David Holdsworth

This author has written 125 articles

SAD NEWS FOR WEST YORKSHIRE BRASS

Within days of the band celebrating another excellent concert in Peasholm Park, Scarborough, we were sadly informed of the passing of our longtime solo euphonium player, Keith Shuttleworth. His wife Anita is devastated to have to inform the band of such sad news.

Keith was a founder member of West Yorkshire Brass and had played euphonium with the band for almost four decades. He was also Band Secretary for many years.

Keith began his banding career in 1956 on the reforming of Cowling Band where he was taught to play the cornet. Over the next few years he played with Skipton Prize Band and Colne Borough Band before joining Haworth Band. It was while Keith was at Haworth Band that he moved on to the Euphonium. He fondly recalled being a member of Haworth Band when they won the the 3rd. Section National Final at Fulham Town Hall with the test piece ‘Shipbuilders’.

He was principal Euphonium with Yeadon Old for a number of years before being asked to play with West Yorkshire Fire Service Band. Shortly afterwards the Fire Service Band changed to a military format. So Keith was amongst a number of the brass players who decided to form a brass band, hence the formation of West Yorkshire Brass in 1986.

This website will report further when details of his funeral arrangements are known.

REST IN PEACE KEITH

LAST MAN STANDING

Regular visitors to our website will know the band celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its foundation earlier in the week on 8th April 2026. Many members have retired, resigned or left due to ill health, and despite having suffered a heart attack himself, resulting in two operations, the only remaining founding member still with the band is our Musical Director, Peter Hellawell.

As part of the weeks celebrations, band members and their guests enjoyed a meal at Cleckheaton Golf Club where Peter was presented with a glass plaque commemorating his 40 years of loyal service.

Congratulations Peter – Keep up the good work!

                                       

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