Warrant Officer Richard Skelton ARCM

As one of the longest-serving members of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Richard has, in his own words, had an “interesting and eventful” time. Having spent his formative years studying the trombone with Arthur Wilson and the late Evan Watkin, Richard joined the Central Band of the Royal Air Force in 1978.

Until his recent promotion he was the leader of the renowned Royal Air Force Squadronaires big band, having been a member of that band since its official re-launch in 1987. He was also the principal trombonist of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, and as such has performed all over the world, from Hong Kong to Harrogate, and San Francisco to Southend.

Coming from Hawick in the Scottish Border country, it is not surprising to learn that Richard is an avid fan of Rugby Union, despite being admittedly “past it” as a player! He has many other interests, but is probably happiest when hiking over the Highlands in mid-winter, or lazing on a deserted beach at the height of summer somewhere in the Med.

Warrant Officer Skelton was appointed Bandmaster of the Central Band of the RAF on the 25 February 2008, taking over as second in command of the Central Band. He subsequently served in Afganistan as a Watchkeeper for the Joint Helicopter Force from November 2008 to March 2009.