We were saddened to learn about the death of Norman Guy, a stalwart of Swaledale and long-time conductor of Muker Silver Band.
Norman was born and bred in Muker, leaving the village to board at Richmond Grammar School when he passed the 11+ exam. Recalling those years in an oral history interview, Norman said: "I wasn’t really aware that I lived in a beautiful place, because this was where we'd always been. I had no idea what it was like living in a town till I went to boarding school, and then I learnt what it was like living with a few thousand people instead of only one hundred."
After school he returned to Muker to work for the family haulage firm for 25 years, and then driving the school buses for a further 23. In his spare time he pursued what he jokingly referred to as his 'real job' - his passion for music - playing the cornet and conducting Muker Silver Band for an astonishing 72 years.
This feat is especially remarkable considering that Norman had not received any formal music training: "There was no music at grammar school whatsoever. We had one lesson a week of music appreciation it was called. But there was no practical playing or anything like that. My music has been since I left school, quite honestly. And it’s self-taught as much as anything. Just listening. And practising."
Norman was a community-minded man with a gentle, positive nature. He touched many young lives, teaching young people in the Dale to play brass instruments, inspiring so many that at one stage he formed a junior band. His dedication to music saw him conducting Muker Silver Band in countless performances, including numerous sold-out concerts at Swaledale Festival. Since the band’s first Festival performance in the 80s, to the most recent in 2024, Norman didn’t miss a single year.
Reflecting on the joy of music-making with his customary modesty, Norman said: "Music adds a lot to your life. Being part of an orchestra or a band or a group. It's a great thing. As long as there's a group of us, we'll play and enjoy it and make noises."
We are pleased that Muker Silver Band will return to Swaledale Festival in 2025. We will fondly remember Norman.
Photo: Norman conducts Muker Silver Band at Swaledale Festival 2024