David Topp

1936 - 2005

David Topp, grandson of the band’s co-founder Thomas Topp, passed away on 23rd December after a short illness. A well known local figure playing trombone and latterly Bb Bass, David joined the band alongside his father Stanley in 1948 and continued playing until he became unwell in October 2005. In 1998 David was presented with a Wessex Brass Band Association certificate marking 50 years service to the brass band movement.

Born in Michelmersh in 1936, David spent his life in farming, working the land in several local villages. In 1957 he married Glennis, the girl he had met at a village dance in Mottisfont and in 1962, their son Stephen, (ex-Downton and Woodfalls Bands), was born. In 2001, David and Glennis left the house in which David was born in Michelmersh to move into Romsey, ending an era as the last playing member of the band to live within the village itself.

Fellow band members and nephew Jeremy Topp provided the music for the funeral service held in Michelmersh Church. The hymns All Things Bright and Beautiful and The Day Thou Gavest (the hymn tune first learnt by David at his father’s knee) were played and sung by the large congregation, David’s coffin left the church to a rousing rendition of the march Death or Glory, chosen by Stephen and Glennis - a fitting exit for a life-long brass bandsman.