Cory pay final respects to Bernard Jones OBE
On Friday 23rd February members past and present of the Cory Band paid their final respects to Bernard Jones OBE who sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 75. A group of players performed some of Bernard's favourite hymn tunes outside the crematorium as hundreds of people made their way inside for the service. A sextet also played a beautiful arrangement of 'Just as I am', at the request of Bernard's daughters Alexia and Louise, as the coffin was lowered.
The relationship between Bernard and the Band began in the late 1990s, when John Southcombe approached him and his business partner, Gerald Coleman about sponsoring the band. The relationship really blossomed during Dr Robert Childs' tenure as Musical Director, with the band taking the name of Bernard's company, 'Buy As You View' for a number of those years. Robert recounted some of his memories of this time: "Whilst relocating to Wales, whenever I needed to do band work, I was given an office at Buy As You View Headquarters. I used to love chatting to Bernard and Gerald (who sadly passed away in 2004); in fact it was Bernard, Gerald and myself who planned the Classic Brass recordings Volumes I-IV.
"Over the years Bernard became a good friend and confidante; we would often meet for lunch and chat about the band. In all the time I conducted the band he never refused me anything. He was a great supporter, but without his business guidance the band wouldn't have achieved so much so quickly. There are so many examples of his kindness and generosity, but time and space will not permit me to tell all, however if I had to choose just two words that appropriately summed up Bernard they would be 'style and class'. My sincerest condolences go to his loved ones at this very sad and difficult time."
In addition to being an innovator, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man, Bernard Jones was also a keen bandsman himself, starting on cornet, before moving to tenor horn, a hobby he was passionate about his entire life and enjoyed passing on to his grandchildren. A spokesperson from the band commented, "It was an honour for the band to be represented and thanks to Bob Childs for conducting us and preparing the arrangements for the service. The support that Bernard provided to us for more than a decade enabled us to be the band that we are today, we will be eternally grateful for his belief, vision and passion for Cory. Thank you Bernard, Rest in Peace."
