4BR has been informed of the death of Roger Newton, the popular Bb tuba player with Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) Band.

Kindest man

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Roger was the kindest man you could ever wish to meet.He had a very dry sense of humour and was loved by everyone.

He loved growing fruit and vegetables and would bring some of his produce to band, which went down very well. Trains were his passion, and he has been all over Europe either with his wife Lynn or with his friend John Cane.

John and Roger would regularly get up at a very early hour just to have a ride on what he called 'an important train'."

Spurs fan

They added: "He was also a keen Tottenham Hotspur fan, so just like brass band contesting, he was used to not winning! But above all, Roger was a family man and loved looking after and playing with his grandchildren along with Lynn in their fantastic garden.

He also liked a pint of Real Ale, so after last week's rehearsal which finished early, the current band and a number of former players went to the pub to celebrate a wonderful man and a wonderful life."

He also liked a pint of Real Ale, so after last week's rehearsal which finished early, the current band and a number of former players went to the pub to celebrate a wonderful man and a wonderful lifeBand spokesperson

Funeral

The funeral will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday 26th January at St Mary's Church in Chard, Somerset (TA20 2HJ).