*
banner

Death of Norman Keech

Second death of long serving stalwart hits Bradwell Band.

Bradwell
 

A second death has hit Bradwell Silver Band from Milton Keynes in 6 months. The Band is mourning the passing of Norman Keech, the band's Chairman.

35 year association

Norman had been associated with the band for 35 years, without ever having played a note. It was his involvement that led to his sons Brian and Clive joining the band, and eventually to Brian's wife, Liz, and son's Adam and Ian also joining.

Whenever the band played Norman was there with band memorabilia, and at fetes with his sought after homemade jams and pickled onions!Bradwell Band

Larger than life

Norman was in all senses a larger than life character who supported the band in many ways but primarily in the last few years as Band Chairman and Chairman of the Supporter's club.

Whenever the band played Norman was there with band memorabilia, and at fetes with his sought after homemade jams and pickled onions!

Familiar figure

He also became a familiar figure at contests as the band's representative at the draws. His funeral will take place at Haversham Church on Fri 10th Oct at 1pm.

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation. Norman leaves a large hole in the bands organisation which will be hard to fill.

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd