Tributes have been paid from across the banding movement to Brian Eggleshaw.

The hugely respected former player, band administration, contest organiser and controller passed away peacefully at home on February 23rd with his wife Jane and step-daughter Rosie by his side following a long illness.

Banding family

Brian was born into a brass banding family. His father Harold was the respected conductor of Pleasley Colliery Band, with Brian making his first appearance with them aged just 8. It was the start of what was to become a life-long passion.

His younger brother Dave followed him as soon as he was old enough, with both going on to play with Morris Motors Band where they also enjoyed playing in numerous quartet competitions together.

Ransome association

Brian subsequently went on to enjoy a 50-year association with the Ransome Band, enjoying many contest successes and foreign tours. The band were also featured in the 1969 movie 'Women in Love' with Brian happy to recall his time spent talking banding with Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed.

During his time with Ransome Brian extended his interest into band and contest administration. He served for over 25 years as Midlands Regional Secretary as well as the North East Midlands Brass Band Association (NEMBBA). The NEMMBA contest in particular remains an important event in the brass band calendar and stands as a testament to Brian's legacy.

Butlins Championships

In 2003, he was approached by Steve Walker and the Butlins organisation to help resurrect the Mineworkers Championships.

Over the following years he helped enormously in its success — the attraction of the largest prize fund in British banding allied to player friendly test-pieces and family friendly entertainment, giving banding a huge connection boost.

In his role as Contest Administrator Brian always had a smile and words of encouragement and his contest control room was a hive of activity with many people calling in to express their gratitude and to exchange a few kind wordsSteve Walker

Skills

Steve Walker told 4BR: "At its peak just before the Covid years, the contest regularly attracted around 5000 guests and over 100 competing bands from the UK, Europe and the USA.

All five sections were able to run simultaneously thanks to organisational skills of Brian and his loyal team of stewards and volunteers.

In his role as Contest Administrator Brian always had a smile and words of encouragement and his contest control room was a hive of activity with many people calling in to express their gratitude and to exchange a few kind words."

Skegness

Brian and his beloved wife Jane moved to Skegness in 2014 with Brian finishing his playing career with Skegness Silver Band, where he offered a constant source of support to everyone.

Further funeral details will be published in due course.