*
banner

Loxley stalwart laid to rest

One of the great stalwarts of Loxley and UK banding has been laid to rest.

Derek Garner
 

One of the UK's longest continuously serving band members was laid to rest this week, following the death of 86 year-old Derek Garner (above right) who passed away peacefully in his sleep in hospital on July 12th.

Loxley Silver Band had the honour to lead the funeral cortege of their longest serving member, and performed his favourite march tune, 'Slaidburn' on the procession.

Archive

The band's archive documents recorded Derek as having first paid his 3d subs on 16th January 1942, just six days after his 13th birthday, although it has been confirmed that he was an active member since age of 7, sitting alongside his father and grandfather who were also members of Loxley at that time.

His continuous 80 year membership is believed to be one of the longest of any brass band in the UK, and saw him play an active role until 18 months ago when his health began to deteriorate.

Tributes

Many tributes were paid to Derek at his funeral at Grenoside Crematorium, with the congregation reminded of his rather unique claim to football fame.

Derek used to play in the band on Boxing Day each year at both the homes of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday — making him the only man able to say he played for both Sheffield sides on the same day.

This will be the first time in almost 100 years that there hasn't been a Garner in the band and Derek will be sadly missed, but by no means forgottenStuart Young, Secretary of Loxley Silver Band

Sadly missed

Stuart Young, Secretary of Loxley Silver Band told 4BR: "This will be the first time in almost 100 years that there hasn't been a Garner in the band and Derek will be sadly missed, but by no means forgotten."

Loxley Silver Band formed a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the service alongside representatives from another nine bands including Whitwell Brass, Unite the Union (City of Sheffield), Rockingham, Thoresby Colliery, Bakewell Silver, Stannington, Oughtibridge, Haworth and Keighley Community Band.

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    


wELSH aREA

Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Tredegar leads the way as Welsh Champion with section wins for Parc & Dare, Deiniolen Silver, City of Wrexham and Holywell in Swansea


Stevenage

Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • East London Brass claims the Championship honours in Stevenage with Kidlington Concert Brass, Jersey Premier, Betteshanger and Cobham taking the section titles.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 16 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

March 16 • Musical Director required. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire. . . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm until 10pm. . . Resident or professional sought depending on experience.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Bass trombone and Bb Bass required.. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire.. . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm to 10pm at the Enderby Village Institute.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd