The funeral of the well respected Dennis Abbotts took place at St. Edmunds Church on Friday 14th May.

Representatives

A funeral band of 40 players containing representatives from 13 bands played a selection of hymns before and after the service.

The coffin was born by members of Bourton Road Runners where Dennis was an active member. The band played during the service and also played a hymn tune arrangement of 'Penlan' by Charles Skinner.

Dennis gave unstintingly of his time and efforts frequently putting the interests of the band before that of Margaret and himselfShipston Band

Tribute

Band Secretary David Birch gave a tribute reflecting the many ways in which Dennis had served the band so loyally for 46 years.

He recalled his early days at Brailes Silver Band on baritone before moving to Shipston Band in 1964 and how he was always prepared to put his own position to one side to suit the band.

He changed instruments to trombone when the band was without one even though he could not play the instrument even moving to bass trombone on one occasion when the band needed one despite not being able to read bass clef.

Time

Dennis gave unstintingly of his time and efforts frequently putting the interests of the band before that of Margaret and himself. This was most obvious in his work with Shipston Junior Band which he formed in 1973 and ran for a total of 25 years.

Benefit

Many youngsters benefited from Dennis’s efforts and enthusiasm as the band grew, entered contests and even toured France and he drew undoubted pleasure as his daughter Kirsty progressed though the Junior Band to Principal Cornet with the senior band to solo cornet with NYBBGB and eventually Principal Cornet with both Sellers Engineering and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery.

Help

In 2008 the band was without any bass players so Dennis once again offered to change instruments and took on the key role of Bb Bass at an age when many players are winding down.

Music

A similar tribute was given on behalf of Bourton Road Runners. Dennis’s younger brother Mike a presented a moving family tribute with many details of their life as youngsters.

As the coffin left the church, the music was provided by a CD recording of Kirsty playing 'Meditation' from 'Thais'. This haunting music seemed to fill the church even after the recording finished.