4BR has been informed of the recent death of the much respected Midlands bandsman, Phil Morley, who died peacefully on the 9th April after a short illness. He was aged 71.
Tuba stalwart
Phil was well known in the local banding circles as a fine EEb and BBb bass, but like most people of his generation he began playing in the local Boys Brigade under the tutelage of his father, who was a horn player for the William Booth Memorial Band in Nottingham.
Phil balanced his career as a firefighter alongside his equally distinguished playing career concentrating mainly in the lower sections of the banding movement. He ended his playing career with Ilkeston Brass, with whom he appeared twice at the National Finals.
Others that Phil played with locally were Ireland Colliery, Matlock (with whom he toured Germany several times) and Kirkby Colliery Band, who affording Phil two television performances!
Holiday bands
He also enjoyed a brief period of time playing alongside his brother Stephen at the AW Parker Drybrook Band in Gloucestershire and could also be seen playing his bass during his frequent holidays to Cornwall with the Launceston and Camelford Bands.
Phil had a particular passion for promoting young people in banding, and was often seen helping out at the youth bands at Ireland Colliery, Shirland and Newstead Training. Such was his generosity that he donated his own instrument to a young player so that they could learn to play.
There have been many fond memories of Phil, but one of the most poignant was that he was a team player, and continued to help us out right up to his illness, he was that kind of guySpokesperson
Fond memories
A band spokesperson told 4BR: "There have been many fond memories of Phil, but one of the most poignant was that he was a team player, and continued to help us out right up to his illness, he was that kind of guy."
Phil's funeral was held at the Bramcote Crematorium in Nottingham on Tuesday 3rd May. He is survived by his daughters Kay and Kirsty, brothers Stephen and Richard and sister Judith.
