*
banner

Death of Graham Furnell

The death has been announced of the highly respected Pemberton Old Wigan bandsman Graham Furnell.

Cross
  The death has been announced of Graham Furnell.

The death has been announced of the highly respected bandsman Graham Furnell. He passed away following a long battle against cancer on Tuesday 20th December.

Graham was a member of the Pemberton Old Wigan Band for many years, and a man whose personality touched many within the brass band movement.

Band saver

Some years ago he was among a small group of dedicated people who helped save Pemberton Old Wigan Band from probable extinction, after they had fallen on hard times and membership was down to just six players.

His friend George Fairhurst told 4BR: "A meeting was called which Graham and other ex-players attended. One person said that the best thing that could happen would be for the band to sell all the instruments and rehearsal room as there was no possibility of recovering from their position.

Graham, who was not one to mix words, suggested that the person should leave the room in short jerky movements, as there was no way that Pemberton band was going to the wall!"

Built back

Along with Brian Halliwell, Graham started to recruit players and soon Pemberton Old Wigan was able to enter contests again. Graham played Eb bass through its rise from the Fourth to the Championship Section.

Following his retirement from playing Graham still retained many attachments with the banding world through his daughter Natalie who played percussion with many bands in the North West. Natalie married Gareth Brindle, who is now a respected conductor with Rainford Band.

Some years ago he was among a small group of dedicated people who helped save Pemberton Old Wigan Band from probable extinction4BR

Thoughts

George added: "All our thoughts at this sad time are with Sheila, Jay, Lisa, Caitlin, Luke, Natalie, Gareth and Lauren."

Funeral details

Graham's funeral will take place on Tuesday, 3rd January 2017 at 11.00am at St Matthew's Church, Billinge Road, Highfield, Wigan. WN3 6BL.

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    


Oldroyd

Oldroyd interest boosts ethos

February 6 • The new range of Oldroyd instruments is already making a mark.


UniBrass

Welsh youth to perform at UniBrass Championships

February 5 • The South Wales Youth Band will provide extra entertainment ahead of the results at the UniBrass Championships in Cardiff next weekend.


Artistic

NYBBGB looks to next generation Artistic lead

February 5 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint a new Director of Artistic Planning.


Northop Silver

Wyss to lead Northop numbers in Swansea

February 5 • Thomas Wyss will lead Northop Silver and its new signings at the Welsh Regional Championships


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 7 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Newstead Brass - VALENTINE'S VARIATIONS

Sunday 9 February • Ashwood Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield. Nottinghamshire Ng17 7ab


Chinnor Silver

February 7 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets on a Monday morning and we welcome any players who would like an extra blow.. players of all abilities welcome and we do not expect you to alter your allegiance to your band.. just a fun blow with cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

February 5 • Wantage Band (championship section) has a vacancy for TOP 2ND CORNET. This would suit a player with experience in a championship/first section band. Rehearsals take place every Sun 7:30pm and Wed 8pm in Wantage with highly experienced MD Chris King.


Haverhill Silver Band

February 4 • Haverhill Silver Band (champ section) seeks a BACK ROW CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond. Applications to join after the area contest also considered.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd