Tributes paid to long-serving Melton Mowbray Tally Ho Marching Band member Brian Duckworth who died aged 82

Brian Duckworth, who played baritone, was a member of the band for 32 years. His love for the band is shared by many members of his family who have also played in the band over the years.

Brian, known to his friends as ‘Duckie’, enjoyed marching with the band to showgrounds and events all over the country and abroad until he had to stop playing because of his sore throat.

His wife, Edna, said: “Brian loved the band and he couldn’t get there quick enough to practice every Friday in the Scalford Road car park. He also enjoyed gardening and going on day trips with his family.”

Brian was serving in the Army when he met Edna at the Old Dalby camp. The couple, who married in 1956, had 11 children.

Brian worked as a painter at Boulton and Paul on Snow Hill, which later became Rugby Joinery, for 41 years in the paint shop until he retired in 1999.

His daughter, Carole, added: “He kept himself to himself but he was always busy. He would decorate and paint people’s houses and would help people out if he could.”

The Melton Mowbray Tally Ho Marching Band, which is celebrating its 80th birthday this year, paid tribute to Brian on its Facebook page.

Band secretary and drum major Bob Joyce said: “You could always rely on Brian. He was always the first one ready and he never let you down. He was a lovely bloke and a good, loyal member.”

Brian, who died on July 5, is survived by his wife and five of their children, Carole, Frankie, Ann, Stanley and Stuart. He also leaves 20 grand-children and 18 great-grandchildren plus another on the way.

Brian’s funeral service will take place at Melton’s St Mary’s Church tomorrow at 10.30am followed by a private cremation in Loughborough.

Donations will be for Tally Ho Band funds and/or the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

If anyone has a CD of the Tally Ho Band playing then Jenny Barnes, of Richard Barnes Funeral Directors, would like to borrow it so that some of it can be played during Brian’s service. Call Jenny on (01664) 565311.