*
banner

Death of Brian Elliott

The death has been announced of the former secretary of the West of England and South West Brass Band Associations

Flowers
  The death has been announced of the respected administrator Brian Elliott

4BR has been informed of the death of Brian Elliott, the much-respected former secretary of the West of England Brass Band Association and the South West Brass Band Association. He passed away on 25th November.

After relocating to Devon with his family in 1971, Brian and his late wife Joyce, (who died in February 2022) became involved with their local band in Plymouth — Joyce as player and Brian as the hard-working secretary.

Admiration

His talents for organisation, his friendly manner and obvious love and admiration for the people he worked with and the bands he represented in his roles, made him an immensely popular ambassador for the banding movement in the South West and West of England areas over the next 45 years and more.

He also went on to serve nationally for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain as section controller for 15 years before then becoming a vice-president.

Brian was an Executive member of the West of England BBA from 1998-2016 and held the role of Secretary from 2001-2013. He was also an Executive member of the South West BBA from 1972-2016, covering many different roles during that time.

Greatly missed

A spokesperson for the West of England BBA told 4BR: "Brian worked tirelessly for both Associations giving outstanding dedication to brass banding for many years. He was a familiar, respected and much loved figure within the brass banding community in the South West of England and further afield — proud of a link that gave both he and Joyce so much pleasure over the years.

His passion and enthusiasm for developing and educating players of all ages resulted in annual events that continue to live on. He will be greatly missed."

Funeral service

The funeral service will take place on Monday 19th December at 10.45am at Efford Crematorium, Plymouth. (The family have requested informal dress).

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    


Whit Friday

Tameside ready for Whit Friday contest day

June 13 • Tameside is ready to welcome the bands and supporters at each of its 11 venues this year.


Whit Friday

Saddleworth Whit Friday Contests

June 13 • There is plenty of competitive music making to enjoy at the 11 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday venues this year.


Whit Friday

Whit Friday focus of celebrations and competitions

June 13 • It's the day when banding hits the streets in Tameside and Saddleworth.


NYBBGB

Quartet of youthful premieres to be showcased by NYBBGB

June 12 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will showcase four world premieres as part of its Sumer Course Concert in London.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


West Wycombe Brass Band

June 11 • We are looking for players. Flugel and Horns. Positions negotiable . Non contesting, easy going, friendly band. Sensible engagement list. Some instruments available. Playing or returning, come along and see for yourself.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd