TRIBUTES have been paid to Cockermouth music man Billy Bowman after his death on 20 November aged 86.
Billy was first thrust into the spotlight when he was told to stand in for the drummer in his dad’s band at the age of 14 - The Billy Bowman Band.
The Billy Bowman Band was first formed in 1946 with Billy’s dad on accordion, his auntie Florrie on piano, and Uncle Jack on violin, with Billy playing in the band until 1954 when he joined the navy. He later took over the band in 1960 and played throughout Cumbria for several years before giving it up in 1976. Billy was an active member of the music scene in West Cumbria throughout his life, playing saxophone with the Music Masters Band and turning out on drums with Cockermouth Mechanics Band, as well as his occasional one-man show.
"With tears and happy memories we received the news that Billy Bowman, the Music Man of Cockermouth and drummer for the Mechanics Band for many a year, quietly died at home last night. Age did not wither him nor custom stale his infinite variety. A talented musician and joyous comedian. May flights of angels hymn him to his rest."