Alison Hodges (Joyner)
I was so upset to hear of the sad news of Dave's passing on. He was a legend and an inspiration to so many of us. We had a great life in the band and none of that would have happened without him. Some of us still play in the dance band formed by him and we will all miss him so much. My heart goes out to Betty and her family.
Kerry Parsons(Potts)
I was deeply saddened to hear the news that we have lost such a great man.
Thank you Dave for so many special memories and opportunities that you gave to so many people. You will always remain in our hearts.
With much love to Betty and the family
Kerry x
Neil Matthews
Very sorry to hear this news. A sad day for the hundreds of us who belonged to the Unicorns, and the thousands who enjoyed our performances.
Alli and Jason Anderson
Our thoughts are with Betty and Family at this sad time
Sharon Jacobs (nee Baker)
Many many fond memories of a great man! The lessons we all learnt from Dave will live with us forever!
All my Love and Prayers go to Betty and the Family
Lisa Brownlee
Our thoughts are with Betty and family, what can I say Dave, but thanks a million for the wonderful experiences you created (except for some of the rehearsal's on a cold wet Sunday morning!!) for so many people, and the joy and opportunity you gave to many, you were a man to look up to, (even when you were angry!).It is without a doubt an end of a era, and I am proud to of been part of that era!!!
Lots of love to Betty and all former members of the Bristol Unicorns Youth Marching Band!! xxx
Lisa and Alisdair Brownlee
It is with great sadness that we have heard today of Dave's passing. It was an honour to be a member of the band which he (and we)loved so much. The memories will be with us always. Thank you.
Our thoughts are with Betty and her family during this sad time.
Michelle Hannant (Lambert) & Family
We send our love and thoughts to Betty & family. We are absolutely 'gutted'.
We are very grateful that Dave was part of our lives as we have so many great memories to reflect on.
Thank you Dave for the best years of our lives and for being an inspiration. You will be sorely missed and remembered always as 'a legend'.
Tracy Stringer (Richards)
I was so sorry to hear today of the sad news. Dave has left a lasting impression on my life and owe many of my treasured memories to him.
I am so grateful that we had the reunion last year and had the chance to all get together one last time.
Our thoughts are with Betty and her family at this time.
Tracy and Tim Stringer
Rob wright
It was with great sadness and shock that I heard of Daves passing away. My deepest condolences go out to Betty and the family.
Thank you Dave for all those great band years. Some of which I shall remember for the rest if my life.
Steve Annette
On a personal note on this sad day I just want to say what a shock the news about Dave has been. I'm sure everyone reading this knows what I mean
Dave made a lot of people very happy and even helped put some of us on the right track in life. He will be sorely missed and I send my deepest condolences to his family.
Mike Williamson
Please could you pass on my deepest sympathies to Dave's family. I have posted the following entry on the DCUK Discussion Group as a follow up to one from Paul Smith, Atherstone Scouts:
As a member of Poynton Commodores during the years when the Unicorns were in their heyday, I can only reiterate the points made by Paul. They were always the ultimate professionals, the band everyone wanted to see and a great credit to Dave's dedication and devotion to their organisation. My condolences to members of his family, I am sure he will be sorely missed.
Mike Williamson - Ex Chairman Poynton Commodores, formerly 1 St.Poynton St Georges Scout and Guide Band.
It was was very sad to read the posting about Dave Rogers death.I was a member of Atherstone Scouts and we always new Bristol were the ones to beat in the eighties.We never quite managed it .The closest we got was second at wembley one year.The Unicorns were a super unit and a credit to Dave and his staff.All who were involved at Atherstone will be saddened at the news of his death.PAUL SMITH.
Fiona Cawsey (Young)
Dave touched the lives of so many people and did so much good for the youth of years gone by.He was an inspiration to us all and what he taught us in discipline,self control and respect has stayed with us all for many years.
Sitting here now,the memories of the fantastic days we all shared together are at the forefront of my mind.From rainy North Somerset Shows to hot Basingstoke Tattoos,Dave was there encouraging us and supporting us through the good and bad times.
Deepest sympathy to Betty and family.He was one in a million and will never be forgotten.
With much love
Fiona and Beryl xxxxxx
Michelle Wachon
I am so, so, sorry to hear of the loss of one of the strongest influences of my life. He was a gr8 man and I will always remember him with fondness & thanks for everything he done. I am so happy that I got to see him again at last years Reunion. Love & best wishes to Betty and the family. Thinking of u all.
Luv Michelle xx
Gaynor Tavener
As I said to Dave at the reunion, I wouldn't be where I am today, or achieved as much, without the self discipline taught to me by him, and through the life we lived in the Bristol Unicorns. I'm sure we all found him a bit scary at times, but all admired him very much and are very grateful for all the time, love and energy he gave the band and all it's members.
