* Albert Hammonds died on July 31.
It is with great regret that Llangollen Silver Band has
announced the death on July 31 of its musical director Albert Hammonds, long
service medal holder and well respected member of the brass band community in
North Wales.
Albert had been a keen brass band player since childhood and
was a member of Llangollen Silver Band for over 66 years.
In his youth he would happily play for any band in the North
East Wales area that needed a baritone player, and he often boasted that in
those days it was possible to play at rehearsals for a different band every day
of the week with minimal travelling.
A well-known figure in Llangollen, he has more recently been
able to enjoy the pleasures of walking his dogs, looking after his
grandchildren, playing bowls and chatting with his many friends, but most of
all he will be remembered for his dedication to the survival and prosperity of
the band.
His role over the years encompassed playing the baritone horn,
conducting, organising and fundraising, especially towards the costs of the
building of the new band-room.
Although his health had been failing him since March this
year, fellow band members were delighted that he was well enough to be with
them for the grand opening of the new band hall on June 16.
Band spokeswoman Lynda Kay said: “Albert’s enthusiasm and
sense of humour kept the band going through good times and bad, and his
unshakeable belief in the band helped carry it through some difficult times and
aided it in becoming the successful organisation it is today.
“I know I speak for all of Llangollen when I say that we
will sadly miss the man we have come to think of with great affection, our dear
friend Albert.”
The funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday, August 7 at St
Collen’s Church, Llangollen.
