*
banner

Death of David Owen

The death of the popular and much respected 'Tojo' has been announced to a shocked Welsh banding movement.

David Owen
 

The death has been reported to 4BR of one of the most popular Welsh bandsmen, former Point of Ayr bass player David Owen.

Known throughout Welsh banding as ‘Tojo’, he died suddenly at the beginning of the week.

Huge shock

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This comes as a huge shock to many who knew him, as it was only 18 months since the early death of his best friend and fellow Point of Ayr Bb Bass player Jim Mealor."

David played Eb bass for Point of Ayr for most of his career, but way always eager to help out neighbouring bands when they needed it. More recently he has been a key member of Northop Band.

He was also a familiar and much respected presence at band contests throughout Wales and beyond.

Tributes

Tributes have already poured in, with many recalling a man of great generosity, friendship, a mentor, a player blessed with both a huge sound and laughter and role model. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.

Tributes have already poured in, with many recalling a man of great generosity, friendship, a mentor, a player blessed with both a huge sound and laughter and role model4BR

Service

The funeral is at 12 noon at Ffynnongroyw Church on 27th December. A band of former players and associates with play at the service.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd