Gill Freret 1948-2024
Uckfield Concert Brass is mourning the loss of Gill Freret, who died unexpectedly on
Friday 1 November 2024.
Gill, who played baritone, had been a member of the band for nearly 15 years.
She loved the camaraderie and supportive atmosphere of UCB. She particularly enjoyed performing in the band’s concerts and on overseas tours.
Her death has left UCB’s players shocked and saddened.
Band secretary, Edwina Wooler, said: “Such sad news, Gill will be sorely missed by us all.”
Principal cornet, Dean Pelling, said: “Lost for words – so sad.”
Gill had a delightfully wry sense of humour and an ability to say precisely what she was thinking without giving offence.
You could often tell what she thought about something from just a glance or a smile.
Musical director, Nick Morris, said:
“Terribly sad. Gill represented so much of what UCB is about. Gave it her all to the best she could. Loved her enthusiasm, her don’t-you-dare smile and the waspish responses. She tried so hard. We’ll miss her very much.”
Gill began playing a brass instrument in her 50s alongside her son, Tom, who was learning trombone with the then Glynde and Beddingham band. She joined the band on second baritone before moving to UCB.
Fellow UCB baritone player, Chris Nonoo, said:
“I’m so very sorry to hear this. Gill and I had a great rapport on our baritones and she will be sorely missed. Love and condolences to all her family.”
Gill had many musical interests. She played the piano and sang in a local choir. She was an avid listener to Radio 3, enjoyed folk and world music and regularly attended ceilidhs.
Gill spent her working life as a primary school teacher in Sussex. After retirement, she said she had never been so busy.
She supported her family, friends and neighbours. She helped to run a Rainbow group in Lewes. She was a keen gardener and had many plans for replanting and reshaping her plot.
She was also a talented knitter, needleworker and crafter. UCB is still using the decorations that Gill made for the band’s contribution to the annual Uckfield Christmas Festival of Trees. For the past five years she also dressed the tree. This year, the band’s tree is dedicated to her memory.
Gill had strong views on almost everything, especially politics, the environment, public life and education. She always enjoyed a lively debate.
She was a pioneer of green living, installing an early renewable energy system at home. She was recently planning to update this with a heat pump.
Solo horn, Debs Chambers, said:
“She was such an amazing lady and always happy to chat about anything and everything. She will be missed terribly.”
Gill’s priority was always her family. Our thoughts are with her husband, three children, two grandchildren and two sons-in-law.
UCB will be playing at a celebration of Gill’s life on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 11am at Holy Cross Church, Belmont Road, Uckfield.
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