Tributes have been paid to the founder of the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps, who died last week – just days after another influential band leader.
Brian (Bryn) Keeler, 77, died at Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, after being diagnosed with cancer.
Romford Drum and Trumpet Corp’s creator, Dick Bouchard died last month, and his funeral was on Monday (see p38-39).
Bryn started the band in 1959 with three others, loaning his and his wife’s hard-earned house deposit for the purchase of instruments.
After vowing to go from “new boys to champions in one year”, the band was triumphant in both local and national competitions after just a few months.
Bryn was a member of the Hornchurch Sea Cadets before starting the band, and completed his national service in the Royal Navy.
After leaving the Navy, he felt the Sea Cadet band was not as good as he thought it could be, and set out to form a new troupe.
Countless awards
Along with Bob Stables, Reg Aris and Chas Deverall, Bryn founded the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps (HDTC).
The band went on to win countless awards and trophies as they travelled Europe with their repertoire of modern music and traditional military-inspired songs.
Stephen Johnson joined the band in 1961 after Bryn addressed his school’s assembly to speak about the band, and said Bryn “supported him throughout”.
He added: “He encouraged people to join the band. We were taught to be independent – he prepared us for the outside world.
“There are hundreds who owe their character to the likes of Bryn.
“As a youth worker, you couldn’t get any better.
“He was a surrogate father really, which from my point of view was good as my father had died when I was younger.
“He did a lot for the community as well, like neighbourhood watch schemes.”
Bryn’s funeral will take place on Tuesday at Benfleet Methodist Church, High Road, Benfleet, at 12.30pm.
A cremation service will then follow at Basildon Crematorium, Church Road, Basildon, at 1.20pm.
A reception for the band founder will be held at The Gun pub, London Road, Bowers Gifford.
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