The City of Chester Band will return from their summer break mourning the news of the death of their extremely popular member Didier Chupeax.

Didier died in a road accident in North Wales on August 15th.

Enthusiasm

Close friend and band colleague Andrew Smithson told 4BR: "Didier (above) was a keen brass player who played both cornet and trombone with equal enthusiasm. Having given up playing when he left France he had taken up the cornet again with City of Chester Band five years ago."

He added: "He also played trombone with Mold Concert Band and was a sought- after deputy with a number of other bands.

His involvement with Mereside Brass’s trip to Germany in 2012 served to extend his colourful reputation beyond the bounds of Wales and the North West of England.

Didier always maintained that he lived in England because he did not like the French. It was quite possible to suspend one’s disbelief until the Six Nations Championship when his allegiance to ‘Les Bleus’ was immediately apparent.

The sudden nature of his death and his immense popularity leaves his colleagues in the brass band world absolutely devastatedCity of Chester Band.

Humour

Andrew continued: "Didier had a wicked sense of humour which manifested itself with a liberal use of appalling language accompanied by his infectious laugh.

It was impossible to be offended by his asides and jokes since he was one of the kindest and most generous people one could ever wish to meet and play with. He knew what it meant to be part of a team.

His earlier career in the restaurant business made him a perfect companion for a Whit Friday vigil with a four-course picnic and separate wines to match. Fortunately, his much loved partner Nerys was never far from his side.

Despite his light-hearted side he took his music extremely seriously. It mattered to him that he did not let the side down whether playing in concerts or on the contest stage and he practised religiously every day.

He also enjoyed other forms of music as well as drama and was a frequent visitor to Theatr Clwyd, where Nerys works."

Thoughts

Andrew concluded: "The sudden nature of his death and his immense popularity leaves his colleagues in the brass band world absolutely devastated. Our thoughts go out to his sister in France, his children, his grandson and Nerys."