The death has been announced of Arnold Walker.

‘Arnie’ to his friends, passed away peacefully at home on December 18th aged 87 after a long and courageous battle with MND.

Popular

A Middlesbrough boy, Arnie was a well known and popular figure in the north east brass band scene, making his name on trombone as a member of the successful Head Wrightson Band conducted by Clifford Midgely in the late 1960’s and early 70’s.

The band enjoyed great success on the contest stage and the trombone section which included Jack Midgely, Arnold and Cyril Gamblin was highly respected in north east banding.

Pleased

Arnold organised and promoted many concerts during his time with band, one of the most notable being `Brass, Strings And Other Things’ which was conducted by Arthur Butterworth at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

He was always pleased to guest with other local bands and later accepted an invitation to join the Teesside Constabulary Band on solo trombone.

He would often recall many funny stories of his brass band career in the north east in later life.

All round musician

A highly respected all round musician, Arnold would be often heard playing in the Teesside Symphony Orchestra and with several groups in the hotel dance band scene.

He was to later establish his own Arnie Walker Big Band which became very popular on the circuit as well as providing a valuable training ground to young musicians, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry.

Skegness move

After the death of his beloved wife Cora in 1996, Arnold moved to Skegness to be near his son Stephen who was established as Musical Director for the Butlins organisation and who still runs the Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Festival to this day.

Arnold quickly became a much liked and respected part of the local music scene playing and contesting with the Skegness Silver, Alford and Kirton Bands. He was also a member of several local big bands where his experience and knowledge were invaluable to those who worked with him.

Arranger

Being a prolific arranger, many of his manuscripts can be found in bandrooms across Lincolnshire and beyond.

A highly respected all round musician, Arnold would be often heard playing in the Teesside Symphony Orchestra and with several groups in the hotel dance band scene4BR

Funeral arrangements

His friend Stan Lippeatt will conduct a special band made up of members from Skegness, Alford and Cleethorpes Bandss playing music arranged by Arnold at 2.00pm at Alford Crematorium on Friday January 9th, followed by a musical celebration of Arnie’s life afterwards at the Vine Hotel Skegness.