The Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band has announced the passing of their President and EEb bass player, Ivor Thomas, aged 89, who in their opinion was one of the finest players to have graced the ranks of the Deal based band.

True bandsman

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Ivor was a true bandsman in every sense of the word. He was an inspiration and a fine example to all who met him.

He will be deeply missed by us all and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Doreen, and children Diane, Susan and Ian at this very sad time."

Kent move

Born in South Wales, Ivor moved to Aylesham in Kent as a young boy with his family. He accompanied his father joining the Aylesham Mission Band in the early 1930’s before later joining Betteshanger Colliery Band.

The spokesperson added: "Many aspiring players benefited from Ivor’s knowledge of brass, and the banding movement in general. His life was long, well lived, and magnificently filled with extraordinary music."

80 year certificate

In 2011, Ivor was presented with an 80 year certificate from the Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association in recognition of his service to the banding movement.

The band also presented him with a figure of a miner made from coal and engraved ‘Ivor Thomas — for Services to Betteshanger Colliery Band 1937-2011.’

Sorely missed

Musical Director, John Goold added: "Everyone at Betteshanger was saddened to hear of Ivor’s death. He was a great motivator and will be sorely missed by the band and the wider brass band community.

Ivor was Betteshanger Band — and a true stalwart to the brass band movement. He will be greatly missed by everyone."

Ivor was a true bandsman in every sense of the word. He was an inspiration and a fine example to all who met himBetteshanger Band

Funeral service

The funeral service will take place at Barham Crematorium, near Canterbury on Monday 27th January at 11.20am.

The family has requested no flowers, donations if desired to Ivor’s favourite pastime -Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band, c/o J. Dilnot Smith & Son, 184 Gladstone Road, Walmer, Deal. Kent. CT14 7EL

At the conclusion of the service, the family would like to extend an open invitation to join them back in Deal, at the Betteshanger Welfare Sports & Social Club, Cavell Square.