4BR has been informed of the death of Bryan Tait, one of the most popular and highly respected cornet players and musicians to have been produced by the banding movement in the North of England.

He passed away on Monday 7th July after a brave 14 month battle against cancer. He leaves a wife, Catherine and children, Phillip and Charlotte.

Cornet star

Bryan first made his name as an emerging cornet star with Craghead Colliery Band before cementing his reputation as principal cornet of the then Ever Ready Band — a position he held for 29 years.

During this time he was an integral part of their success; a ‘top man’ in every respect — from prize winning ‘Best Soloist’ at the Brass in Concert Championship in 1982, to leading them to third place at the National Finals in 2004, numerous North of England Area titles and considerable concert, recording and contest successes.

Highest class

His record of achievement included solo performances on television on the ‘Best of Brass’ series, as well as over 30 appearances at the major contests — stages on which he enhanced his reputation as a player of the very highest Championship class.

He also enjoyed further success with a two year period playing with Brighouse & Rastrick and more latterly as principal cornet with the NASUWT Riverside Band.

Conductor

In later years he also revealed himself to be a successful conductor — leading the newly formed NASUWT Youth Band to the National Finals after winning the Fourth and Third Section North of England Area titles — something which he found great enjoyment in being able to put something back into a banding movement he graced with such musicality.

A wonderful father and husband, Bryan also gained great joy in the achievements of his family — especially his children, and in his working life within the Prison Service was regarded as an enlightened, sympathetic, and highly respected professional.

Funeral arrangements

As was his wish, and very much of his character, he requested that the funeral service, which will be held at 11:30am on Friday 18th July at Elvet Methodist Church, 8 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HL, will be a celebration of his life — with plenty of colour, laughter, joy and not a single black tie.

The committal at the Crematorium will be for family and close friends only, but an invitation is extended to join them at Durham Prison Officers Club, The Hallgarth, Durham, DH1 3AX, after the service.

His record of achievement included solo performances on television on the ‘Best of Brass’ series, as well as over 30 appearances at the major contests — stages on which he enhanced his reputation as a player of the very highest Championship class4BR

Memory board

The family have asked people to bring a photo if they have one of Bryan to pin on a special memory board to get people talking, laughing and reminiscing.

Music will be played at the service and hopefully after, and if any of Bryan's friends would like to play the family will accommodate as many as possible, but they will need to contact Phillip on 07730 337393.

Close family flowers only, but donations in lieu of flowers can be given to Cancer Research UK in Bryan's name at: http://donateinmemory.cancerresearchuk.org/0005315