4BR has been informed of the death of Brian Peacock, a stalwart of the brass band movement.

In the blood

Brass banding was in Brian’s blood from birth. His father Joe and uncles Peter and Richard were staunch players and supporters of the movement, whilst his younger brother Ray was a member of Fairey’s cornet bench for some 30 years.

Excelled

At the age of eight Brian joined the Atherton Salvation Army Band. During his National Service Brian played with the Royal Engineers Band based at Chatham, and during an extended period in the army he moved to the Army School of Music Kneller Hall.

He excelled in all subjects and obtained honours for the best cornet player of his peer group. Considering his tutors at the time were Professor Jack Mackintosh and Major Peter Parkes this was no mean achievement.

Tyldesley

After leaving the army in 1965 Brian joined Besses o’ th’ Barn Band on the Flugel Horn.

In 1968 he took over the baton of the Tyldesley and conducted them to many successes till he retired in 1989.

He is fondly remembered by all players who had the privilege of playing under his direction4BR

Inspiration

He is fondly remembered by all players who had the privilege of playing under his direction, and his knowledge, inspiration and enthusiasm led to many players moving from Tyldesley Band to the finest bands in the country.

The Tyldesley contest, which ran for some twenty years, was the idea of Brian’s and he was a key organiser in this annual contest.

Funeral details

Brian had been ill for some considerable time and passed away peacefully on Saturday 9th January, aged 72.

The funeral will take place at Howe Bridge Crematorium at 3pm on Monday 18th. A small band of family and former players of Tyldesley Band will provide music for the service.