4BR has been informed of the death of the popular and highly respected player and conductor Jim Cant.

Association

Jim had an association with the Glossop Old Band for almost 50 years, starting a trombone player and later returning, much to the delight of everyone involved with the organisation, to conduct them during several enjoyable tenures.

A trombonist of the highest pedigree, he enjoyed successful spells with the likes of Fairey, but it was a conductor of encouragement, good humour and selfless determination that helped a number of bands in the North West in particular to become highly successful.

National titles

These included Hollingworth Brass, who he led to the Fourth Section National and Pontins titles in 1993, before his first spell at Glossop which saw them rise from Third to Championship Section, winning consecutive National titles along the way in the 1994 and 1995.

He also enjoyed periods at the helm of Stalybridge Old, Mossley and Marple before a return to Glossop which coincided with an appearance at the British Open Championship in 2002. Further conducting spells came with Besses o’ th’ Barn and more latterly with Silk Brass, who he conducted from 2006 until 2012.

Privilege

As Glossop Band stated on their website: "It was a privilege and a pleasure to play for him throughout his times at our (and his) band, and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Glossop as well as by his many friends in the wider banding community."

It was a privilege and a pleasure to play for him throughout his times at our (and his) bandGlossop Old Band

Funeral details

The funeral will take place at Altrincham Crematorium, White House Ln, Dunham Massey, WA14 5RH on Tuesday 22nd July at 2.00pm.

All are then welcome at Bowdon Rugby Club, Clay Ln, Altrincham, WA15 7AF.

There will be family flowers only but there will collection buckets for St. Anne's Hospice for all those who wish to make a contribution.

Dress code is optional but the family has requested that no one wears black on what will be a day of celebration for a fine and well loved man.