We have to go back over 30 years to find when Geoff became involved with Bath Spa Band. In 1974 one of the trombone players, Geoff Parsons, suggested that Colin should join the Training Band. Colin was only 11 years old at the time so of course Dad had to transport him to the practice sessions. I am told they were held in a church hall in the Lower Bristol Rd. Rather than return home and come back later Geoff stayed in the bandroom during the practice and that's when it started.

While Colin was learning to play the cornet Geoff showed an interest in percussion. After 2 years Colin progressed to the senior band and Geoff was asked to help out in the percussion section. Quite soon Geoff was playing in the band in a contest. The contest took place in the Victoria Rooms in Bristol. I am told that the cymbal part was very important in the piece all the bands had to play and Geoff must have made sure it was heard because the band won the contest and as a result were promoted to the Championship Section.

Geoff continued in the percussion section and the band continued to play in contests. Contests take place all over the place and the band like to have a practice session before the contest starts. Through his involvement with the Methodist Church Geoff was able to find church halls for these practices wherever we travelled. Not only could Geoff find church halls but for a long time he was on the staff of Kelston Park. Hence Kelston Park was used for committee meetings, practices, open days and even a recording by Radio Bristol.

As well as the music making of the band Geoff was heavily involved in the running of the band. There is much more to a brass band than just practices and turning up to play at engagements. Money and organisation come into it. Geoff was a trained book keeper so he was the ideal candidate for the band Treasurer. Once you become an officer on a committee it is hard to escape. So Geoff was in charge of the money for just over 20 years as well as being secretary for 10 years.

Back in the 90's the band had its own van to transport all the equipment to concerts. Geoff was the driver and sorted out the tax, insurance and MOT.
Not only was there Geoff the percussionist and Geoff the treasurer. There was Geoff the loyal collector. Every December small groups from the band play carols to raise money. The percussion doesn't go, if you exclude sleigh bells, but collecting boxes do and I recall many times standing with Geoff in all winds and weathers with our blue collecting boxes. I especially remember a really cold day not that long ago when Geoff was no longer playing with the band but he turned up outside a supermarket and helped to collect. That is a special bandsman!

Bath Spa Band pays tribute to Geoff and says thank you for all you did for us.