It is with
considerable sadness that we announce the death on 6th April 2008 of Hedley
Lock (Musn, RMB 3452), our euphonium player and one of the band’s key
personalities. He was 67. A devoted husband, loving father, dear grandfather,
trusted friend and a person who made a lasting impression on his many friends
and acquaintances, he will not be forgotten, neither will his musical gifts,
his abilities, enthusiasm for life and the many genuine friendships he built
over his lifetime. Joining the Band Service in 1955, he learned to play the
euphonium and ‘cello to a very high standard. |
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He served on HMS Hermes 1958-61
during which time his talent was widely recognised and later rewarded by his
appointment to the Royal Yacht band. There is a delightful story that Hedley
and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh appeared to be on first name terms because HRH
thought that Hedley was his surname – and Hedley never told him otherwise!
On leaving the Band Service in
1970 Hedley took over the Country House pub in Portsmouth’s Commercial
Road, later moving to the Plough and Harrow at Alfriston. Here he honed his
skills on Seaford Head’s golf course and later developed his third career
with Classic Pens. But music was never far away and he continued to play
particularly in the Solent Symphony orchestra and once each year with the Royal
Marines All Stars band at Margate. He joined the Concert Band as a founding
member in 2006. Hedley’s farewell was on 15th April at Eastbourne. The
thanksgiving service, conducted by the Rt Revd Dr J Barry Shucksmith MA
(trombone), was packed and Alan ‘Hooky’ Walker (alto sax) paid a
moving personal tribute.
The
music – Abide with Me, Eternal Father and Some Enchanted Evening –
was provided by a brass quintet from the band led by Jon Yates. Last Post and
Reveille was sounded by a bugler from the Royal Marines School of Music. At our
concert on 22nd May we played Borodin’s Prince Igor, a particular
favourite of Hedley’s, as a special dedication to him. We extend our
deepest sympathy to Hedley’s widow Jennifer, to their children Andrew,
Kate, Peter and Victoria, and to their six grandchildren.
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