William Beech (1849-1934)
William Beech was born on 19 December 1849, in Middle Gonerby, the youngest boy of 10 children.
Joined the Band of the Kings Royal Irish Hussars when he was 17 years of age after which he came into Civilian Engineering Employment before joining Permanent staff of the Royal South Lincoln Militia at the “New Barracks” on Sandon Road when he was 31 years of age. During that time, he lived in the Barrack Square with his young family.
For 20 years he was their principal Cornet Player but also played numerous other musical instruments.
He retired in October 1903, after nearly 4 years as their Recruiting Sergeant and later became the victualler of the Blue Boat Inn on Old Wharf Road at the side of Grantham Canal.
The String Orchestra he created with his 2 sons was popular at many Local area Dances in the early part of the last Century. He was also Musical Director of the Theatre Royal in George Street, the position taken up later by both his sons.
He died in March 1934 aged 84 years leaving 2 sons and 2 daughters.
He is buried in Grantham Cemetery with his wife and next to his 4-year-old granddaughter who pre-deceased him.
The last B flat Cornet he owned, a French Levy’s Model in the possession of his great-grandson Peter Reichelt, having been reconditioned recently was played for the first time since the 1930s in 2019..
Peter said: “Finally I heard the Great Grandfather I never knew”.
Compiled in conjunction with Peter Reichelt
Hussars. It’s HUSSARS