It was with immense sadness that Eccleston Band members learnt last Friday afternoon of the passing of their band president, founder member and great friend Richard Knock. Ever present since the reformation of the band in 1970, serving on the committee, playing on almost every seat in the cornet section and a couple of others besides. He was always supporting and encouraging the younger players with a smile and a kind word or two, setting an example of how to be a bandsman. We played for him once again on Friday 6th thanks to St Catherine’s Hospice, including the hymn “Eternal Father Strong To Save”, a nod to his time in the Merchant Navy, which we played again in his memory at rehearsal. He always said music was one of the things that kept him going, not just band, but also as an accomplished clarinetist with his jazz band doing regular gigs in the Liverpool area and beyond. We will all miss him terribly.
Our thoughts are with his wife June, daughters Sue and Rachel and all their families. Rest in peace Richard – Heaven’s band has gained an exemplary member.