With deepest sympathy to the family.
love,
Gaynor, and John and Greta Tavener.
Elliott Porter
To Betty and Family,
It is an unspoken rule that Dave was a very unique man with special powers. With so many years past since the peak of the Unicorns I still sit and wonder how he did what he did. There will never be anyone like him. No-one will ever achieve the level of Dave's success.
This does nothing to relieve the sadness you are in I know, but I do know that I speak for hundreds of 'stable and disciplined' band members who will always be indebted to Dave for giving us more guidance and pride than we could ever handle.
I am thinking of you all at this very very sad time and pray to God for your comfort. God Bless Dave and God Bless Betty and Family.
All my love and respect to you all...Elliott Porter
John Hansford (former B/M, Midsomer Norton Marching Brass)
I would like to add my personal reflections of Dave Rogers. When Midsomer Norton Marching Brass was in its infancy, two men in the BYBA movement gave me inspiration, advice, constructive critisism but above all friendship and one those men was Dave Rogers. On many occasions I was made welcome to Unicorn practices and he was always on the end of the telephone when advice was needed and indeed visited our practices when I wanted some practical advice. How I remember the many hours we spent together taking part in the famous tattoo's at Eastville Stadium, appearing in and watching the annual concerts at the Colston Hall. I know we older ones bask in former glories but we have so many marvellous memories to relive. Dave was a legend in the youth marching band movement and I hope his work with young people will be acknowledged in some way. But he has his legacy with this website where former members of B U can keep in touch and keep the frienships alive they made when marching together.
Thank you Dave for all your help in the past and for your friendship. From all old & current members of Midsomer Norton Marching Brass we send our deepest sympathy not only to Betty and the family but to you former members of Bristol Unicorns who have lost a very influencial part of your lives.
Richard Lorriman
To a man who has inspired many people and touched the hearts of those who had the privilege to have known and worked with him. Dave was not only a great man, but a great musician and a dear friend to us all. He will be deeply missed by everyone involved with the marching band community as well as his band members, family and friends. Thank you Dave for all the wonderful times you have given us and all the memories that I'm sure we will all cherish for the rest of our lives. Our sympathies go to Betty and family at this very sad time. God Bless You Dave. You are one in a million !!!
The Herbert Family
Our thoughts go to Betty and family in the very sad loss of Dave he gave so much of himself to enable our
children to achieve so much, these memories will stay with us always.Thank you also Betty for making it possible.
Roger,Pauline,Seath and Bryn.
Sam Nash
Dave was an inspiration to all those that came into contact with him, especially those in the Bristol Unicorns. He made such a big impression on all of our lives that he will never be forgotten.
He may not have realised, but he gave a lot of people the confidence & self belief to take on life with its many & varied challenges.
The years we spent with the Bristol Unicorns are very special & full of happy memories for which we are eternally grateful.
Our thoughts & sympathy are with Betty & the family at this very difficult time.
Margaret, Alan, Sam, Kellie, Adele, Lindsey & Tracey
Sally MacAllister (nee Richards)
Our thoughts are with dear Betty and family on hearing this sad news.
Dave will always be in our hearts and I will cherish the wonderful memories that Dave has given me.
Sally and Duncan MacAllister
Annette & Pete Rogers
Thank you for your kind messages. We have printed them all and will take them to Bett/Mum today and will continue to do so.
The funeral arrangements are not yet known, but will be posted in the Bristol Evening Post, and on Friends Reunited and this website once available.
Thank you all again.
Annette, Pete, Claire and Paul.
Jacqueline McCaffery
Being in the Unicorns for me was not just being a member of a youth band, it was more like being a part of a big family. So naturally Dave must have been the father of that family. He was there for a hug when you were upset, and to yell and shout at you when you did something wrong - what every father does to his children!
For a long time I was a part of his family, and now as he is looking down on us, he will be glad to know that although we are now more distant, we are still that same family.
Dave, you changed my life in more ways than you will know, I will miss you.
Jacqueline McCaffery
and the McCaffery Family
Irene, Kirsty and Lisa O'Connor
We would just like to say thankyou to a special person who touched so many peoples lives and did so much good in the world. Our thoughts are with Betty and her family at this time.
Irene, Kirsty and Lisa O'Connor
Julie Ruddick
A wonderful man. Betty and family. As a mother of former BRISTOL UNICORN MARCHING BAND members Helen and Martin Coombs. Dave was like a second father to all of his band. He made them proud, he taught them respect and he made them the wonderful adults they are today. Thank you Dave from all of the parents who owe you so much. God bless you, good night.
