A Fond Farewell to Paul Williams
This week, we say a bittersweet farewell to one of our longest-serving and most cherished members, Paul Williams, who is off to begin an exciting new chapter in Changzhou, China with his wife Danie. Since joining the band in 1987, Paul has been a key figure in our percussion section, known for his dedication, leadership, and true mastery of his craft!
Over the years, Paul has given us so many unforgettable performances and moments. One standout that is still talked about today is his legendary incident at the 2015 British Open, where his powerful playing of ‘Reflections on Swan Lake’ broke the timpani and held up the contest by 25 minutes!
Not only has Paul been an exceptional musician, but he has also been a tremendous supporter of young players and those just starting out. He constantly champions others, always offering guidance and encouragement. We’ve never met anyone who does this more than Paul, and his generosity of spirit has made a lasting impact on so many in the band.
We have been incredibly lucky to have had such a high-quality musician in our ranks—Paul’s skills would be welcomed in almost any band in the country. His talent and professionalism are truly amazing!
As Paul and Danie embark on this new and exciting journey, we want to thank him for his incredible 37 years of commitment to the Woodfalls Band.
We wish you and Danie all the very best for the future, and we look forward to welcoming you back when you (hopefully) return from China in a few years! You will always have a home with us.