*
banner

Band movement pays its respects to David Horsfield

A packed church in the heart of Yorkshire paid its respects to the highly respected David Horsfield.

David Horsfield
  The life of David Horsfield was remembered and celebrated at the funeral in Brighouse

Family, friends, colleagues, current and former players joined together to celebrate and remember the life of the highly respected musician and publisher David Horsfield at his funeral service in Brighouse on Wednesday 2nd November.

Reflective mood

The mourners were in reflective mood as they listened to the specially assembled band, with Philip Wilby playing the church organ, directed by David Hirst, Frank Renton and David's brother-in-law, Dennis Wilby, as they performed music that he had specifically chosen for the occasion.

It included 'The Lost Chord' as well as the signature marches, 'Queensbury' and 'West Riding' of two of the bands he played for in his distinguished career — Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick. The coffin was brought into the church to the appropriate sounds of 'Old Comrades'.

Warmth and affection

Music was very much at the heart of the service, with hymns sung and memories recalled with warmth and affection by lifelong friends, Warren Walton and Gordon Higginbottom. David's fine playing was heard with 'Scarborough Fair' — dedicated to 'My one and only sweetheart Jenny'.

Martin Horsfield paid tribute to his father on behalf of the family, who were humbled by the countless tributes that had been received and recalled from all corners of the brass band world.

Martin Horsfield paid tribute to his father on behalf of the family, who were humbled by the countless tributes that had been received and recalled from all corners of the brass band world4BR

Journey into Freedom

Following a reading from Frank Renton, Canon Wendy Wilby paid further tributes before more musical favourites of the founder of Kirklees Music, the Brighouse March & Hymn Contest and French Open were heard — including Demelza' played by William Rushworth and the closing moments of Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom'.

The coffin was carried out to the sound of band and organ playing the 'Finale' from Saint-Saens 'Organ Symphony'.

Donations

Donations in memory of David Horsfield are welcome to be made to the Greenlea Oncology Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

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!


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd