A tribute to Dennis Jordan from Trimdon Brass

To those local to Trimdon, Dennis Jordan is a name to only a few would not know. Even further afield, his name is synonymous with Brass Banding, his beloved Trimdon Brass in particular, which he was the long serving 3rd cornet player and band secretary.
Dennis’s lifelong dream was to own a shop and to play in a band. He fulfilled both of those wishes, having ran the local convenience store with his wife Joyce, D&J Jordan’s, in the village for over 46 years.
Dennis was known for his love of music. His first taste of it being with the local brass band, Deaf Hill.
But that was to be a short-lived experience when the band folded due to lack of funds. Dennis then turned to his guitar, and eventually joined The Rocking D-Jays, performing at local venues and making quite a name for themselves. However, fame and fortune did not materialise for the group, and Dennis then focussed on his business, with music as a passionate hobby.
It was not until many years later that Dennis returned to brass bands, when his daughters, Lynsey and Lisa, began playing with Thornley Colliery Band (later to be renamed Trimdon Brass). Dennis instilled his passion for music onto Lynsey and Lisa, and shared many years of playing together, and running the band.
Dennis was a true advocate of developing brass and music to the youngsters from the community and beyond, making brass instruments and tuition free to anybody that wanted to learn to play. He would never miss a band rehearsal and would join the kids in the training band every week to offer his support and guidance. But he would always say that it was the kids keeping him right.
Dennis had a musical gift. He may have not been a virtuoso, but he could pick up almost anything musical and “knock a tune out”. The guitar, keyboard, harmonica and his trusty beloved accordion, which would appear without fail at the club after a big contest or returning from the Durham Miners Gala. Dennis just loved to entertain, and that is what he believed the band’s main purpose was. Contesting was important, but he loved nothing better than belting out a cheesy tune to the crowds at the Miners Gala or similar event. He was not a stranger to dressing up in fancy dress, as you will see in the video, but his favourite outfit was undoubtedly his band jacket, with its emblem close to his heart.
Dennis’s passion for the band never diminished, and it was only until the COVID-19 pandemic, that put a stop to all banding activities.
Dennis will be sorely missed by us all at Trimdon Brass and by the local community.
We send his family all our love at this sad time.