Sad Loss For Jedforest
That well-known Scottish bandsman, Cyril MacLaren, died at the end of April. Aged 81, he had been playing since he was 7 and had received his SBBA 50-year medal twenty three years ago. Cyril had played with every band in the Scottish Borders and many in other areas. When a young man, he was approached by several Championship bands to sign (including twice by Scottish CWS ? on Bass Trombone and Eb Bass), but Cyril preferred to stay in his native Borderland. Over his many years of service to banding, Cyril never turned down a request to help out, and he trained hundreds of young people.
Cyril was last signed with Jedforest Instrumental, and gave up playing only 2 years ago because of failing eyesight. His last banding event, which he attended as a guest, was the recent opening by Princess Anne of Jedforest?s new bandstand and park, which he greatly enjoyed.
At Cyril?s funeral, a representative band with players from the three bands he played with over the past twenty years (St Ronans Silver, St Boswells Concert, and Jedforest Instrumental) played a selection of his favourite hymns. A generous donation from Cyril?s widow will be used for the benefit of young players in the Borders.
