*
banner

Death of Des Worthington

The death of trumpet player Des Worthington has been announced.

Des Worthington 1980
 

The death of trumpet player Des Worthington has been announced.

His friend Phil Lawrence told 4BR: "I was very saddened to hear of the death of my old RNCM trumpet chum Des Worthington, who died earlier this week.

Nice guy

Des came from Besses Boys into Salford Music College from Chorley, and entered the RNCM in 1979/80. He was the original Mr Nice Guy who would never hurt or badmouth a fly, a natural player.

He was also the original social monster and believed in the good times. We both shared a flat for a year, needless to say it was whirlwind of an unprintable time.

Des came from Besses Boys into Salford Music College from Chorley, and entered the RNCM in 1979/80. He was the original Mr Nice Guy who would never hurt or badmouth a fly, a natural playerPhil Lawrence

Firm friends

With his talent he didn't finished college and was offered 2nd Trumpet alongside his teacher Alan Stringer in 1981/2 where he made very firm friends inc. Blythe Lindsay, John Langford, Ian Balmain to mention just a few.

He was also part of the educational community and helped Louise Hough (Head of Brass for Liverpool) many times and he played wherever he was asked with whatever band and became a local accessible inspiration to all pupils, unbelievably modest and unassuming playing the trumpet was just something he did.

Talent

He loved playing and had a talent for all styles, he loved the musicians life and a beer and good nosh.

He leaves a young son, John and all who knew Des will be thinking of him now, Des's wife Christine pre-deceased him by some 12/13 years which was a shock and tragic loss to Des as John was only months old when she died, but they are now reunited. It's not always true that the good die young, but in this case it unfairly is! Rest in peace Des!"

If there are those who wish to know the funeral arrangments contact info@elmsstudios.com

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    


kAPITOL

2026 National Finals test-pieces announced

March 30 • Works by Philip Sparke, Andrew Wainwright, Eric Ball, Thierry Deleruyelle and Peter Graham will challenge the Albert Hall and York Barbican finalists.


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd