The Ratby Co-operative Band and the Wessex Band Summer School have jointly announced the death of the highly respected Howard Bland.

Tireless work

As Chairman of the Ratby organisation and Vice President of the Summer School his passing will be greatly felt across the banding movement. He gained widespread respect and admiration for his tireless work given to bands, young people, and in the promotion of music making.

He died peacefully following a long battle with illness on Wednesday 22nd April, with his family around him.

Kindness

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Howard served both the Ratby and Wessex organisations for over 25 years, including as Chairman and Secretary. Known for his gentle demeanour, kindness and warm sense of humour, he never shied away from hard work having also served as a recording engineer for many band projects, a talent inherited by his son Steve."

A highly admired primary school teacher, Howard continued in all walks of life to promote principles of fairness, solidarity and kindness. Surrounded by music, including most members of his family playing in bands, he himself was a self-confessed 'non-musician'.

However one of his proudest moments included seeing his grandchildren join Ratby's Championship Band and gaining a place at the Royal Birmingham Junior Conservatoire.

A highly admired primary school teacher, Howard continued in all walks of life to promote principles of fairness, solidarity and kindnessspokesperson

Thanks

The spokesperson added: "His wife Sue, children Rachel and Steve, and his grandchildren would like to thank the banding movement for all of the kind messages and support that have been received.

Both Ratby and Wessex organisations will continue to pay their respects to a great friend and true bandsman."

Funeral service

A small family funeral service will shortly take place. Details of a memorial service for Howard, when circumstances allow, will be made available.