Jim Cooke (1938 - 2023)

The Band has been saddened to hear of the recent death of Jim Cooke (pictured in middle). 

Jim started played with Lydney Town Band in the 1940s at the age of seven and he maintained his connection with the band until he retired in 2016. During his time with the band, he played Bb cornet, soprano and baritone and in the 1980s Jim took on the role of Conductor. In the mid-2000s, when the Band was at a low-ebb, Jim was closely involved in the establishment of Lydney Training Band, helping to ensure the long-term survival of the organisation. 
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When the Band returned to contesting in 2012, Jim, alongside many of the young players he'd help to tutor, was part of the team that achieved 12th place in the WEBBA Regional Championships. Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, paying tribute to Jim said: "Lydney Town and Training Band has much to thank Jim Cooke for. His involvement, enthusiasm and loyalty were key to the ongoing future of the organisation and its successful Training Band. Thank you, Jim, your legacy with Lydney Town Band lives on".