I was shocked to learn on Sunday of the death, on Saturday, of Steve Freckleton, bass trombone and chairman of Langley Band. Steve had been playing for his band and then Enderby Band before retiring to a pub for a drink and well earned break, whereupon Steve collapsed and, despite paramedic attention, later died in hospital.

I don’t know Steve or his family at all but would like to offer my sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and members of Langley Band.

It has come as a great shock to the whole of the brass banding community and a “book” of condolences has been opened up at the MouthPiece for people to leave their own messages of sympathy.