Graham Thomas' death announced

It is with regret that the family of Graham Thomas announce that Graham sadly died on 22nd May in Retford Hospice following a brave battle with cancer.
Graham (originally from Oakdale, South Wales) was a well known personality throughout the banding fraternity, particularly in the Midlands region where he has been associated with bands such as Welbeck Estates, St. Mary’s Chesterfield, Creswell Colliery, Blidworth , Ransomes and Thoresby Colliery.
He will be remembered for his Welsh wit and genuine love of brass bands which was so often on display when he compered concerts and entertainment contests.
Graham commenced his association with brass bands 22 years ago when his children began to play and has held various band committee positions culminating in his appointment as President of Thoresby Colliery Band in April this year after serving 8 years with them as Band Manager.
Whilst he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the Bolsover Entertainment Contest which Graham helped resurrect with Carole Crompton. His dedication and devotion to the brass band movement over the 22 years was recently recognised by the North East Midlands Brass Band Association when they presented Graham with their ‘Long Service Award’ in May this year.
Friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Graham by attending his funeral which will be held at Cuckney Church on Wednesday 3rd June at 11.30am and thereafter at the Greendale Oak, Cuckney.
Anne and family are extremely grateful for the support of many friends though this difficult time and for Thoresby Colliery Band and Friends who shall be playing at Graham’s funeral.
It was Graham’s wish that any donations in lieu of flowers be made to Thoresby Colliery Band which can be made via Lincolnshire Co-operative Funeral Services.

 

sincere condolensces

I was deeply upset to hear the news of the passing of Graham Thomas, this news was conveyed to myself and my father (both players with Creswell Colliery Band) by our President Phoebe Williams.

I remember fondly Grahams dedication to Creswell Colliery Band whilst his children played, his tireless efforts for the band in pursuit of lottery grants etc, he will always be a positive part of the history of Creswell Band. I wish to pass on my deepest condolensces to Anne and his family.

The local banding world will be at a loss without Grahams dedication and wit.

Michelle Thompson (formally Fletcher).