*
banner

Death of Ray Tucker

The death of Ray Tucker has been announced.

Tucker
 

It is with great sadness that the family of Ray Tucker announce that Ray Tucker died suddenly in Kettering General Hospital on 16th June.

80 years

Ray’s involvement with banding stretched for almost 80 years, starting at Bristol Easton Road Salvation Army Citadel, under the guidance of his father, Bandmaster Frank Tucker.

Ray was well known throughout the banding fraternity, particularly in Northamptonshire where he was a member of Munn & Feltons Footwear Band, (later GUS Footwear Band) for 30 years, much of that time serving as Band Secretary.

Ray was well known throughout the banding fraternity, particularly in Northamptonshire where he was a member of Munn & Feltons Footwear Band for 30 years4BR

Later years

In his later years he played for and conducted two local Kettering Bands, eventually hanging up his baton just a few years ago. During these later years he continued to teach brass at a local school.

Funeral details

Friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Ray by attending his funeral which will be held at Kettering Salvation Army on Wednesday 24th June at 12.45 and thereafter at the Albert Munn chapel, Kettering Crematorium.

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    


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd