Raymond Jeffery MBE
23rd June 1930 – 6th September 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we pass on the sad news that our former Musical Director and long serving member of Thrapston Town Band, Ray Jeffery, passed away on Saturday 6th September.
The band were rehearsing in St James Church, Thrapston for the upcoming National Finals when Ray’s son Stephen came to tell us. The test piece was set aside and the band turned to hymn number 29 in the red books – Abide With Me (Eventide). It seemed like serendipity that we were in Thrapston Church at that time and it was a moving and fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to the band.
Ray was born in 1930 and joined Thrapston Town Band in February 1953 at the age of 22. He learned to play the Tenor Horn with band member Tommy Essam as his tutor.
Ray was a stalwart member, serving on the committee of the band for many years and holding a number of different positions including Secretary and Librarian. In 1970, he was appointed to the position of Temporary Conductor, later becoming Musical Director of the band. He held the position until his retirement in 2014 having led the band for 44 years.
After his retirement as MD he continued as a member of the band playing the trombone until his failing eyesight prevented him from continuing. In total he had given the band 65 years of dedicated service.
In 2008 Ray was awarded an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours for Services to Thrapston Town Band and the Community of Thrapston.
Words cannot truly express how grateful we are for the dedication and service that Ray gave to the band and the many young people he introduced to brass banding.
Our thoughts are with Doreen, Stephen, Andrea, Richard, Andrew and all of the family at this sad time.
