Mossley Band News April 2008

In tribute of Kenneth Harrison

The passing of a founding member and a truly gentle man.

It is with deep regret that we report the death of one of our founder members Kenneth Harrison, aged 77, who died at Tameside General Hospital on 29th February 2008. His funeral was held at the Mossley Methodist Church on Monday 10th March, when a band consisting of players from the present Mossley Band and founder members of the band played at his service.

He is survived by his son Paul and his wife Jenny, son Phillip and his wife Pauline, daughter Susan and her husband Martin, and granddaughters Katie, Sarah, Abigail, Becky and Charlotte.

Ken started his banding career in the late 1940s with the Mossley Borough Band when they were reformed under the baton of the late Frank Andrew. Like a lot of youngsters who commenced their banding careers in the band, he was keen to learn. His choice of instrument was the Bass G-Trombone (the one with the long slide with a handle) and along with Harold Robinson and the late Ron Ibbotson became part of what was to become a formidable trombone section.

In 1955, after a spell with Hyde British Legion Band, Ken joined the present Mossley Band as a founder member. He enjoyed many successes with the band and was a fine and reliable player. When Ken retired from playing due to family business commitments, he was presented with his G-trombone as a token of gratitude. He never lost interest in the band and banding, and with his wife Renee was a committee member and tireless worker for the 'Top Mossley Whit Friday Band Contest' which he adjudicated in 2003, and continued to work for this and other charitable organizations until ill health struck him in December 2007.

Ken was a kind, likeable and friendly man who would help anyone. He was a truly gentle man! He will be very sadly missed by a great many people in Mossley and the surrounding area.

New Faces at Mossley

The Mossley Band welcomes new faces to the ranks ahead of the North West Area championships in Blackpool.

The Mossley Band has announced several new signings ahead of their assault on the North West Area this year.

Scott Wolfenden has joined on assistant principal cornet with Vicky McLarnen signing on 2nd cornet along with George Johnson on 3rd cornet. Danny Catlow has also joined on 1st baritone, from Ashton Band

Welcome

The band also welcomes Jonathan Leadale on solo trombone. Mossley's regular 1st trombone, Gavin Sever, will be unavailable for the Area due to the birth of his first child.

Roger Meaden will be joining the solo cornet ranks for the Area due to a vacancy. Finally the band welcomes Sid Wood on Bflat bass as Steve Hawley will be emigrating to Australia.

Sadly missed

Steve has been a member of the band for 21 years and his wife Gillian was also band secretary for well over 10 years. They will both be sadly missed and the band wishes them every success for the future.

Delight

Musical Director, Duncan Byers said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the new signings. They have strengthened what was already a very strong core and it should be a very exciting time for the band and I’m looking forward to working in preparation for upcoming commitments."

He added, "I would just like to add my own thanks to Steve and Gillian Hawley for all of their hard work over the years, and hope that Australia is everything they want it to be."