John Jenkins
(7 April 1936 to 13 December 2012)
John was a founder member of the Fellowship band’s trombone section on its inauguration in January 2009. Commissioned into Easton Band on 15th September 1951, he eventually joined the band reserve on 15 September 2010 after 59 years exemplary service. John was the ultimate “Mr Versatility”, having played every instrument except bass – “always happy to play whatever was asked of me”. As a member of a renowned trombone playing family (along with brothers Don and Stephen, son Nathan and grandson Rubin) it is fitting that it was on trombone that he ended his playing days.
The last two years of John’s life were beset by poor health and he was only rarely able to make rehearsal or engagements. But his service throughout his life is remembered and respected for its sincerity and consistency.
Deputy Bandmaster Michael Justice
(17 March 1934 to 4 June 2014)
Mike was the Fellowship band’s first deputy leader and was an invaluable support to Bandmaster Norman in that role, as well as filling the position of principal trombone until his sudden, untimely promotion to glory in June 2014.
Mike was born in Sutton, Surrey and grew up in the corps there, before moving with his wife, Addena, to Portsmouth and then on to Easton, Bristol. After retirement, Mike settled in Worle and soldiered at Clevedon.
Mike was equally accomplished playing euphonium or baritone, but trombone was his first love and such were the standards he maintained that he was playing solos right up to his 80th year.
Mike was a natural leader, in musical and other positions, serving in different corps as Singing Company Leader, Songster Leader and Corps Sergeant Major. All of this experience made him the perfect choice as the Fellowship Band’s first deputy.
Margaret O’Connell
(3 May 1936 to 6th February 2014)
Fellowship is, as it’s name suggests, at the core of the Divisional Fellowship Band and the chance to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat halfway through rehearsal is an important way for bandsmen and women, who are drawn from corps across a wide geography, to bond together. Margaret willingly got involved right from the start as one of the “tea sergeants” who served refreshments at these times.
Margaret was a lifelong Salvationist, married to Mike (the band’s flugel horn horn player) for 55 years. She loved children and was a committed, hard worker in various aspects of young people’s activities in Horfield and, latterly, Pill corps.
Her sudden promotion to glory was a great sadness to the band and her warm smile is much missed.
Raymond Johnson
(7th February 1940 to 7th February 2015)
Ray had been a member of Bristol Easton Road Band for many years and had returned to playing when the Fellowship Band came into existence. Ray was a very competent Horn player and loved re-learning the music of his earlier years.
Ruth Dalton
(16th May 1950 – 15th January 2016)
Ruth was the first Band Sergeant of the Fellowship Band. Although Ruth’s passion was singing she realised that the fellowship band offered something different than just band music and set about ensuring that the band always had refreshments at their practices and engagements and it soon became evident that she also cared for all the members of the band and their families and so she was invited to become the Band Sergeant.
Because of Ruth’s persistence there is now a Salvation Army Fellowship Choir which has the same aims as the band but in this case using words rather than just music to deliver the gospel message.
Frank Fidler
(9 June 1936 -15 July 2020)
Frank Fidler was born in Colchester in 1936, the son of Salvation Army officers. Frank joined the RAF and was appointed to the Central Band, and from there to many other RAF Bands, retiring as Warrant Officer & Bandmaster of the RAF Germany Band after 33 years service, to the Forest of Dean.
During his time in the RAF Frank found an interest in musical instrument repair, many of us have had our instruments repaired by Frank in the Forest.
Frank joined the Fellowship band in 2015 on Eb bass bringing a wealth of knowledge and talent and of course his ability to repair our instruments.
William Terence Nielsen (Terry)
(1930-2020)
Terry was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, leaving home to join the RAF Central Band, Terry went on to be Bandmaster of Bedford Congress Hall Salvation Army, after many successful years as Bandmaster and Songster leader at many corps in the territory Terry retired to Bristol where he joined the South West fellowship Band sitting next to an old colleague from the RAF Central band forming a formidable Euphonium section.
Terry Rogers
(27th December 1936 – 9th January 2021)
Terence James Denis Rogers “Terry “was born in Pill and spent most of his Salvation Army life as a soldier and bandsman at Pill Salvation Army. During this time Terry played Cornet, Tenor Horn, Baritone and Trombone. Terry also loved writing music his last piece was “I need no other sacrifice” which is available on an ISS CD, Terry was a caring, generous, loving gentleman. Terry joined the Fellowship band at its inception and provided an excellent addition to the Baritone section.
Derek Scott
(6th September 1925 – 31st March 2021)
Derek was a loyal Bristol Citadel Salvationist SA bandsman and Fellowship Bandsman.
Derek Enjoyed his playing joining a number of bands in the area.