*
banner

Death of popular Tullis percussionist

The death has been announced of Irene Carstairs.

Tullis Russell logo
 

The Tullis Russell Mills Band has announced the death of their highly respected and immensely popular percussion player Irene Carstairs on Thursday 26th July.

Guest of honour

Irene had been bravely fighting cancer since she was diagnosed in November 2010, and only this week attended a concert as the guest of honour to raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Nurses who have been helping her during her illness.

The concert was given by a band of 50 performers made up from Tullis players and players from former bands that Irene had played with. Irene was also presented with her SBBA Life medal by long standing friend, Alan Fernie.

Music

The concert featured music which Irene loved to play and the massed band also played Irene’s own arrangement of the March ‘J.A.G.’

Irene began her brass banding career with Tullis Russell in 1976 and performed in her first Scottish Championship in Motherwell in 1977.

She subsequently moved to play with Cowdenbeath Public, Dalkeith, Tayport and Lochgelly Bands as well as conducting Dunfermline Town, before returning to Tullis in 2006.

As anyone who has played in a band with Irene will testify, she will be sadly missed by friends and family and everyone that knew herTullis spokesperson

Not frightened

Her last contest performance was at the Scottish Championships in Glenrothes this year.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Known for her sometimes sharp humour, Irene was not frightened to let conductors know that they may be wrong (often when they were not!). As anyone who has played in a band with Irene will testify, she will be sadly missed by friends and family and everyone that knew her."

Details

Details of the funeral arrangements will be posted on the Tullis Russell Mills Band website www.trmb.co.uk as soon as they become available, or contact 078675 38699 for details after 29/7/12.

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    


Royal Albert Hall

Countdown previews of Symphony in Two Movements

October 5 • There will be a chance to hear how the competitors are getting on with their 'Symphony in Two Movements' preparations ahead of the Royal Albert National Final...


Foden

Foden's set for Regent Hall preview ahead of Albert Hall challenge

October 5 • Foden's Band will be joined by Mike Lovatt for their traditional Regent Hall pre-National preview next weekend.


Steph Wilshaw

Wilshaw looks to boost Audley Community

October 5 • Steph Wilshaw has been appointed the new Musical Director of Audley Community Band.


Fountain City Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 United States Brass Invitational

October 5 • Fountain City takes the honours in Texas as a new event looks to further boost brass banding growth in the USA.


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!


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd