The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has honoured the memory of one of its finest supporters by naming its brand new rehearsal facilities after him.

And the North of England band will certainly be busy using the wonderful new facilities of the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Bandroom in Barton just over the famous Humber Bridge in the coming weeks, as they prepare for their appearance at the National Finals in London in October.

Passion

Although Maurice never played an instrument, he was passionate about brass bands and was an integral part in setting-up, running and helping in the general upkeep and maintenance of the EYMS Band.

The opening ceremony, where a commemorative plaque was unveiled was undertaken by Maurice's daughter Sarah attended by the band, supporters, family and friends.

Members of the band spent several weeks converting the former window manufacturing premises at a cost of around £15,000. And although there were offers to relocate in Hull, the new facility in Barton offered everything that the top flight band required.

Dream

EYMS Band chairman Tony Newiss told 4BR: "It as Maurice's dream that the band could eventually find a bandroom of its own where the players could just arrive, sit down and play without hassle.

Naming the new rehearsal facilities after him was therefore an honour. He did so much for the band and is still remembered with much fondness. It's just a shame he couldn't have been here today to see the realisation of his vision."

Chuffed to bits

With other members of a proud Metcalfe family in attendance, his daughter Sarah told 4BR: "Obviously we were all chuffed to bits that the band still talks about him today.

He lived for them — he loved it so much. He wasn't a musician, which was one thing he regretted in his life, but he just loved everything about them."

Maurice played a leading role in helping Robert Childs, at the time solo euphonium with Black Dyke, to form the then City of Hull Band in 1989, which some years later evolved into the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band.

He lived for them — he loved it so much. He wasn't a musician, which was one thing he regretted in his life, but he just loved everything about themDaughter, Sarah

Overwhelmed

Sarah added: "It's hard to say what he would have felt today as he wasn't one for fuss, but I think he would have been quite overwhelmed. He was a man who would do things for others but never expected anything in return.

His passion was just for brass band music. He just loved that sound."