2023.

He studied Trumpet at Birmingham Conservatoire and has performed across a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, theatre bands, big bands and brass ensembles.

He was a valued member of Foden’s Band for over a decade, and managed the Foden’s Youth Band.

A passionate educator, he worked as a brass teacher before moving into classroom teaching at Sandbach School, and has been a conductor and tutor on the Wessex Band Summer School and the Armagh Brass Band Summer Schools.

Ian, who currently lives in Winterley, said: “When I was informed that I had been nominated to receive the award, I was truly humbled.

“To be included alongside the illustrious names of the previous winners is a huge honour.”

The Worshipful Company of Musicians said: “These awards celebrate people who not only excel in brass band music, but actively strengthen it.

“Each has each given decades of service, leadership and inspiration to the movement, shaping generations of players and raising standards across the sector.

“Both honours are richly deserved, and it’s a real pleasure to recognise their outstanding contributions.”