4BR has been informed of the death of Edward 'Nobby' Clark, one of Welsh banding's most popular musicians. He died on Sunday 24th May, aged 78.

The former conductor of the Pencoed Silver, British Steel Port Talbot and Coedely Bands in South Wales, 'Nobby' was also one of the very last National Service musicians — enjoying a ten year stint as a cornet player in the Royal Marines Band from 1956 to 1966.

Sought after

He later became a highly sought after player, topping his career with an equally enjoyable stint as a solo cornet member with the Cory Band, whilst his business acumen led him to set up a very successful marine and yacht fittings business.

His conducting career spanned four decades — starting with Pencoed Band in 1966. He went on to enjoy a great deal of domestic Welsh banding success — leading Pencoed to the Welsh Area Third Section title in 1972, as well as top six finish at the National Finals in 1973.

He also won Welsh Championship contests with BSC Port Talbot and Coedely, and led Coedley to a podium finish at the 1985 Second Section National Finals.

National champion

His finest hour though was in leading BSC Port Talbot to Third Section National Final victory in 1991, at Kensington Town Hall against 26 rivals on the set work, 'Variations' by John Phillips. It came during a spell with the band that also saw them gain promotion to the First Section and his last contest victory at the helm in Treorchy in 1995.

Nobby was a wonderful man and a very fine musician. He was great company and will be sorely missed by the whole of Welsh bandingTerry Lambert

Fine musician

His great friend and Cory Band associate Terry Lambert, told 4BR: "Nobby was a wonderful man and a very fine musician. He was great company and will be sorely missed by the whole of Welsh banding."

Funeral

He leaves a son and two daughters. The funeral will be held on Friday 5th June at Llanilid near Pencoed. People wishing to attend or play with a band that will perform his favourite march, 'Death or Glory', can contact Austin Davis on 07779 609153.