*
banner

Death of Norman Ashcroft

The death of former Fairey principal cornet player Norman Ashcroft has been announced.

Fairey
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Norman Ashcroft, the former Principal Cornet of the Fairey Band.

Foremost

Norman was one of the foremost cornet players of his generation, a former bandsman with the National Youth Brass Band and a number of Championship Bands in the North West for 30 years from 1964 to 1994.

Norman passed away on Monday, 6th July, in hospital at Llandudno, North Wales, in his 90th year.

Unique

His friend, Dr Ronnie Kershaw told 4BR: "Norman was a unique member of the banding family in that in addition to being Principal at Fairey's in their most successful period under Harry Mortimer, he was also a professional brass player working with every major orchestra in the UK."

He was a quite remarkable man...Dr Ronnie Kershaw

Remarkable man

Ronnie continued: "He accompanied artists of international acclaim, such as Owen Brannigan, Heddle Nash and Isabelle Bailey in performances of 'The Messiah' and received only one lesson on how to play the cornet in his life — he was basically, self taught. A later pupil of his was Maurice Murphy. He was a quite remarkable man."

Humble

Ronnie concluded: "Norman was also a member of the Orchestra of the Carla Rosa Opera Company and modestly described himself as being '...an alright kind of player', said with true humbleness."

Funeral arrangement have been confirmed as taking place at Llandudno Crematorium at 2.00pm on the 17th July.

Family flowers only, but donations to a named musical charity will be announced.

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    


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Hands

Smith and Cutt to lead Slaithwaite Area challenge

October 7 • Jason M Smith and Prof Garry Cutt will be the musical leads as Slaithwaite look to make a qualification mark at the Yorkshire Area next year.


Moore and Vollam

Moore and Vollam lead BTS Award winners

October 7 • Peter Moore and Helen Vollam are leading award winners with the British Trombone Society.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd