Carlton Main Frickley Band has led the tributes to stalwart member Andrew Till who passed away on Thursday 4th April.

Known to his friends as 'Tilly', he began his banding career on flugel with the Carlton Main Junior Band under the guidance of his father, Brian Till.

Champion

Andy's talents were clear from an early age; crowned Junior Slow Melody Champion of Great Britain at only 13. He continued his progression as part of the Frickley South Elmsall Band before moving to Knottingley Silver on cornet.

Andy then returned to his home band, Carlton Main Frickley where he was an integral part of one of the most successful periods in their history, winning multiple Yorkshire Area titles and gaining podium finishes at both the British Open and National Championship of Great Britain.

Even through his battles with illness he remained an active part of the band's committee as a loyal and effective Contest Secretary.

Nothing held Andy back and determined to return to playing he performed with Hatfield & Askern Colliery Band as they were recently crowned 2019 Yorkshire Champion.

Proper bandsman

Carlton Main Chairman, Ray Sykes told 4BR: "Andy was what only can be described as a 'proper bandsman' and he will be hugely missed not just at Carlton Main but across the banding world.

Every band he played for would have the exact same words: He was so loyal and made friends everywhere he went. He was determined and never gave up, no matter what challenges life threw at him.

I even remember when he took to the National Finals stage with us with an oxygen tank after a period of illness, as nothing would have ever stopped him taking to the stage with 'his' band. Tilly was one of a kind."

Andy was what only can be described as a 'proper bandsman' and he will be hugely missed not just at Carlton Main but across the banding worldRay Sykes

Funeral details

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 16th April at 2.30pm at the Church of All Saints, South Kirby, WF9 3PA.

It will be followed by committal at Pontefract Crematorium at 3.40pm for family and close friends.

A celebration of his life will follow at Burntwood Court Hotel, Brierley, Barnsley, S72 9ET. The family have requested a Smart/Causal dress code and family flowers only.

Donations in lieu of flowers greatly appreciated for three charities close to both Andy and his wife Joyce: Freemans Hospital Transplant Unit, Jimmy's Cystic Fibrosis Ward 6 and Jimmy's Oncology.