The Black Dyke Band has announced the passing of Director, Trustee and Vice President Ian Thompson.

Ian was asked by Donald Hanson in the early 90’s to become a Director to rescue the band and bandroom for posterity, when John Foster & Sons Black Dyke Mills fell on hard times.

With a number of other like-minded people, he raised funds to purchase the bandroom.

His pride in the Black Dyke Band was immense and he was highly respected by the players and his fellow trustees.

He oversaw the formation as a founder trustee of the Charitable trust that now forms the basis of the Black Dyke Band foundation.

Ian’s name will always be remembered as he commissioned several works including Philip Wilby’s The Seasons, Peter Graham’s Call of the Cossacks, and a new commission celebrating Bradford’s City of Culture.

Black Dyke Band Director of Music, Professor Nicholas Childs commented “everyone at the band were deeply saddened to hear the news regarding Ian.  Our thoughts and love are with his wife Jan and the family at this time. Ian was a wonderful trustee and a great friend of the band who served tirelessly for over 30 years.”