TROWBRIDGE Orchestra will shortly be saying goodbye to its senior conductor after 42 years.

Since she was appointed in 1959, Jean Horsfall has rehearsed an estimated 79 overtures, 64 concertos, 65 symphonies, 48 suites and 93 other items.

The orchestra's next concert, on December 1, will be the last time she wields her baton as senior conductor but, she said, that will not keep her away.

"I will still be going to rehearsals and doing some conducting, just not all of it, and I will continue my coaching work."

Now in her late 70s, Miss Horsfall said it was never her intention to retire at 60 and she shows little sign of planning to slow down.

She said: "I have really enjoyed my time with the orchestra but one doesn't get any younger.

"I have plenty of other interests, and I might even use the extra time to learn how to use my computer."

Since Miss Horsfall joined the orchestra it has gone from strength to strength, growing from a very small group to a full symphony orchestra.

Her first concert was itself a milestone in the orchestra's history, as it was the first time they played all four movements of a symphony, an achievement previously considered too difficult for a small, amateur orchestra.

Her final concert will be held at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon.