*
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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for and Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk on the first day of competition in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd