4BR has been informed of the death of William (Bill) Sparkes. He passed away peacefully in his sleep aged 94 on Friday 21st November.

Several bands

During his playing career Bill had played with several bands in the Gloucester area, most notably on bass trombone with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, and remained a keen bandsman into his late 80's, playing trombone with Gloucester Brass Brass.

Family ties

Bill was also the head of a strong brass banding family: His son Roy played for many years with Fairey and Foden’s, and a brace of his grandchildren remain heavily involved at Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West in Crewe.

He was exceptionally proud that a great grandchild Ethan now plays within their youth band.