The Stan Burnett Memorial Shield

Robert Burnett was a member of the UK Paper Band from 1992 until his death in February 2001.

Stan, as he was known to his friends, was born on 21^st June 1927 in Northfleet, Kent. Stan started playing trumpet at the age of 19. He bought his first instrument with money lent to him by Daphne to whom he later married.

During the height of his musical career Stan played with The Ray Wade Band and also as a member of The Cunard Band on board the Queen Elizabeth. After his time playing on cruise ships Stan formed his own band, The Brass Beats, which was regularly heard playing in working men’s clubs.

In later life Stan suffered bad health which eventually resulted in a triple heart bypass and amputation of a leg in the late 80’s. Even then Stan would not be defeated and maintained as busy a musical life, largely made possible by Daphne’s unending support, playing with the Gravesend Borough Band and the UK Paper Concert Band.

Despite suffering much pain and discomfort during his final years, Stan was never one to complain and remained a reliable and valuable member of both bands. Stan was one of those rare forgiving people who would not say a bad word of others.

After his operations Stan, as way of convalescence, wanted to continue his musical education and decide to learn a completely new instrument. He chose the piano and, although he never became the best pianist in the world, showed much dedication and enthusiasm with the lessons he started and continued with until shortly before his death.

Alan Wilcox, Stan’s piano teacher, has presented the band with a shield in memory of his name. It is to be awarded each year to the member judged to be the “Best Musician” of the preceding year. The best musician need not be the one with greatest ability but should also recognise such things as length of service, dedication, improvement, age and/or service to the band.

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