TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known brass musician and conductor.

Bob Wyatt learned to play the euphonium in Evesham and went on to play in brass bands around the world.

Mr Wyatt was born in Evesham on March 6, 1938, and grew up there with his parents, Betty and Leslie, and his older sister, Susan. He attended Swan Lane School, and then Prince Henry’s Grammar School. He left school at the age of 16 to do an apprenticeship as a toolmaker at Heenan and Froude in Worcester, where he was awarded the accolade of Best Apprentice in his first year.

It was at Evesham Methodist Church Youth Club where he became interested in playing the euphonium and he joined Avonbank Band, who were also connected with the church. When he first took the euphonium home, Bob’s parents wouldn’t allow the instrument in the house - it had to be kept in the outside toilet. When they realised that Bob was serious about playing, they relented and let him come in the house to practice. He met his first wife, Marilyn, at Avonbank Band, where she was a cornet player. They were married in 1959 and had three children, Della, Gary and Tony.

When Mr Wyatt was offered the chance to play baritone with the Fairey Engineering Band in 1971, the family moved from Evesham to Stockport. In those days, a place in the band meant a job with the company, and Bob took up a position as planning engineer.

Mr Wyatt's son Gary said: "The main theme that continued through his life was his love of music, brass band music in particular. His hobby had a great influence on all aspects of his life. His honeymoon with Sandra was only a 2-night break - because there was a band job. He and Sandra bought a caravan in North Wales - because Bob spent so much time there conducting Deiniolen Band. On a weekend away with Sandra and friends, he had to drive back home on the Saturday night for an important rehearsal. Band always came first."

Mr Wyatt played with Fairey’s for 15 years, travelling with them all over the UK, and to further flung places throughout Europe, and there were also particularly memorable trips to Canada and Hong Kong. He found time to give private lessons to keen youngsters and he played a major part in the formation of Stockport Schools Brass Band, where he was remained as musical director of the Senior Band for 17 years. During that time, he had a huge impact on many young players within the band. There were never-to-be-forgotten band trips to various places in Europe, along with many contest successes in the UK. Bob’s proudest moment was getting an invitation to perform in the Schools’ Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

During his career, he spent time playing with Marple Band, and conducting at Poynton, Bollington, Deiniolen and Marple Bands. If any other band needed a conductor, either for a rehearsal or a concert, if he wasn’t busy, he never turned them down.

Bob died aged 82 on October 8.

Mr Wyatt said: "As Bob’s health deteriorated following his diagnosis of bowel cancer in July, he never ever complained and, as with his arthritis, he just “got on with things”. He lived a full and enjoyable life surrounded by family and good friends - and left quite a legacy in the world of brass bands."