*
banner

Death of Ken Worgan

The death has been announced of one of the banding movements most popular personalities.

Ken Worgan
 

The death has announced of Kenneth Worgan, of the UK banding movements most popular personalities through his long term association with the Woodfalls Band.

He was aged 92, and is survived by his son, Terry, and his two granddaughters, Victoria and Emma.

Career

Born in 1923, from the age of seven Ken played with the Boys Band before passing an audition to play with the Bristol Aeroplane Company Band.

He endured personal loss during the Second World War and although deferred from the forces, at the age of 18 he joined the RAF and served for the remaining five and a half years as a gunner, eventually being drafted to the very first squadron of the RAF Regiment 2816 Squadron.

Posted

In 1942 there was a shortage of skilled coppersmiths and sheet-metal workers and Ken was then re-mustered back as a tradesman. Having served in Bomber Command on a number of airfields, Ken was finally posted to West Africa.

On his return, he was posted to 32 Maintenance Unit at St Athan where, on VE Day, he met Gladys — marrying her five months later.

In 1946 both Ken and Gladys were demobbed with Ken going back to work at BAC as a fitter. He also rejoined the band and played under both TJ Powell and DC Dyson playing in the works canteens every few days and performing radio broadcasts twice a month at the BBC Whiteladies Road studio.

Eventually, though, the band broke up and Ken joined the Albion Dockyard Band for three years.

He became secretary in 1976 whilst taking on the position of second euphonium and although finishing as a player in 1984, his proud association continued as the President, some forty years after first joining4BR

Canada

In 1951 Ken left BAC and went to work for Canadair in Montreal, Canada — the same year their son, Terry, was born. After a year in Canada, the family returned and he joined the City of Bristol Band.

In 1961 Ken was sent by BAC to Hurn Airport as an inspector. During that time he joined Hamworthy Band on solo euphonium and was in the quartet ensemble that won the top prize at the Morris Motor Works in Oxford in 1971.

Woodfalls

In 1974 he was approached to play baritone with Woodfalls Band under Musical Director, Courtney Bosanko — heralding a period when he was a member of the band that went on to win the Grand Shield, West of England Championship and appear at the National Finals.

He became secretary in 1976 whilst taking on the position of second euphonium and although finishing as a player in 1984, his proud association continued as the President, some forty years after first joining.

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    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd