VALE DEREK LIVESLEY, VBL HONORARY LIFE MEMBER

The President and Executive of the Victorian Bands' League advise with sadness of the passing on Sunday 22nd July 2007 of Derek Livesley, who was associated over past years with the (then) Ringwood City , Darebin (then Preston) and Kew Bands, as well as with the League itself.

Derek and his wife Barbara came to Australia from the United Kingdom, where we understand Derek was involved with the Boys' Brigade. As so often happens, he too became involved in community banding when he took his son Gary Raymond (now deceased) along to rehearsals at Ringwood City Band. Rather than be just sitting around waiting, he took up playing percussion with the Band, and a little later joined the band committee.

About five years later he went to Preston Band, where he became the Secretary, and was instrumental in making the arrangements for a  successful UK tour by the Band.

In the late 1980's Derek joined Kew Band, where he became the Treasurer. Later he became a member of the VBL Executive, and although (unlike the present) the League did not at the time have an official position of Treasurer, he was given the local title, and the duties of VBL Treasurer. During his time with the Executive as Treasurer he was also a member of the Organizing Committee for the 1998 Australian National Band Championships in Victoria, where he was responsible for financial matters.

Shortly afterwards Derek experienced some health problems, and as a result did not continue on the Executive.

Derek  was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the VBL, and also of Preston and Kew Bands, awards which indicate the high esteem in which he was held by his peers for his contribution to community banding in Victoria.

The President, Executive Delegates and Members of the Victorian Bands' League extend their condolences at this sad time to Barbara and to all those who knew Derek.