Michael Vickers 1954-2008
Mike started his bass playing career relatively late in life, his first forays into playing the bass were while he was teaching at Angley School in the late 1980s. He played with the school wind band and later with the 10 piece Saturday morning group run by music teacher and then town band conductor Nick Carter.
Entirely self taught Mike picked up the bass very quickly and it wasn’t long before he was persuaded into coming along to the town band with the rest of the Saturday brass players. From there he never looked back and quickly became a key (and sometimes only) player in the bass section.
Sadly Mike left the band a few years ago with a tumour that had left him unable to hear properly and despite bravely battling through several operations over recent years, Mike lost his fight in February of this year.
Everyone who met Mike will remember him as a person who managed to smile through adversity and as someone who could find something humorous to say about most situations. He was an inspirational teacher who had so much enthusiasm for his subject, making physics and chemistry interesting for those previously oblivious to such subjects. A nicer and more genuine person would be hard to find. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The band were honoured to be asked to play at Mike’s remembrance service at Hawkhurst Baptist church on Monday the 18th February and accompanied a church filled with friends and family while they commemorated and celebrated his life.
The band extend their best wishes to Mike’s wife Janet and sons Tim and Christopher.
Donations in Mike’s memory are to benefit “Macmillan Cancer Support”. If you would like to make a contribution this may be forwarded c/o J Perigoe & Son, Bank Street, Cranbrook TN173EF.