The death has been announced of Pat Hussey, for many years a valued member of City of Coventry Band, who passed away in hospital on 8th December after a short illness. He was 84.

City of Coventry

Pat learned to play in the Burbage Silver Band near his home in Hinckley (Leicestershire).

Around 1950, Pat joined City of Coventry on solo horn and together with fellow Burbage player Trevor Hargraves on solo trombone they became part of a formidable team of corner men along with principal cornet Brian Clarke and solo euphonium Malcolm Teasdale who played together throughout the 1950s and 60s.

Iron curtain and Belle Vue

During this period, the band made tremendous progress under Albert Chappell with professional help from Alex Mortimer. Pat played when they became the first British band to play behind the Iron Curtain during a tour of Czechoslovakia.

He ceased playing at the end of the 1960s but took up playing again in 1980 when he rejoined City of Coventry on baritone under the professional direction of Major Peter Parkes.

He was a proud member of the 1981 British Open Championship winning band under the baton of Major Arthur Kenney at the last Open held at Belle Vue. He also played as a member of Harry Mortimer’s Men of Brass.

He was a proud member of the 1981 British Open Championship winning band under the baton of Major Arthur Kenney at the last Open held at Belle Vue4BR

Interest

He showed his continued interest in brass bands when he recently attended a rehearsal for the 2012 Bolsover Reunion Band Contest.

His funeral takes place on 24th December and many of his former colleagues have already said they will be there to pay their respects to a lovely man and a fine bandsman.