Mervyn Retires from the Senior Band

Mervyn Jones joined the band in 2014 as Solo Baritone, having only started playing again relatively recently following a break of around 30 years. In doing so he reformed a partnership with 2nd Baritone player, the late Gerry Brough, that had taken them both through spells with the City of Coventry, GUS and Nassington bands prior to the mid 1980s.

With the bands first ever promotion into the Championship section in 2016, Mervyn returned to a level of banding he had first encountered with the City of Coventry band in the 1970s and his experience of playing at this high standard shone through in all of the Bilton performances that he was involved with, whether as a soloist or as a vital contributor to the pieces played. Always organised at rehearsals and concerts, he was a great example to members of all ages.

Outside of playing, Mervyn was good company, with many a tale of appearing on “Stars on Sunday” with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain at the major contests at Belle Vue and the Royal Albert Hall, or travelling to Nassington with Gerry. At the annual quiz night, the rest of the competitors struggled with “Keeping up with the Jones” as Mervyn and family showed us all how it should be done.

As Mervyn now leaves the Bilton band he will be missed as both a player and as a friend to us all.