*
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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd