Bob Heaney’s passing to be remembered at SBBA annual general meeting

St Ronan’s Silver Band was greatly saddened by the passing of vice president Bob Heaney – and he will be one of the people lost to Scottish banding during 2022 who will be remembered in a special Page of Remembrance at the SBBA annual general meeting on Sunday 29 January.

Bob, who died last October, joined the Innerleithen band just after the Second World War and was closely associated with the organisation for an unequalled 75 years.

Regarded as a ‘utility player’, able to turn his hand to almost every instrument from cornet through to bass, he was primarily a trombonist throughout most of his banding career.

After his National Service – during which he played with the Band of the Royal Air Force – Bob returned to the band and took up the post of secretary in 1951, quickly putting his considerable administrative and organisational skills to good use.

As a player at that time, he was involved in the band’s first contest win for many years, lifting the McCubbrey Cup at the Edinburgh Charities Brass Band Contest. This was an award that was to return into the hands of the band some 45 years later – and Bob was, quite remarkably, involved in both wins! The 1997 victory came after a long period away from contesting and cup wins for St Ronan's.

Bob continued in his role as secretary in the 1950s and went on to serve the band playing different instruments over the years.

He was re-appointed as band secretary in 1981 during what was a difficult period of low player numbers and reduced finances. Despite this, Bob organised the band’s first new uniforms in over 20 years, using his links with the textile industry and securing important local sponsorship. He also took on the role of conductor on several occasions during the 1980s and the band benefited from his wide knowledge of musical repertoire.

During this period, Bob also took on the role of treasurer, serving in the dual role for several years until 1991.

Bob was always keen to encourage younger players and during the 1970s his daughter Adrianne and son Michael joined the band, going on to play with St Ronan’s for many years.

When the band went through a period of resurgence in the 1990s, Bob took up the bass trombone seat and enjoyed many contest successes, playing alongside Adrianne and under the conductorship of his son-in-law, David Robb. This culminated in the band becoming Scottish Champions for the first time in its long history in 1999.

Upon retiring from the main band, Bob very kindly gifted St Ronan’s with a set of beautiful stand banners which are still in use to this day.

Whilst Bob played with the main band into his 70s, he wasn’t done with playing and went on to help with the band’s youth programme, helping and playing alongside countless youngsters until only two years ago.

Bob was incredibly proud to see his grandson Callum rise up through the ranks as a first-class cornet player who has gone on to study at the Royal College of Music.

He was elected a life member of the Scottish Brass Band Association in 1995 in recognition of his 50 years service.

Bob became St Ronan’s vice president in 2003 and continued to take a very keen interest in the affairs and fortunes of the band.

In the long history of St Ronan’s Silver Band, the name of Robert Duffy Heaney is writ large due not only to his life-long membership, but also in terms of the significant contribution he made as a player, administrator, teacher and adviser.

All members of the St Ronan’s banding organisation passed on their condolences to Bob’s family and have given thanks for the active and purposeful life of a well-loved player and friend.