David Elliott R.I.P.

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:23 am

I've just heard the very sad news that Dave Elliott passed away on Feb. 14th.

He was a good friend to many of us during our time at C.H. and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Condolences to Ann, Elizabeth and Wendy.

I have just spoken to the funeral directors, who tell me that arrangements have yet to be finalised.

Tha announcement in the West Sussex County Times asks for family flowers only.

If you would like to make your own enquiries, please contact Freeman Brothers, Horsham, on 01403-254590.

Great Plum · Post by **Great Plum** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 10:13 am

Tragic news... he was still remembered as a legend when I was at CH...

eloisec · Post by **eloisec** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:11 am

He was a great musician, bandmaster, and friend. Very upsetting news.

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:16 am

The funeral will be on Friday March 3rd. at 1.30 p.m., at St. Mary's, Horsham.

BTaylor · Post by **BTaylor** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:23 pm

Mr Elliott was one of the greatest influences on my CH career. He taught me much about what it takes to survive in the real world.

Many condolences to his family.

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:53 pm

BTaylor wrote:Mr Elliott was one of the greatest influences on my CH career.

Likewise. The musical aspect of my time at C.H. was always the most enjoyable, thanks to Dave Elliott.

He and Ann always had an 'open house' in Horsham on Saturday afternoons, so some of us frequently used to drop in for a cup of tea and a natter. I was really pleased to have them as guests at my wedding in 1992.

I remember the day he married Ann. He rehearsed the band as normal for Saturday lunch parade, then just said "OK, outside, please. Mr. Clements will take the parade - I'm off to get married"!

His leavers parties were legendary, fuelled by gallons of his home brew.

eloisec · Post by **eloisec** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:01 pm

We used to pop in on Saturday afternoons too. Always so generous and welcoming to everyone. Never tried any home brew though!

I have so many happy memories of being in the band ... indeed the happiest memories of being at CH are amongst them.

He always had time for a chat if you needed one as well. So busy and yet never too busy not to notice if someone needed help.

Richard: do you know if the funeral is just for family? I would like to pay my respects, but don't want to intrude.

Find it very hard to believe I won't be playing alongside him in a concert again. Even if he did make me laugh when I shouldn't have been ...

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:09 pm

Eloise, I've sent you a P.M.

eloisec · Post by **eloisec** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:09 am

http://royalmarinesbands.myfreeforum.org/sutra6616.php

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:18 am

Thanks, Eloise.

The obit mentions that he helped some of his pupils to pursue a musical career with the Marines.

At least one of my contemporaries certainly did so.

eloisec · Post by **eloisec** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:28 am

I was going to leave CH after my GE. Had enough of CH really. David pursuaded me to carry on with the argument that my music woud suffer if I left (along with my studies, which took secondary importance at the time!). He was completely right. And I owe him massively for it. My music is one the most valuable things I ever learnt.

So although I'm not a music professional, David was a huge influence on my future life. He even kept getting me 'gigs' in Sussex when he could, which was also a great way of catching up with the gossip!

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:39 am

I can understand that.

Although I'm not really playing now (I must get my trombone out of its case soon!) I have always worked in the music industry. I couldn't really imagine doing anything else, and I'm sure this is a least partly due to Dave Elliott's influence.

eloisec · Post by **eloisec** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:43 am

I still play far too much

Had a band rehearsal last night, and played some Sousa marches to warm up ... needless to say I didn't really need the march card which was in front of me!

I can't imagine ever not playing music or not being in a band.

StephensH · Post by **StephensH** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:14 pm

Funeral is on Friday 3rd March at St. Mary's Church, Horsham in The Causeway

He was my last ever conductor - I came back to the school to play in his last Old Blues concert and I'd left in 1963.

A really great guy, loved teaching, hated pomposity, enjoyed life and will be sorely missed by Anne and his girls.

Do try and see his Beating Retreat videos!

Richard Ruck · Post by **Richard Ruck** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:02 am

Donations in memory of David can be made either to St.Catherine's Hospice or to The Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain.

St. Catherine's Hospice - http://www.stch.co.uk/
RSMGB - http://www.ianpartridge.pwp.blueyonder. ... minfo.html

Cheques should be sent to

Freeman Brothers
5 Market Square
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 1EU

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David Elliott R.I.P.

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