Jonathon ‘Barny’ Bowden
Barny learnt to play the recorder at primary school and at the age of 11, at secondary school he decided to learn the trumpet. He quickly progressed to playing in brass bands on cornet and by school leaving age he was a member of 5 organisations including Lancashire Youth Brass Band, which was conducted by his tutor, Peter Reid.
At 16, Barny joined the Royal Marines Band Service, which is where he picked up the nickname Barny. After 7 years, he moved across to the Army and spent 21 years as a musician in the Army.
Highlights from his military career were tours of USA, Malta, Russia, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, Afghanistan and many trips to Germany.
Having spent 28 years as a professional musician in the British Army, Barny followed his passion for finance and helping others.
He gained his Diploma in Financial Advice and Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice studying the LIBF course through a recognised Financial Adviser School.
Towards the end of his military career, Barny settled in Gilwern near Abergavenny, Wales with his wife Tracy and their children, Cerys and Harry.
In their spare time, he and Tracy run Crickhowell Community Band, are members of the Band and Drums of The Royal Welsh and can often be seen on the hallowed turf at The Principality Stadium for Wales RFU home games.
In recent years, Barny has played with Sandhurst Silver Band, Cardiff M1 Band, Flowers Band, Tongwynlais, Ebbw Valley and is now a member of Abergavenny Band.
Apart from music, other hobbies include cycling and walks with the family in the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside.
At 16, Barny joined the Royal Marines Band Service, which is where he picked up the nickname Barny. After 7 years, he moved across to the Army and spent 21 years as a musician in the Army.
Highlights from his military career were tours of USA, Malta, Russia, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, Afghanistan and many trips to Germany.
Having spent 28 years as a professional musician in the British Army, Barny followed his passion for finance and helping others.
He gained his Diploma in Financial Advice and Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice studying the LIBF course through a recognised Financial Adviser School.
Towards the end of his military career, Barny settled in Gilwern near Abergavenny, Wales with his wife Tracy and their children, Cerys and Harry.
In their spare time, he and Tracy run Crickhowell Community Band, are members of the Band and Drums of The Royal Welsh and can often be seen on the hallowed turf at The Principality Stadium for Wales RFU home games.
In recent years, Barny has played with Sandhurst Silver Band, Cardiff M1 Band, Flowers Band, Tongwynlais, Ebbw Valley and is now a member of Abergavenny Band.
Apart from music, other hobbies include cycling and walks with the family in the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside.