There will not be many among the thousands of brass enthusiasts in the Huddersfield area who don’t know the name of Joe Clapperton, the Colne Valley’s Man of Brass who died on 26th November.

50 years ago

Fifty years ago Joe pulled up his Scottish roots and headed south, leaving the textile industry in his native Peebles to settle in the Huddersfield area where he was to develop his craft as a textile designer, a craft which he had studied over the border.

Joe was a true inspiration to all his pupils , even during his recent short illness he was still rising from his sick bed to spend that time with them and not to let them down. A truly remarkable man4BR

Skills

But since settling in Linthwaite his skills in designing textiles have to some degree been surpassed by his achievements within the brass band movement in the Huddersfield area.

Lockwood was the first Huddersfield band which benefited from the Scotsman’s musical talents, but it was at Slaithwaite where he really made his name. Playing under the direction of both Roy Newsome and Derek Broadbent.

Taught hundreds

Over the years, even before he left Scotland, Joe Clapperton has taught hundreds of young people the art of playing brass. He took over the junior band at Slaithwaite in the mid sixties and continued with them into the late 70’s.

Interest

His main interest was with young people , Joe regulary opened up the family home to them to teach youngsters brass playing, and supported by his wife, Joyce, regulary had several pupils every night of the week in their house., the only reward for his efforts that he received was simply the pleasure of seeing them develop into not only fine musicians but good citizens.

Numbers

He has no knowledge what that number might be, but such has been his dedication in teaching that some of his former pupils are now spread not just throughout this country but throughout the world, with each and every one delighted that over whatever period they came to know this Man of Brass as a marvellous tutor and a lifelong friend.

Dedicated work

In recognition of his years of dedicated work a surprise concert and presentation was held in Slaithwaite, when the bands of Slaithwaite and Lindley were joined by some of Joe’s former pupils.

The organising of the event was a well-kept secret with his wife, Joyce, having little knowledge of what was planned. During the evening two charities benefited from the financial result.

During the evening Joe was presented with a framed photograph of Slaithwaite Band when they won the grand shield at Belle vue in 1962, Roy Newsome being the conductor. This had become one of his most treasured possessions.

Inspiration

Joe was a true inspiration to all his pupils , even during his recent short illness he was still rising from his sick bed to spend that time with them and not to let them down. A truly remarkable man.
Our thoughts are with his wife Joyce, his two daughters and son and grandchildren. For Auld Lang Syne Joe.

Service

His funeral service is to held on Wednesday 3rd December at 2.00 pm at Marsden Parish church. The following day he is to taken home to Peebles for burial.