Obituary: Stuart Broadbent

The sad news of the passing of Stuart Broadbent is a great loss to the brass band movement.

Early career

His early career as a cornetist saw him play for Huddersfield bands; Hade Edge, Hepworth, Lindley and then a move to the famous C.W.S. (Manchester) Band under Alex Mortimer and The Hammonds Sauce Works Band under Geoffrey Whitham. His career spanned the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

He was also a prominent member of the National Youth Band of Great Britain.

Work

His work with Barratts of Manchester and then his own Company Fred Rhodes of Manchester, until his retirement over ten years ago, saw him looking after many bands in the U.K. and abroad.

He thought nothing of travelling hundreds of miles to many bandrooms giving a dedicated service to his many banding friends. His was always a friendly face at the various trade stands around the country and he was an enthusiastic member of the Association of Band Traders.

French Open

When he met Jacques Gaudet of Courtois Instruments over twenty years ago, he was appointed the UK main agent and together they had the idea of starting the British style brass band in France.

This developed into the founding of the French Open Brass Band Championship, which celebrates fifteen years in 2009.

Greatly missed

Stuart, along with Jacques and Pascal Caraty made it into the top event it is today. Earlier this year, Stuart was once again working as Chairman of the Jury at this unique contest and he will be greatly missed by all connected with this Festival.

Our thoughts go to Barbara, daughter and son Jane and Howard, along with his five treasured grandchildren.

David Horsfield


Funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements: Monday 1st December
Service at Christ Church, New Mill, Huddersfield at 10.30am.
Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby at 11.30am.

^back to top