Tribute to Pam
It is with great sadness that we announce that Pam Reeks BEM passed away yesterday – 5th November 2018.
Pam had the honoured position of being the President of the Verwood Concert Brass organisation and rightly so as she was so passionate about the organisation and proud of all of its players. Over the many decades that Pam has been part of VCB, she has done so much for the organisation. We owe her a great debt of gratitude for how she has supported VCB and nurtured so many players.
Pam was not the first in her family to join the band, this was her then young daughter, Kay, back in the 70’s who continues to play tenor horn in our Championship Section Verwood Concert Brass Band. However, Pam soon followed Kay into the band, also on tenor horn, and until relatively recently was playing in Verwood Town Band. But the family connection didn’t end there as Pam’s granddaughter / Kay’s daughter, Annie joined when she was 11 on cornet and later on percussion.
What a fantastic pastime brass banding is that allows three generations to enjoy making music together and encapsulates the family feel that VCB has engendered over the years. Pam had a large part to play in this and to many may be regarded as ‘Mum of the band’ through her encouragement, kindness, enthusiasm and generosity to all.
How many players were introduced to banding by Pam encouraging them to come along to band for a blow and have since had a lifetime of pleasure playing? Too many to count.
How many training band players were nurtured in their early playing by Pam, for example, ‘pointing’ out the notes? Again, too many to count.
Her kindness was demonstrated through a lovely anecdote we learned of where she sat next to a young band member in the car on the way to band gigs in order to help them learn to drive.
But not only did Pam look after people, she did so much for the band.
For many years she helped run the training band. Copying music, arranging lifts, sorting uniforms and of course delighting in the achievements of players when music grade exams were passed.
Pam was there at band committee meetings doing her bit.
Living just a few hundred yards from the band hall, Pam was there keeping an eye on the hall.
If anyone was needed to attend local community events meetings, Pam volunteered.
Need a stand in conductor, Pam would stand in.
And if not playing herself, she was one of VCBs staunchest supporters. Attending band concerts, travelling to contests and attending the closing performance of the Wessex Summer School week attended by many VCB players.
Being proud to represent VCB she would always be smartly turned out in band ‘walking out’ jacket and tie.
We are all very proud of her too. In 2014 Pam was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to the Verwood community which included her involvement with the band but she did so much more. Do take a read about her award here: http://verwood.org/history/PPL-PamReeks.htm
You will see that she was one amazing lady and she will be greatly missed by so many.
Our thoughts and love go to Kay, Annie and Pam’s husband, Ron.
