PETER MORRIS

John Hannis talks about an old friend.

Peter Morris who passed away last week aged 81 was Bandmaster of the Chipping Norton Silver Band. He was born in the town and had been a bandsman for over 70 years. Back in the early thirties Peter lived up London Road and went to nearby Holy Trinity School. As a young boy he joined the Salvation Army Band along with a lot of his mates.  It was a popular thing to do. Apart from the friendship they fed you well. Faggots and peas at the Sally Army was a big thing in those days. But for teenagers the regime got too stifling - no cinema, no drinking, no smoking. So all the young lads left and set up their own band. The Chipping Norton Silver Band was born. Peter was one of the stalwarts and played most of the brass instruments - horn, trumpet, euphonium. He earned his living as a lorry driver. But it was only a short time before the whole band - with just one exception - were called up and went off to the war. Peter served in the Royal Navy for five years. The band re-formed in 1947. And Peter was now  working for Oxford Motor Services as a bus driver - stationed at Chippy. He later became a supervisor at Witney Garage. He married Beryl and had two daughters and a son. The band continued to be a huge interest in his life. With rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday and usually some function to play at over the weekend it took up most of his spare time...although he did find time to be an enthusiastic member of the Oddfellows. The Silver Band was a popular fixture at all the major social and civic events in the town. They were the stars of the fete on Hospital Saturday and took part in British Legion and Civic Parades. The membership of the band extended  way beyond the town and Peter was well-known throughout the area. At his funeral next Tuesday twenty members of the band will come from outside the town - a sign of the respect and affection in which he was held throughout the county. Peter had an enormous passion for music with which  he succeeded in inspiring others -  particularly younger bandsmen. He will be remembered above all as a great teacher. Hugely knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. Peter was a big man - in every sense. He always appeared  larger than life especially when leading the band. He has been part of the very fabric of the town for so long, it just won't be the same without him.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family. We share in their loss.