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Music enthusiast dies
INSPIRATIONAL Horsham live music enthusiast Graham Ansell has died, aged 48.
Friends and family paid tribute this week to the founding member of the Horsham District Live Music Alliance (HDLMA), who died from cancer at home, in Shepherds Way, Horsham, on Wednesday April 11, with his family around him.
Graham revamped the town's Battle of the Bands competition into its popular modern format, and has been described as the driving force behind Horsham's blossoming music scene.
He leaves his wife of 26 years Mandy, son Steven, 25, and daughters Michelle, 23, and Jo, 22.
Orginally a carpenter by trade, Graham later became a sound engineer, and was instrumental in the creation of QM Studios, in Denne Road, Horsham, a rehearsal and recording facility for Horsham district bands.
Born in Horsham in 1958, one of five children, the former Chesworth Junior School and Forest School pupil was a talented footballer who played for Shipley Football Club in the early 1980s.
Mandy said: "He was always a very family oriented man.
"Even though his job took him all over the country at all hours he would always take time for the family.
"Making a living out of music was his dream and he achieved that."
Mark Daly, HDLMA chairman, said: "It is with great sadness that the HDLMA has learned that Graham Ansell has died.
"Graham was the founding member and heartbeat of the HDLMA.
"His was the initial vision that started the alliance, and it was through his tireless hard work on behalf of the local music community that there is such a thriving local music scene in Horsham and the surrounding area, and it will be poorer beyond measure without him."
The funeral will be held at St Richards Chapel, at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium, Balcombe Rd, Crawley, on Tuesday April 24 at 1.30pm, then afterwards at Horsham YMCA Football Club, Gorings Mead, Horsham.
Flowers or donations to St Catherine's Hospice c/o Freeman Brothers funeral directors, North Parade, Horsham.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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