*
banner

Death of Dennis Todd

The death has been announced of one of the most popular players and supporters of the banding movement in the North of England.

Dennis Todd
  Dennis Todd was greatly respected as a player

The brass band movement will be saddened to hear of the death of the popular cornet player and former music retailer Dennis Todd.

Dennis passed away peacefully on the morning of 8th July after a long and brave battle with cancer. At the time of his death he was the principal cornet of his home town band of Jayess Newbiggin.

The title of legend is often over used, but in the case of Dennis it is thoroughly deservedBand Chairman, Tony Griffiths

Gentleman

One of the true gentlemen of the banding movement, he was both a highly respected player and businessman — mixing his love of brass banding with his equal love of chatting to friends and customers in equal measure.

Throughout his career he commanded huge respect for his playing ability — first with Newbiggin and Bedlington Salvation Army, then Greggs Bakery, Easington Colliery, and latterly on his return Jayess Newbiggin.

He was an inspiration to countless players past, present and future, with a steely core of professionalism hidden underneath a sparkling sense of humour, cheeky smile and plenty of stories and tales of the banding world.

Legend

Band Chairman, Tony Griffiths told 4BR: "I first heard Dennis play with the Salvation Army band, and then listened in awe as he, along with Jim Shepherd performed with the Northumberland County Brass Band.

The title of legend is often over used, but in the case of Dennis it is thoroughly deserved."

He added: "Dennis also gave unstinting support for many local musical groups and performers, and will be remembered by all who knew him for his warmth, charm and unique personality. He will be greatly missed as a player, bandsman, and loyal friend.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with all his family and many friends throughout the banding world at this sad time."

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd