GERALD SEYMOUR
THIRST MBE.

Obituary
A legendary music man who stood at the helm of the oldest
band in East Anglia, Stalham Brass Band, in Norfolk for a record-breaking 50
years, died suddenly, on 1st April 2000, aged 84.
Born in Stalham, Norfolk he devoted his life to music, taking
up the cornet at a tender age, continuing playing euphonium, at band practices
up until the last.
A former Paston Grammar School pupil, he spent his working
life on the railways, starting as a clerk in 1932. He was one of only a few
remaining Midland & Great Northern Joint Railwaymen, who started their
careers before the big four grouping in 1936 when it was taken over by the
London & North Eastern Railway. Subsequently as relief Station Master his
work took him to every station throughout the region. When he retired he was
Head of the Technical Section, at British Rail’s, Grosvenor House, Norwich.
In September 1940 in the 24yr. age group, he was called up
for war service. The Royal Navy urgently needed radio operators, and his
knowledge of Morse Code, used then extensively on the railways, determined his
posting. Initially based at Campletown, on the Mull of Kintyre, he was posted to
HMS Tuscarora a submarine detection vessel. After promotion to Petty Officer
Telegraphist he spent the remainder of the war on HMS Coldstreamer which was
mainly used as escort for the ‘fast’ North Atlantic convoys. His ability to
send and receive fast morse stayed with him, and he trained many students in the
art during the 1980’s.
The thrill of making music had not dwindled during the war
years, and on his return to Stalham, he not only set about rebuilding the
Stalham Brass Band, as its players gradually returned from the war, but also
providing entertainment in the area with his own dance band the ‘Skyliners’.
It was through their joint love of music, that he met his wife Yvonne, when she
joined the dance band.
Gerald continued to rebuild the Stalham Brass Band, realising
that musicians must be given opportunities at an early age. For the last 22
years he had given encouragement and help with the Stalham Middle School Brass
Band, going in each week on a voluntary basis. The only reward he wished for was
to see a young musician’s progress. Some of the young players even bestowed on
him the title of Honorary Grandfather! During this time he also helped the
Norwich Lads Club Band, Sprowston Band, and Taverham Bands in Norfolk.
With the Stalham Brass Band he had notched up more than 1000
performances, leading the players in charity concerts, Armistice day
appearances, and Christmas carol tours. In all 50 years as Conductor, and 76
years as a player. In November 1999, he was awarded the Guinness World Record as
longest serving musical conductor. In the New Year’s Honours list 2000 he
was made an MBE for his services to music, and Stalham Brass Band. He died
before he could receive his medal. Later in 2000 his widow Yvonne, son Tim,
daughter-in-law Tricia and grandson Robert travelled
to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE personally from the Queen.
His last engagement with the Stalham Brass Band, was to take
part in the recording of their new CD of Hymns of Praise, and only two days
before his death he was once again helping the youngsters in The Stalham Middle
School Brass Band.
He leaves a wife Yvonne to whom he was married for 50 years,
a son Tim, who is the present Musical Director of the Stalham Brass Band,
daughter-in-law Tricia and
grandson Robert.
Gerald was a real gentleman, a man of quiet humour, and a
good friend to all. He is sadly missed.

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