4BR has been informed of the death of Teddy Gray, the former principal cornet player of the Fodens Band, aged 82.

Top man

Teddy was the top man at the Sandbach band from 1947 to 1972 and was a member of the Fodens Band that won countless major honours, including the Nationals of 1950, 1953 and 1958 under Harry Mortimer, and the British Open in 1964 under his brother Rex.

It was once said of him by a former player that he couldn't remember him putting a serious foot wrong whether at rehearsal, concert or contest4BR

Major honours

He also notched up four North West Regional titles and the 1951 Festival of Britain Championships, and was Bandmaster at Fodens from 1968 — 1971. He was also a former principal cornet of the Harry Mortimer 'Men O Brass' and the Harry Mortimer All Star Brass Band.

Teddy was also a member of the famous Fodens quartet that won the National titles in 1950, 1951 and 1956.

He went on to be the MD of the Royal Doulton Band for over 20 years.

Sandbach based

He lived in the village of Sandbach with his wife Flo, to whom he was married for 59 years.

It was once said of him by a former player that he couldn't remember him putting a serious foot wrong whether at rehearsal, concert or contest.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.