I’m running out of puff, says Patrick

BEST of brass . . . a proud Patrick with his medallion

A musician who has given his best to brass is calling it a day — after 73 years!

And Patrick Ward, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year, got a great send-off with the presentation of a medallion by his current band, which he set up from scratch.

He started playing the euphonium when he was at primary school and later went on to join the Army as a bandsman, where he taught himself to play the trombone.

He said: “You earned more if you could play two instruments! We played all over the place, in countries like Malaya, which was a great experience.”

After leaving the Army, Mr Ward, of Chadderton, went on to play for a number of bands across the borough including Delph, Greenfield, Uppermill and Boarshurst and spent seven years conducting.

In 1995, he set up Westwood Over 50s Brass Band, for retired players who, by Patrick’s description, “had nothing else to do on a Tuesday.”

Starting with four members, Mr Ward managed to develop one of the biggest bands in the borough.

After 17-years of running the band, Mr Ward has hung up his instruments.

He said: “I’m no spring chicken. I want the band to carry on running, but it’s too much for me now.”