This week the band lost it’s esteemed soprano cornet player Peter Arthurs. His sudden and untimely death at only 36 years old stunned everyone who knew him. He leaves a wife, Gillian and young daughter, Isabella.

The entire band and youth band send their deepest sympathy to Gillian, Isabella, his sister Cathryn, brother-in-law Gary, mother Betty and father David and entire family circle at this sad time.

The band will provide the music for the funeral service which will take place on Saturday 17th June in Ballycarry Presbyterian Church at 11:30 am and then on to Islandmagee New Cemetery. At a rehearsal for the funeral service the band stood for a minute’s silence in his honour.

Peter had played with the band for 25 years and in that time had become an accomplished soprano player, helping the band in their multiple contest wins and Band of the Year titles along with entertaining the public at many concerts throughout the province. He also had a business repairing musical instruments and was often hard at work in his workshop keeping the instruments of bands and players from all over Ireland in tip-top condition.

He was also an avid Northern Ireland football fan and attended the games when he could (and playing the trumpet when there too).

He graduated from the University of Ulster in 2003 having attained a BMus (Hons) degree. He went on to teach children in schools in the area and also became conductor of the Third Carrickfergus Junior Band where he achieved success in contests with the hard work and effort from the players. He was a highly thought of tutor and as a mark of respect a union flag flew at half mast at Carrickfergus Grammar School.

Fate dealt a cruel blow to Peter when, in the early summer of 2016 while on holiday with his family, he collapsed. After various tests it was discovered that he had a brain tumour. He underwent a serious operation in an attempt to remove it but within a short period of time it had returned so a second operation was necessary. At the time of his death he was undergoing treatment in an attempt to recover from this second operation.

Over the years Peter had built a large circle of friends, all of whom salute his life dedicated to his family, his band family, his teaching and his music making. He leaves a true legacy of pupils who have continued and will continue to further their musical interests due to his inspiration and teaching and a huge hole in the hearts of all those who knew him. Good Night Peter – and Thank You.