4BR has been informed that there is already great saddness at the passing of Keith Wardle in the early hours of this morning June 2nd following many months of illness.

Fourth generation

Keith began playing at the age of 6 being the fourth generation of a brass band family, only last week he received a long service award certificate for 44years in the band movement from the N.E.M.B.B A.

Kippax Band

Keith will not only be remembered as a published composer and his years on prinicple euphonium with Thoresby Colliery band in the 70's from the age of 15, winning over 80 trophies in the solo contests, but prior to his death he was the Musical Director of the Kippax Band who were in the prizes nearly everywhere they competed in 2006/7, having enjoyed a successful time with Kippax several years before, finally resigning at the onset of his illness last year.

Keith began conducting at the early age of 17, a few of those years conducting Midland Area Bands, but eventually returned to the Yorkshire area travelling nearly a 100 mile round-trip, as he always said it was well worth the journey4BR

Conducting

Keith began conducting at the early age of 17, a few of those years conducting Midland Area Bands, but eventually returned to the Yorkshire area travelling nearly a 100 mile round-trip, as he always said it was well worth the journey.

Popular

Apart from running his own business Keith spent very little time on anything else other than 'his' banding world and was a popular figure throughout, he will be greatly missed by many

Arrangements

The funeral arrangements will be announced soon. If you have any comments or questions about arrangements, please contact Mark Wardle at mark@smudgeproductions.com