*
banner

Emotional farewell to Williams

A packed Llandaff Cathedral paid its respects and celebrated the life of the great Cory Band principal cornet player Ian Williams.

Ian Williams
  The funeral of Ian Williams saw Llandaff Cathedral packed with family, friends and colleagues.

Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff was the appropriate setting on Wednesday 21st March for the funeral of former Cory Band principal cornet player Ian Williams.

His wife Lisa and children Lauren and Daniel were joined by family, life-long friends and associates, work colleagues from the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and representatives from numerous bands, who filled the huge nave to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a much loved husband and father, highly regarded work colleague and outstanding brass band musician, who died earlier this month aged just 52.

Distinction

The Cory Band, who he led as principal cornet with such distinction for two decades, played a selection of music as well as accompanying the hymns, 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Cwm Rhondda'.

On the request of the family the coffin arrived to 'Bring Him Home' and left to the rousing sounds of 'Enter the Galaxies'.

Heartfelt eulogies spoke of the warmth and humour of a man who reached the heights of both his professional and personal endeavours through his talent, dedication and his own impish sense of fun4BR

Eulogies

Heartfelt eulogies came from the family as well as the Head of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Jakeway and John Southcombe on behalf of Cory Band, both of whom spoke of the warmth and humour of a man who reached the heights of both his professional and personal endeavours through his talent, dedication and his own impish sense of fun.

The service was conducted by the Rev Michael John followed by interment at St David's Church Groesfaen and meeting of friends at Creigiau Golf Club.

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    


Brisbane Exclesior

Results: 2026 Yamaha Australian National Championships

April 5 • Brisbane Excelsior regains National title with Grade honours to Willoughby Band No. 2, Whitehorse Brass, Hyde Street Youth, City of Ballarat Municipal Brass, Box Hill Academy Brass and Brisbane State High School Brass.


Principals

National Youth sets out musical principals ahead of twin concerts

April 5 • The 90 young players of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are being out through their paces ahead of their twin Easter Course performances.


Elgar Festival

Elgar attractions gain ticket take up

April 5 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke, Foden's, Flowers, David Childs and the RBC Brass Band are attracting the crowds for their Elgar International Festival of Brass appearances.


BBCA

Pankhurst and Wainwright works to test conductor skills

April 5 • 'Ghosts of Industry' and 'Metamorphosis on Finlandia' will test the 10 semi-finalists in the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition in June.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 3 • We have vacancies for a trombone player and a bass player. Cleethorpes Band rehearse near the seafront on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the NOE 4th section. Other players are always welcome as we may be able to switch positions around


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd