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| 41. Major George Whittingham wrote at 24.10.2005 | |
| Congratulations on last Saturday.
Sorry we could not support but we had an engagement in Southend | |
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| Homepage: http://slfb.freehomepage.com Email: majorgwhittingham[AT]tiscali.co.uk | |
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| 42. Dave Payn wrote at 24.10.2005 | |
| As a member of the Crystal Palace Band for 20 years (stand-in conductor for one of them) between 1979-99, I can only echo the words Maggie has written.
Roger Clements was an absolute giant, (not just in height!) but in what he did for the Crystal Palace Band. He was always the first to make polite conversation with a new band member, he always had a gloriously lyrical euphonium sound that could genuinely bring a tear to your eye and he absolutely loved that band and I like to think the band reciprocated those feelings, each and every one of them that met him. Add to that he was superbly organised in everything he did for the band; as chairman and organiser of CPB's regular foreign trips.
He didn't suffer fools gladly, and could be quite outspoken, but even then, one was never offended if he had a point to make because it was ALWAYS with the band's interests at heart, not his own. Add to the fact that he was a deeply generous and friendly man and I hope by now you realise just how much (a) the band meant to him and (b) what he meant to the band. The brass band movement lost a genuine banding stalwart and star when he passed away.
Finances dictate, alas, that I cannot make the trip to Beckenham to see the concert but I would like my thoughts made known to CPB, please and particularly his widow, Janet. I'll be thinking of them and the band on October 22nd.
RIP Roger Lewis Clements.
Note from Webmaster , message posted on http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16776&goto=newpost
prior to the concert | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: dave[AT]brassforallpublishing.co.uk | |
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| 43. DEREK GREENWOOD wrote at 21.10.2005 | |
| Hope the concert goes well.What a lovely tribute to Roger.Love to Janet.
Derek Greenwood. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: dg[AT]truroschool.com | |
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| 44. Matt Smith wrote at 19.10.2005 | |
| I was so sad to hear about Roger it's such a loss to the band and the banding world.He made me feel so welcome when i joined the band some years ago.I am really looking forward to seeing the band again and feel honoured to a part of Rogers concert. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: smidgesmith81[AT]aol.com | |
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| 45. Leonard Walker wrote at 14.10.2005 | |
| In my youth, my father would take me to see the Brass Band Championships at the Crystal palace and we would walk along the terraces listening to the bands. Me with my bottle of lemonade and my father with his bottle of beer would sit and make jugdement on who would win. I must of seen your band perform but I must confess that the only band that comes to mind is the Black Dyke mills band (sorry).
We would get to our seat inside and stay till The end. If I guest right I got a ride home on the bus other wise we walked. I had a lot of bus rides home. Call it luck if you like.
I broke my hearth when the Palace burnt down. It meant no more band champs.
I have just discovered your site and will make a return to it soon.
The last show I saw at the Palace was about the time it burnt down and I was then 11 years old. Its great to think that you are still going strong and hope that you get stronger.
God luck to you and all the Bandsmen/Bandswomen and thanks for the memories.
Best regards Len Walker | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: len[AT]lenwalker.wanadoo.co.uk | |
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| 46. Sandra Clinton wrote at 29.08.2005 | |
| While surfing about I have just come across your website. I am so sorry to hear about Roger. He was a great guy who always made me a very welcome guest at Crystal Palace. I hope to see you all again soon and am glad to see that the band is going from strength to strength. | |
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| Homepage: http://www.patchamsilverband.co.uk Email: s.clinton[AT]bhasvic.ac.uk | |
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| 47. Philip A Watson wrote at 19.07.2005 | |
| About three months ago I was appointed to the post of Development Officer for the British Federation of Brass Bands. Thanks for sending your news letter to me; I look forwards to reading more about your band. Great website too. Best wishes for the future. | |
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| Homepage: http://www.bfbb.co.uk Email: devofficer[AT]bfbb.co.uk | |
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| 48. John Hinkley wrote at 11.06.2005 | |
| I was sorry to hear about poor old Roger.I first met him when Pete Cooper brought him up to do a job on drums. He started to come along to rehearsals and seemed very keen so I asked him if he would like to learn to play....
He lived quite close, so I gave him a few lessons and started him on the road to Banding.
We remained friends and often spoke over the phone, the last time being at Christmas this. year.
Its good to know that the Band is still going strong.We had some very difficult times in the fifties but the revival started when the boys from the 88th BB came along. I wish you all well for the future. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: Trombonetwo[AT]cowplainpo8.freeserve.co.uk | |
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| 49. Alan Luesby wrote at 14.05.2005 | |
| Found your web site surfing the net one night. Sorry to hear about Rogers passing. He was a great guy, full of fun and i remember him well. I was a memeber of the CPB during the reign of MD Malcolm Simmonds. I was a trombone player. We meet up with Malcolm and his wife Isobel in 2003 on a visit to Europe with the family, and still keep in touch. I recognise some of the names in the guest book, Ian Walsh, Paul Kind and Peter Booker. We now live in Adelaide, South Australia. I still play bass trombone and currently am a member of the Unley Concert Band which came 3rd in the Australian Nationals. My best wishes to the band for the future. Alan Luesby | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: apluesby[AT]iprimus.com.au | |
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| 50. Janet Clements wrote at 13.05.2005 | |
| I would like to thank everyone who has sent tributes in memory of Roger.
As most of you will know banding has also been a big part of my life, not always by choice i might add. However Roger and banding will be greatly missed.
I hope to continue to support the band, even if it is only making the tea at the gala concerts. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: roger.clements[AT]which.net | |
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| 51. Richard Barker wrote at 09.05.2005 | |
| Hello,
My brother Ken plays trumpet in the band but doesn't always remember to tell me about gig dates.
I've seen the band at Greenwich Park and at 2 of the royal parks and always enjoy listening and relaxing to the music you play.
I look forward to hearing from you in future.
Richard Barker | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: richardf.barker[AT]gmail.com | |
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| 52. pete cooper wrote at 09.04.2005 | |
| After reading Roger's obituary I would just like to mention that Roger was the best drummer the 118th Boys Brigade drum and Bugle band ever had I can vouch for that because in my time with the Irish Guards band I was the Bandmaster and he took the percussion section he also played great bugle,incidently his first appearance with the Crystal Palace band was playing snare drum on a marching gig and I had a heck of a time talking him into playing baritone but being my best mate he gave in and the rest is history,we would meet at Wandsworth Common Station every Wednesday night and Sunday morning take the train to West Norwood and always end up at my house for tea and cheese sandwiches supplied by my Mum,he managed to borrow Michaels his older brothers car for our trip to B.B. camp in Devon I still have no clue how he managed it as it was Mikes pride and joy.Roger I will miss you mate,Pete | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: petecooper[AT]cox.net | |
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| 53. Janet & Keith Schultz wrote at 28.03.2005 | |
| A tribute to Uncle Roger - which would not be complete without including Janet.
For Many reasons, I only met Uncle Roger twice - and both times took a great effort by Roger and Janet for which I am grateful. Since our first meeting in 1992 they have kept in contact with me and growing family in Australia - never forgetting birthdays or other special events. Roger was even 'dial a Santa' this last Christmas, when a naughty three year old needed a bit of "encouragement".
I am sorry I didn't get to know Roger better - his talent, enthusiasm and humour are evident in his profile and all tributes. I would have loved to seen him play with the band.
I will treasure the memories I have of Uncle Roger and will always have the picture in my mind of the Folkestone solo, (seen on video) - conducted by Great Nephew Tommy. Music being enjoyed between the generations.
Our thoughts and love are with Janet and I hope Roger can hear the Crystal Palace Band play on.... | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: janetandhorrie[AT]octa4.net.au | |
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| 54. Catherine & Mike Stallybrass wrote at 25.03.2005 | |
| We were so sorry to hear of Roger's death. We only met him last summer on tour with CPB in Normandy and really enjoyed both his musicianship and his company - to say nothing of being knocked sideways by his organising ability!
Our hearts go out to his family in their loss - and to the band - he will not be easy to replace!
However, I'm sure he would be proud of your result in the Areas! Well done and keep up the good work!
Hope to see you all soon - Saddleworth? | |
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| Homepage: http://http;//swinton-band.co.uk Email: tabletweaver[AT]aol.com | |
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| 55. Ryan Barry wrote at 13.03.2005 | |
| When I heard about Roger, I was very sad for Janet. I am very, very sad too. I have been thinking about Rogers family. He was like an uncle to me and my brother Jordan.
I loved Roger taking me on trips with Janet for my birthday treat. I can remember when he took me to the Bluebell Railway and Roger lifted me up onto Thomas to pull the "Honky Horn"! When Roger had a go, the driver had to tell him not to pull it THAT hard.
Another time, Roger sat me on his shoulders to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. I remember falling asleep on Rogers lap on the train coming home.
I love Roger, and I love Janet. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: ryanbarry[AT]speed-mail.co.uk | |
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| 56. Julie Barry wrote at 13.03.2005 | |
| It's a week ago since we all said goodbye to Roger, at his very special funeral. I don't think I have ever experienced such a change of emotions during a service. Still not really believing at that time, that he is just not with us anymore. Mike Gray, well what can we say, he took the majority of the service, and what a fantastic job he did, it must have been so difficult for him. He personalised the whole service and really made it one to remember. Thanks Mike.
I only played in Crystal Palace Band for about 4 years, as a complete novice! Roger would always be sitting on my right hand side, and would regularly not only continue to play his Euphonium part, but scan through my music to tell me where on earth I was supposed to be! I remember so many of Rogers witty ways, he always brought a smile to your face, even in the more serious moments.
I was also privileged to work alongside Roger, both prior to, and during most of the time that he was self-employed. He was very proud of all that he produced, he enjoyed it immensely, and always did a very thorough job.
One thing that I came away with last week, was renewed enthusiasm to join a band now that I have settled in Suffolk. The banding world is so special, an experience not to be missed, so thanks Rog for helping me to re-kindle that interest.
Roger was one of a kind, a very special man, missed by many, for so many reasons. I will never ever forget him, and I will remember many, many very special years that my family and I shared with him and Janet.
Goodbye Rog. | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: juliebarry[AT]speed-mail.co.uk | |
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| 57. Ian & Marge Walsh wrote at 11.03.2005 | |
| It still seems unreal that Roger isn’t here anymore - no-one could have imagined life or Crystal Palace Band, without him. He was a great friend, a big chap, with a big personality to match, but we’ll miss his sense of humour and fun above all else. When we think of Roger, we can’t help but smile, because of the very funny things he used to say and do (some of which we couldn’t possibly tell you on the Internet!!). He had a great way of telling jokes by telling you the punch line first! We had a lovely holiday with Roger and Janet in 2001. Every morning at breakfast in the Hotel, we thought we’d get ourselves a free lunch by making up rolls out of some of the breakfast food. We made the rolls up, and Roger checked that no one was looking before hiding them in Janet’s handbag, which was on his lap, under the table!There are so many stories - all of them funny, which make great memories.
Life won’t be the same without Roger around - but, more than anything, he would want the band to carry on just as it did with him there - so when you get to Stevenage, ‘play out of your skins’ as Roger would have said.
Janet has a good circle of support, we’ll always be there for her, and we hope that she’ll never feel alone. Part of Roger lives on in Janet - she has a great sense of humour as well.
Roger was one in a million.
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| Homepage: not entered Email: walsh5345[AT]hotmail.com | |
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| 58. Michael Gray wrote at 11.03.2005 | |
| After so many tributes, what can I add? He was a good friend and I'll never forget the humour, kindness and good-heartedness that were Roger's chief human attributes. It has been a traumatic couple of weeks for me; the Lord knows what it must have been like for Janet. She has been a rock and a loving supporter of Roger, both in his band life and during his mercifully short period of extreme ill health. We are thinking of you Janet and, like you, we will badly miss Roger.
Mike | |
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| Homepage: not entered Email: nikolaios[AT]hotmail.com | |
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| 59. Barbara & Chris Pocock wrote at 09.03.2005 | |
| I first met Roger around 25 years ago through my friend Janet. He was a lovely man with a wonderful sense of humour and will be sadly missed by both Chris and myself.
Fifteen years ago this October when Janet was helping me to arrange my wedding, it was touch and go until the last minute whether Roger would attend. The reason? Crystal Palace Band were likely to be appearing at the Royal Albert Hall and if they were, that is where Roger would be on 6 October 1990, not at my wedding!
Unfortunately for the Band they did not make it to the finals, so, luckily for me, Roger was able to come to the wedding, but it was a close shave for a while! This to me sums up the love and enthusiasm Roger had for Crystal Palace Band.
Both Chris and I would like to take this opportunity to say what a courageous and moving performance the Band gave at Rogers funeral, long may they cherish his memory.
Our special love goes to Janet at this time, we will always be there for her.
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| Homepage: not entered Email: Arkubs[AT]icscotland.net | |
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| 60. Mrs Edith Clements wrote at 08.03.2005 | |
| After all the tributes made to my son Roger, what is there left to say. Never a night went by that he did not telephone me. We put the world to rights on many occassions. Sometimes I'd be rebuked for making a wrong decision, this would always be followed by better advice, always the advice given was for my own good. He was his Father personified, a perfect gentleman. In every sense a Son to be proud of.
I, along with Janet, his wife, will forever miss him. My mind goes back many years to the time when he came home and said that he wished to join the Army, the Guards preferably. His Father soon scotched that idea. It was then he decided to join the Crystal Palace Brass Band. I think the uniform had something to do with it. Some how or other our local paper, The South Western Star, got news of Roger joining the Band and came and took his picture and did a write up about him being the youngest member of the Band at 12 years old! Roger's interest never wavered.
I can't say goodbye to you Roger, your spirit will remain with me always. Many tears will be shed, but time is a great healer.
Rest in pease darling,
With all my love and sorrow,
Your Mother,
'MUM' XXX
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| Homepage: not entered Email: C/o majfran[AT]dsl.pipex.com | |
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