There can be very few Members of Parliament lucky enough to regularly attend events in their constituencies accompanied by the rousing sound of a local marching band made up a hundred or so young musicians, from piccolo players to tuba wranglers.
The awesome and stirring presence of the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band at every Remembrance Sunday service I have attended was thanks to the inspiration, hard work and dedication of one man, John Wyndham.
Where other dads might set up a football team for their children, or organise rugby coaching, John started a band. He secured funding, instruments and uniforms which enabled young people with no previous musical experience to learn an instrument, and discover the delights of marching while playing complex band music.
John’s death last week was terribly sad news for us all but I’ve no doubt the sorrow was doubly so for the hundreds of those who have spent time as his band members. Many of those who started with John have gone on to continue playing in their adult lives – some even joining professional and military bands. Each and every one of them found joy in being part of his band, from highly disciplined performances in stellar venues across the world to the annual Band Camp in Dorset.
I know the band will continue under the excellent leadership of one of John’s sons, JP, but John’s presence at band practice, at concerts and big events will be missed by all who knew and worked with him.
As I said when I heard the news of John’s passing, his band has touched so many lives, is an extraordinary credit to our town and will be his lasting legacy. Brentwood has lost one of its modern heroes.
