4BR has been informed of the death of Adrienne Howell BEM, the remarkable founder of Mere Manor Brass in Wiltshire alongside her husband Bernard over 50 years ago.
Revered for her work as an educator, she passed away peacefully at home following a short illness on 13th January, aged 87. He husband predeceased her in 2014. She is survived by nephew Nicholas Howell and niece Julia Woods.
Honours
WEBBA chairperson John Woods told 4BR: "Her work and dedication to community and music was recognised in the 2019 New Year's Honours in her award of the BEM, when she enjoyed a lovely musical day out with Julia at Buckingham Palace in 2020.
Her commitment and dedication to banding benefited literally thousands of players with her connections to the Wessex Brass Band Association (both Adrienne and Bernard being Life Vice Presidents) and many bands in the Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire areas."
Greatly missed
He added: "Adrienne was also been fully involved in local community work, including 20 years as Director and Trustee of the annual Literacy Festival, Mere and District Link Scheme, Mere Drama Society Pennybank writers and the Mere Rivers Group. She will be greatly missed by all."
Funeral
The funeral will take place on Thursday 19th February at 1.00pm St Michael's Church in Mere (BA12 6DS). Local band representatives will provide the music in the service.
