*
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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd