Band members honour great supporter (From Salisbury Journal)

Band members honour great supporter

7:00pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News By Corey Ross

MEMBERS of five local bands joined forces on Friday to honour a local band supporter who died in December.

John Hand, 82, died on December 6 after suffering a stroke and members of Woodfalls, Downton, Wilton, Hyde and Sandleheath bands paid tribute by playing at his funeral.

Mr Hand played percussion in Downton Band for many years, and after retiring from playing was still a passionate supporter of local bands and band music.

Even after retiring he would often play for Woodfalls Band for the Remembrance Sunday march through Redlynch, where he lived.

His last performance was playing the bass drum for Woodfalls Band on November 11 at St Mary’s Church in Redlynch.

Brian Easterbrook from Woodfalls Band said: “The bands were all shocked by John’s sudden passing but proud that he had lived a life blessed with the joy of music.”

He remembered each of the bands in his will by making a donation to band funds.