Brian Elliott Death, Obituary – Within the community of brass bands that thrived in the South West of England, Brian Elliott was a prominent figure. It was reported to us with great sadness that he had gone away on November 25th, 2022, and we at the South West Brass Band Association are very sorry to hear this news. Formerly holding the position of secretary for the association is Elliott. After relocating to Devon in 1971 with his family, Brian and his late wife Joyce became involved with their local band in Plymouth. While Joyce was a member of the band and played an instrument, Brian took on the role of band secretary for the organization. Joyce passed away in 2011.
Over the course of more than 45 years, Brian has acted in a variety of roles as an ambassador for the Brass Band movement in the South West region of England. This work has taken place in a number of different positions. In addition, before being elevated to the position of vice president of the organization, he served for a period of fifteen years as a section controller for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Between the years 1972 and 2016, Brian was a member of the Executive Committee of the South West BBA. During that time, he was responsible for a number of different responsibilities. Between the years 1998 and 2016, he was a voting member of the Executive Committee of the West of England BBA. During that time, he held the position of Secretary from 2001 until 2013.
Within the community of brass bands in the South West of England and further beyond, Brian was a well-known, respected, and much-loved character. His influence was felt far and wide. He devoted an incredible amount of time and effort to the art of brass banding over the course of many years, working relentlessly for both Associations. The cultivation and education of players of all ages was a passion project for him, and as a consequence of his efforts, annual events were created as a result of his efforts, and these events are still going strong today. There will be a memorial service for Brian on December 19, 2022 at 10:45 a.m., and it will take place at the Efford Crematorium in Plymouth. (The family has requested that attendees dress in a manner that is considered to be casual.)