St. Pinnock Band has been saddened by the news that one of its stalwart players, Ernie Willsher has lost his fight against cancer.

Service

Despite his years, Ernie never missed a march or indeed any engagement. It was 2005 that he was awarded the Cornwall Brass Band Association 50 Year Service Award.

His deer stalker hat and always handy cigarette were legendary throughout the brass playing world of East Cornwall, West Devon and indeed further a field, as Ernie had helped everyone who ever askedChris Luckhurst

Friend to all

St Pinnock’s secretary, Chris Luckhurst told 4BR: "A quiet gentleman, friend to all and, no matter what, you would never hear Ernie complain or say an ill word against anything or anybody.

His deer stalker hat and always handy cigarette were legendary throughout the brass playing world of East Cornwall, West Devon and indeed further a field, as Ernie had helped everyone who ever asked."

Greatly missed

Chris added: "Callington Band, Tavistock Band and the Brass Group 'Tubes' along with St. Pinnock were the main beneficiaries of his passion for Eb Bass. He was the sort of player that bands the length of the country rely on to survive and he will be greatly missed by many, many people. Our thoughts at this time are with his wife Hilary and their family."