NEWS


Alan Townsend retires after 40 years in MI Lifetime MI veteran and ukulele proponent is not dreading ‘culture shock’ but looks forward to making more music


ALAN TOWNSEND, Sutherland Trading’s marketing manager, having reached 65, has stepped down from his post at the Caerphilly supplier. Townsend began his career at Boosey & Hawkes in 1971 as the B&H distributed brand, ARP had just launched the Odyssey and other synthesizers. He became something of a synth guru in the subsequent years, touring the country and appearing on television and radio, as well as in schools and shops, showing the uses, benefits and methods of music synthesis. In 1975 he made the first of


three moves that essentially followed the synthesizer market. Top Gear took on ARP and then, when the company split into its component parts, Brodr


Jorgensen, the Hammond supplier, took on the synth maker, as well as a new brand, Roland. Jorgensen was headed up by Brian Nunney, who oversaw a management buyout when the Danish company got into difficulties and formed a joint venture with Roland. With Roland, Townsend moved


south to Bracknell in London’s commuter belt and worked as a demonstrator and salesman, before being appointed marketing manager – a role he fulfilled until 98, when he became a freelance PR agent. During this time he wrote


regularly for Music Business magazine and MI Pro, as well as handling the PR for Roland UK and M Hohner – the latter asking him to join them full time.


In 2001, the UK operation of Hohner was bought out by its UK management and Sutherland Trading was formed, Townsend overseeing marketing.


MIA spreads love at biggest awards


THE MIA AWARDS took place at the Landmark Hotel late last year in front of its largest ever audience, lauding the best in the UK's trade. The ceremony saw Roland UK winning the Best Large Supplier award, with Barnes & Mullins and Sound Post sharing the MI Pro sponsored Best Medium Supplier. In retail, Andertons scooped the Best Independent Retailer award and PMT walked away with the Best Multiple prize – for the fifth year running. No fewer than three individual awards were presented for achievements in the industry, with the Lifetime


He suffered from a minor


heart condition two years ago and since has been working part time. Because of this, he said retirement will not be a shock.


TOWNSEND: Will


still be contributing to Sutherland’s activities


“I’m really looking forward to the next few years, although I don’t know how I’ll fit it all in,” he said. “I run a ukulele club, which has 20 members. We meet weekly and play fund raising and residential home gigs.” He also plays keys in The


Crew, which supports various singers and is “not a bad rock n roll band” in its own right. “MI’s not such a bad industry


to have a career in and I’ve good memories of my friends, colleagues and customers.” Those that know Townsend


will recognise that MI will be that little bit poorer for not having one of the trade’s thoroughly nice blokes around on a daily basis. Cheers Alan. SUTHERLAND TRADING: 029 2088 7333


Media man joins JHS


JOHN HORNBY Skeweshas taken on Richard Morgan as its new media relations co-ordinator. Morgan spent 18 months in Berlin as the editor of Communication Director magazine, a PR and communications quarterly and European Agenda, a publication that focuses on EU politics. "As someone who has been


Achievement award going to Chappell of Bond Street's sheet music manager, John McLean. A new award, the Living


Legend prize, went to Peavey Europe founder, Ken Achard in recognition of his vast career.


The Industry Achievement


award went to Bob Paxman for his lifelong work in the brass instrument industry. A full report and run-through of all the winners can be seen on page 20 of this issue.


into music for years, it's great to get the chance to work with musical instruments and fellow music fans on a daily basis,” said Morgan. “I'm really looking forward to my new role and getting to know and work with everyone in the industry." JHS: 0113 286 5381


MORGAN: Great to work with musical instruments


first 6 miPRO JANUARY 2011


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