Bradwell Silver from Milton Keynes has to end the year as it started, by reporting the death of a much valued friend and collegue.

Bill Holding suffered a heart attack and passed away after a short period in hospital.

Well known

Bill's father was a member of the Pemberton Temperance Band and Bill went onto play with many well known bands such as Wingates, Leyland Motors, Crookhall Colliery and Craghead Colliery.

Conductors competition

In 1962 he won the First National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition adjudicated by Sir Adrian Boult, Eric Ball and Frank Wright.

As a mining engineer Bill spent many years in South Africa, continuing with his musical career forming 2 school bands and playing with a territorial army band as deputy bandmaster. He also played in many show productions and with stars such as Eddie Calvert and with with Wolverton Town and Towcester Studio bands.

After 64 years banding he decided to slow down and joined Bradwell as deputy principal and bandmaster!

In 1962 he won the First National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition adjudicated by Sir Adrian Boult, Eric Ball and Frank Wright4BR

True bandsman

Robin Allen, Secretary of Bradwell told 4BR: "Bill was a true bandsman and a gentleman, he was always ready to offer quiet advice, and always ready to offer humorous tales of 'goings on' in South Africa. Bill was playing until 2 days before his attack and the whole of the Milton Keynes banding fraternity was profoundly shocked to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral

Bill's funeral will take place in Hanslope Methodist Church on Friday 18th December at 11.30am.