*
banner

Death of Cornish stalwart

St Pinnock mourn the death of a banding stalwart.

St Pinnock
 

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."

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd