1896 :

Geo. Fredrick Birkinshaw the celebrated cornetist and conductor, Rothwell's professional for many years, died on June 7th aged 44 and at his funeral in Holbeck Cemetery Alfred Newton of Rothwell was in charge of Rothwell Temperance Band, and members from Black Dyke Mills and Bradford Bands. The Hymn Luther was played at the grave side and the following Epitaph is quoted in Mr Newton's note book.

They cornet is hushed, thy lips are at rest,
But thou art remembered, they memory is blessed.
Oft when we meet, we shall mourn and lament thee
Thou will be missed for thy seat will be empty.

G.F. Birkinshaw is commemorated by William Rimmer's contest march "Viva Birkinshaw" and generations of bandsmen will be familiar with the extracts from his "Jenny Jones" in Wright and Rounds Cornet Tutor.