4BR has been informed of the death of one of the great characters of the banding movement – Tom Cheadle, who has died after a short illness at Tameside General Hospital. He was 79.

Long association

Tom worked for Reynolds and Barratts of Manchester before starting a long association working for Band Supplies Leeds.

Brilliant

A spokesperson for Band Supplies told 4BR: "Tom was a brilliant salesman who loved working in and for brass bands for over fifty years. He retired from Band Supplies aged 67 but still enjoyed helping out when he could do so. He had such a dry wit and would light up any event. He will be greatly missed."

Tom was a brilliant salesman who loved working in and for brass bands for over fifty yearsBand Supplies Ltd

President

Former North West Area Regional Secretary Peter Bale added: "Tom was President of the former Manchester District of the NWABBA and more recently was appointed a Deputy President of the NWABBA.

He was a well know figure in the banding movement for many years and attended every major contest in this country for the firms that he worked for. He was a regular attendee at the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool and presented the prizes on many occasions.

He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him."

Funeral details

The funeral will be held on Monday 26th September at Blackley Crematorium, Victoria Avenue, Blackley, Manchester at 12 noon and a reception will be held afterwards at the Woodthorpe Hotel, Bury Old Road, Prestwich, M25 0EG.