*
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    


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


wsbba

Troon set to welcome entertainers

August 26 • Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil leads the entertainers in Troon at the West of Scotland Entertainment Contest this weekend.


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and it’s all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesn’t affect your No1 band.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd