The funeral of David Stanley took place at Redditch Crematorium on Friday. David was the conductor of Arrow Valley Brass which he founded but was also involved with many other local bands including Shipston which he conducted a number of times when we were between conductors. In the wider band movement David alongside Major Peter Parkes and Robert Morgan from Lydbook and formed the British Federation Of Brass Bands which is known as Brass Band England. Such was the respect that all local bands felt for David that every local band was represented at the funeral in uniform and so many people wished to be present that every seat was taken, people were standing two deep on the sides and more were in the lobby where they could hear but see little.
David was keen to support long service to bands. He organised a presentation of long service awards to five band members John Smith, Paul Lay, Alan Birch, Paul Sargent and Dave Birch at the Band’s Centenary Concert in 2012. He made a special trip to present retired member Oliver Kemp with an award for 75 years of service to bands.
Photo: David Stanley presents Oliver with his certificate