These members of our Band are sadly no longer with us so we thought we would add a page to remember them.
Malcolm Nellist (trombone). Malcolm was born in Salford and from an early age developed a love of music. On leaving school, he joined the Salford Police Force which had a great band which Malcolm joined straight away. In his ‘off time’, Malcolm also played in the Tyldsley Brass Band and in a local orchestra. During his National Service, Malcolm joined the Royal Army Service Corps Band. Malcolm retired from the Police as a Sergeant and moved to Devon where he played in the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Band, Torbay Brass Band, Totnes Brass Band and finally Riviera Concert Brass where he was a founder member. He also played in local big bands and pit orchestras which left little time for other hobbies.
Reg Walton (cornet). Reg played in Torbay Concert Brass and later Bay Brass for many years. He taught at South Devon College and was very involved in his Church, playing in the Band there. Reg was also a welcome visitor at the Hospital with his chaplaincy work.
Bernard Ryan (Eb bass). Bernard was born in Chard, Somerset and served in the Royal Navy before joining the Devon & Cornwall Police and moving to Saltash. Music was always an important part of his life and he became a long standing member of Saltash Town Band and the Devon & Cornwall Police Band. When the Police Band folded, he became a founder member of Riviera Concert Band. He was a gentleman in the true meaning of the word and is sadly missed by all who knew him.
Chris Wilson (Eb bass). Chris learnt to play at the age of 8 in the Young Peoples Band at Exeter Temple Salvation Army. He progressed right through to playing with the senior band for 35 years. Chris also played with the City of Exeter Railway Band and helped many bands out. He was a painter and decorator at Exeter Prison.
Dave Flatman (Bb bass). Dave learnt to play sousaphone in his native North East when he was 11 years old. When he was 16, he joined the British Army and after training joined the Royal Tank Regimental Band. He served for 11 years before moving back to Newcastle where he worked as a peri. He has played with many bands including Consett, Durham Police and Dunstan Silver. Dave moved to Torquay in 2012 and after a 17 year gap began playing again with Torbay Brass Band.
