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Peter Vickers RIP
He was an occasional visitor to our house so we knew him quite well, so much so he regarded me as his computer guru, often ringing to say, "I have a computer problem, it's not urgent, but I know you like a challenge". Like me he also worked for BT prior to retirement so we had several things in common. Peter then went on to study at University and he also wrote books on the history of Longridge Brass Band and lately a history of the Silver Bell Band which he finished prior to hospitalisation, but was determined to distribute to his friends, and those whose names appeared in the book, knowing time was limited. He was a regular visitor to New Orleans and he was well known over there, Barry Martyn and John ‘Kid’ Simmons are a couple of names he has often mentioned to me. There are few visiting musicians who haven’t stayed overnight at Pete’s house, and will know what I mean when I say it was an experience not to be forgotten, as it full of interesting artefacts. I visited Peter in hospital around early July where he told me that he had been diagnosed with a tumour at the top of his leg, and it was travelling up into his body, and incurable. He was subsequently transferred to a local nursing home in Preston and I am pleased and privileged to have been able to help him with his laptop, emails and the transfer of the web site, which he had created several years ago having learnt how to do it in basic form before many web creation tools were available. The bands and web site are currently being managed by the Silver Bell trumpeter, Roy Freeman. Pete leaves two sons and a daughter, and Barbara & I send our condolences to his family - George, James & Helen, of whom he was immensely proud.
RIP Pete. 18/10/18 -
Very
sad loss. I played with Pete from boyhood with The Yancy Jazzband, then
with The Silver Bell for many years Such sad news about Peter, He will have been known by hundreds of people not all in the jazz world, and as you said, staying in his house was an experience. - Barrie Marshall 18/10/18 - When we were recording the first of our documentaries about jazz in the North West we interviewed the late Peter Vickers. We hope that this clip summarises Pete in a nutshell - a very modest man who just loved the music of New Orleans. This in memory of Pete Vickers Rayk jazz and Louis Lince 18/10/18 So sad to hear that Peter Vickers is no longer with us. It was Peter, the Mr New Orleans Jazz of Preston who introduced me to the local jazz scene well over 35 years ago when I was trying to make local connections after ‘swallowing the anchor’ and finding work on land. He was a fantastic ambassador for the music. I have depped with both Silver Bell and the Red Rose on a number of occasions and Pete also depped with my Yarrow River band. His house was, indeed a veritable museum of jazz. When his colleague, Frank Caunce set about forming a ragtime orchestra, he asked me to consider taking the violin part, sadly, Frank died before that came to pass. Pete was always the most helpful of jazzmen, he will be sadly missed by many, many musicians in this area, and beyond. Rest in Peace, Peter Vickers. - Richard Knock. 19/10/18
Thank you for your report about Pete Vickers
which of course is very sad news, but not unexpected by those of us assembling
fortnightly at the Silver Bell session at Preston, where I regularly guest.
I have known and played with Pete for many many years. 19/10/18 - So very sad to hear of Pete's passing. A great loss to the jazz scene in Preston. And not only the jazz scene but the local history fraternity. Pete was a 100% -er. A kind and considerate man, with the patience of Job. Having played with the Red Rose for a good number of years, Pete always left a good impression on me. Rest In Peace old friend. - Jeff Milner 19/10/18 - Peter Vickers - a man I will really miss, in particular talking about The Red Rose Marching band.
Two things
stick in my mind, hopefully the first one will carry on. Playing for Red Rose is much more than a gig it's
a social event unlike other gigs, you meet up, drive to the gig, meet others
there and there is a lot of hanging around during these events so it's cafe or
pub for a natter and a good time. Rest In Peace my good friend. - Barrie Marshall.
21/10/18 - Very sad about Pete Vickers. I saw him with the Silver Bell and Red Rose over the years and he depped with the Lune Valley once or twice but I only got to know him a bit better in the last four years that I have been playing with Red Rose. He was a lovely man and a great organiser. Comes so soon after the death of Alan Duckles, two fine band leaders. Steve Lister 24/10/18 - Very sad news. I shall be at the Crematorium and The Mad Hatters. I have very good memories of Pete, including a message from him to bring him back a parade hat from the Sacramento Festival. He gave me the size required, so it all worked out very well. Martin Bennett 28/10/18- I
was very sorry to hear about Pete Vickers, when I went to New Orleans for the
first time, Peter told me where to go for music, food, days out etc. he also
loaned me some guide books, a very kind man. 01/11/18 -
What a privilege to have known Peter for over 30
years. A keen historian and proud ‘Prestonian’. Partaker in four Preston Guilds,
1952 in the Scouts, then three with the Red Rose Brass Band. As Band Manager, he
gave me the opportunity to join the band as Grand Marshall back in the 80’s. The
band won’t seem the same without Pete, but he wished us to keep parading. An amazing turnout for Pete's funeral, too many to all fit in the chapel
Obituary - Lancashire Evening Post
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