New music prize in memory of Oswestry sax player
A new trophy will be presented to a talented young musician in memory of a Shropshire saxophonist who died after performing in a concert.
Malcolm Evershed, from Oswestry, played alto and tenor saxophone with the Brian Jones Big Band.
He died 28 years ago at the end of a concert in Chester but his widow, Jean Evershed, who now lives in Wrexham, and nephew Paul Milner, from Morda, have decided to keep his memory alive by sponsoring a new trophy in the Oswestry Youth Music Festival – The Malcolm Evershed Memorial Trophy.
Mr Milner said: "My uncle used to play in the Brian Jones Big Band and was doing a concert in Chester.
"He was playing in the last piece, put his saxophone down at the end and fell off his chair with a massive heart attack.
"He was only 55 when he died but my aunt thought it would be a fitting tribute to him and have his name remembered,"
Mr Evershed was originally from Horsham, Sussex, but met his wife in Oswestry while he was playing in a band at Park Hall, near Gobowen
"They met through music," Mr Milner said. "He was based at Park Hall Camp doing his national service during the late 1940s and 1950s, and on his nights off he used to play at The Plaza and The Victoria Rooms in Oswestry.
"They'd have live music instead of CDs or a juke box. That's where they met, when he was playing one night."
The trophy was unveiled by Mr Milner at Oswestry Music Makers shop yesterday.
Oswestry Youth Music Festival will run from February 25 to 28 next year with categories for all abilities and instruments.
Competitions will take place in the Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Church and Christchurch, culminating in the Junior Town Council Cup and Oswestry Town Council Cup competitions, and the presentation of all the trophies by the mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Peter Cherrington.
Classes are open to anyone aged under 25 and every competitor will receive a certificate and badge or sticker.
Last year's event attracted a record number of entries and, following popular demand, three new vocal classes have been added for under-nines: judging a set-test piece; a competitor's choice of piece; and a song from musical theatre.
Entry costs £5 for solo classes and £10 for ensembles, and an accompanist is available for £5 per person.
All entries to the classes must be submitted by January 22.
Copies of the syllabus are available at www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk/council-serv ices/oswestry-youth-music-festival.html or call the Oswestry town council on (01691) 680222.
