The Memorial Page of the RMACB
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hedley Lock. A powerful and very muched missed character of the band. Hedley has been a great asset to the band since its inception and even during his illness, made sure he attended at every opportunity. We shall remember him.
It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the recent passing of Jimmy Mann. Jimmy was a stalwart of the band from it's inception and took on one of the most demmanding roles, as librarian. A job which he fulfilled with his customary dedication and flare.
We will remember him.
Musn Eric John Mann - RMBX 2941
Jimmy Mann was born at Alvaston, Derbyshire on 25th May 1937 and enlisted as a 14 years old band boy on 4th March 1952. During 15 years distinguished service as solo cornet Jimmy travelled the world beginning with a draft to HMS Terror in the
Shortly before he died Jimmy expressed deep gratitude for all the privileges which had been his during his life, in particular for his marriage to Diane for 44 years, and for their two sons Steven and Anthony. Also for his career which included 6 years in HMY Britannia during which time he became the Royal Yacht Band librarian, a job he clearly relished but an appointment which evidently reflected his efficiency, diligence and real character, as well as the genuine trust and esteem in which he was held by his superiors and colleagues.
Fast Forward now to 2006, Jimmy was one of the founding members of the RMA Concert Band when it formed at Whale Island and as his playing days were over he volunteered without hesitation to become its librarian. This was an especially demanding task as it involved gathering in all the Band's sheet music requirements from scratch. However, Jimmy grasped the challenge and thereby made every bit as significant a contribution to the Band as all the playing members. He declared that he wanted to "put something back into the Band Service for all the pleasure, happiness and skill that the RMB had given to him." The library therefore flourished and in gratitude for his work it is the intention to name our dedicated library room at Eastney 'The Jimmy Mann Music Library' as a lasting tribute to his memory.
The esteem and affection in which Jimmy was held was evident at his funeral in Portchester on 15th October for it was standing room only. Bishop Barry Shucksmith, who was a boy musician contemporary of Jimmy's in Gloucester House at Deal, conducted a superb service and delivered a moving tribute address recalling Jimmy's many achievements and the warmth of his personality. Jon Yates led a brass quintet from the Band for the two hymns and for the retiring music, Vaughan Williams' 'Sea Songs', a most appropriate selection.
Amongst the many tributes which have poured in Capt Ted Whealing, the Band's Director of Music, valued Jimmy's singular contribution to the Band both as librarian and committee member, and recalled his unique sense of humour, the permanent glint in his eye and his 'can-do' approach. Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB LVO DL, the Band's President, wrote: "I am very sad to hear about Jimmy's death. He deserves so much credit for his sterling work behind and in front of the scenes in the early days of our Band."
To Diane his widow, and Steven and Anthony his sons, we extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of a devoted husband, loving father, dear grandfather and very real friend to many. Jimmy will indeed be hugely missed.