BENNING – Suddenly on December 3rd, 1981 at Kettering General Hospital, Ronald Harry, aged 71 years of 3 Pytchley Road, Rushden, beloved husband of Mabel, dear father of Roy, Alan and Norma, Margaret, Rita and Brian (daughters and son-in-law), loving gramp of his grandchildren.  Funeral Service at the Mission Church, Rushden on Monday December 7th at 2.15 p.m., followed by cremation at Kettering Crematorium.  Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Mission Church, c/o Rev. J Williams.  Enquiries to A Abbott and Sons, Funeral Directors, High Street South, Rushden.

Evening Telegraph, 9th January 1982, transcribed by Gill Hollis OBITUARY - Ron Benning played solo trombone for Rushden Temperance from 1935 until 1975, when the band became the Rushden Windmill Band.  He commenced his career as a schoolboy with Rushden Mission Band, and at an early age showed an exceptional talent, winning numerous cups and medals at solo contests.   During the War he served with the Fleet Air Arm, and whilst stationed at Padstow, Cornwall, he formed and conducted his own band.  On demobilisation Ron returned to Rushden Temperance.  He also played for Harry Mortimer’s All Star Band on several occasions.   On 24 November, Ron was taken ill at band practice and passed away two weeks later.  His funeral at Rushden Mission Church on 7 December was attended by bandsmen and friends from all over the Midlands.   He will be greatly missed by his many friends in the band world.

BENNING – Mrs. Mabel Benning of 3 Pytchley Road, Rushden and family wish to sincerely thank relatives, friends and neighbours for all the kindness, expressions of condolence and beautiful floral tributes received in their sudden sad bereavement.  Special thanks are extended to the family doctor and doctors and staff of Harrowden C Ward, Kettering General Hospital for their kind care and attention.  The donations received for the Mission Church are greatly appreciated.

An undated newsclip Tribute to top bandsman Rushden Windmill Band is planning a competition for a special trophy in memory of one of its trombonists who died recently.   Mr. Ron Benning (73) died last month after six years with the Windmill and 40 years with its predecessor, the Rushden Temperance Band.   He collapsed while practising at the Windmill Club and died two weeks later at Kettering General Hospital.  The funeral took place at the Rushden Mission Church followed by cremation at Kettering.   Mr. Benning played solo trombone with Rushden Temperance Band from 1935 until 1975, when it became the Windmill Band.  He also played for Harry Mortimer's All Star Band.   Mr. Benning, who married in 1934, lived in Pytchley Road, Rushden, throughout his married life.  He leaves a wife, Mabel and three grown-up children.   Mr. Cyril Tew, secretary of the Windmill Club, said “Although nothing definite has yet been planned, we hope to organise a completion for a Ron Benning Memorial Cup.”

An undated newsclip, c1979 Veteran bandsmen for contest When two local bands – GUS (Footwear) and Rushden Temperance Band – compete in the Midland Brass Band Championship in Leicester this season, they will have between them two bandsmen with a total of 94 years’ experience.   Mr. Bert Sullivan, 5 Reservoir Road, Kettering, has been a bandsman for fifty years and is one of the best known euphonium players in the country.   He will be in his usual place with GUS when they play in the Daily Herald Midland Area events at the De Montfort Hall on April 25.   Thirty-two of his fifty years have been spent with GUS.   The band will be conducted as usual by Mr. Stanley Boddington who has had 51 years’ band experience since he joined Wollaston Town Band as a cornetist at the age of seven.   Rushden Temperance Band also has its veteran player.  He is Mr. Ron Benning, 3 Pytchley Road, Rushden, who has been a bandsman for 44 years – thirty of them with Rushden.   A trombonist, Mr. Benning has taken part in nearly 200 contests. Youth   But both bands are also relying on youth.  The youngest GUS bandsman is Ken Lewis, a 17-year-old cornetist who lives at 95 Buccleuch Street, Kettering.   David Gomm, aged 15, is the youngest member of the Temps.  He is a cornetist and lives at 144 Hall Avenue, Rushden.   Mr. George Crossland, who has been with the Temps only 14 months, will be conducting them.   Both the bands are anxious to do well as the three top prize-winners go forward to the national championship in London in October.

Undated newsclips Bandsman’s Successes On Saturday at Long Buckby, Mr. Ronald H. Benning, only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Benning, of 59, Midland-road, Rushden, was successful in gaining 1st prize and medal in a slow melody solo contest, also medal for the best performance on the trombone.  Mr. Benning is the solo trombone player in the Rushden Wesleyan Reform Mission Band, and has been under the tuition of Mr. D. Percival, and Mr. J. Roberts.  He entered his first contest in January of this year, and since that time has gained the following honours;  March 22nd, at Kettering, 4th prize;  April 5th, at Northampton, 2nd prize and silver medal; April 12th South Wigston, 1st in the trombone section, and silver medal;  May 10th, Kettering, 1st prize and gold medal; and at Long Buckby last Saturday. Successes For Rushden Bands   Rushden Temperance Band, under Bandmaster T. Young, were placed first in the open section at the great band contest at Banbury, on Saturday, in connection with the Horton Hospital Carnival.  They also won first place for the trombone solo, through Bandsman E. Jones.   Rushden Mission Band, under Bandmaster M. F. Clark, were first in their section, winning the Reid Cup and a cash award of £8  10s.  In addition two of their soloist bandsmen, F. Clark (cornet) and R. Benning (trombone), received medals.   Bandsman Benning’s performance was judged the best of the day, and he was awarded the challenge cup. Great Trombonist The forthcoming marriage of Mr. Ron Benning, of Rushden, will be of great interest to many readers.  He has won more prizes at the many solo contests than probably any bandsman of his age, including the Championship Cup of Northants.  In fact, his performances on the trombone have ranked him as one of the best players in the Midlands.