Julie
Caroline Jones (nee Langwade) & Sharon Hamailton (nee Langwade)
We are so sad to hear Dave has passed away. We can only thank him from the bottom of our hearts for so many happy years and wonderful opportunities. Dave was a truly special person that gave so much to so many & we were proud to be a part of that. Thank-you Dave. Xx
Our love & thoughts are with Betty and all the family.
Katherine & Enzo Giuliani
We are so sad to have heard the news. Dave was a remarkable man & played a large part of our young lives. We are so grateful for the happy memories that he gave us all.
Our sympathy & thoughts are with Betty & family.
Katherine & Enzo
Michelle Dagger (James)
It is so sad to hear of the loss of a great man who inspired many. If it were not for Dave Rogers friendships far and wide, marriages and children would never have happened.
Our thoughts are with Betty and her family.
Barb, Terry, Michelle and Sandy James
Nigel & Helen Headford
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Betty and her family at this sad time.
Dave was a major influence in our lives and without him we would not be the people we are today. He was there in our most formative years and became a powerfull role model to us all.
Our thanks go to the reunion committee for giving us the opportunity to express how we actually felt about a very special man.
All our love and prayers
Nigel & Helen
Nick tippet
A brilliant man who made a great difference to hundreds and hundreds of kids in Bristol and touched thousands of people worldwide. I know that his legacy will be with us all.
My deepest sympathy is with his family at this most dreadful time. My prayers are with you all.
Nick Tippett
Pauline & Geoff Joyner
We will never forget the great pride we felt when our daughter Alison joined the unicorns, the many happy years we spent following the band and the great friendships we made. All this was made possible by Dave Rogers with the support of Betty. God bless you Dave and thank you for all these wonderful memories we will always cherish.
Deepest sympathy to Bet & family.
Pauline & Geoff Joyner
Judith Adams (Womack)
So sad to hear the news - Dave was a true inspiration to so many youngsters. To read the messages from fellow band members is so heart-warming. The love and pride felt by us towards a man who would not only bring out the best in us, but make us cry and push us to the absolute limit!!!
I can only hope that following the wonderful reunion night last year Dave realised the massive effect he had on so many lives.
We will not forget you Dave - RIP
With love and best wishes to Bet & family
Brendan Hoye - Executive Secretary - Irish Marching Bands Association
I was just browsing the BYBA website where I learned of the passing of Bristol Unicorns Band Master, Dave Rogers.
On Behalf of the Irish Marching Bands association may I extend our deepest sympathies through you to the Band and Daves Family.
Although I personally did not know Dave I do remember the band compeeting in the IMBA Arcklow competition in the early 90's. In particular I remember as a member of the Mullingar Town Band compeeting against the Bristol Unicorns in Birmgham NEC in 1989. The Unicorns were crowned five time champions and gave an outstanding display. I still remember the Finlandia piece, the visuals with the three sousaphones and the perfection in Drill and Deportment. It was a performance that inspired us to strive for an excellence in music, entertaining show and great marching in our shows ever since. For me it is how Dave and the Band inspired others that will remain his Legacy.
I will pass the sad news on to the council at our next meeting.
May he rest in Peace.
Mike Dean
I heard about the sad passing of a truelly great man this morning.My father, who still lives in the Bristol area,very kindly sent me the feature from sats Evening Post. It would have been an honour to have attended the funeral. My thoughts are with Betty in these sad times.
Christine Parsons nee Prosser
Dave was a very good trainer and a great teacher to us ull and me through the start of building my own majorette troupe i will truly miss him and miss his help as i stayed in contact with dave and betty and they helped me a great deal, my deepest sympathy to betty and families.
Chris Coles (Diddy)
It was a great shocked to hear of Dave's passing as I now live in Australia but I have very fond memories of my time with the 234th Northwinds Band and have formed some great friendships and those memeries have stayed with me to this day. It was dave's determiation and leadership that helped as all to achive so much I know he will be greatly missed by so many people not only in Bristol but around the world.
My sympathy to Betty and her family.
Nikki Healey
I was saddened to log on to the website this evening and to learn of such sad news. I am sure like many people I expected Dave to live forever, a man that has made such a difference to so many people and someone who gave up so much to help others.
Being in the Unicorns enabled me to do so much more than many people my age, travelling the world and performing at venues many can only dream of. The experience I gained from being in the band is unforgettable, the discipline and dedication of all involved is immeasurable.
My heart goes out to Betty and family and I can only thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with so many people. Thank you. Nicola Healey x
Rachel Williamson
A brilliant man who enabled so many to achieve so much. Thank you Dave.x
The Giuliani Family
For Betty, Pete and Lynne my thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. X
I speak like many of us, that I was truly shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dave's departure. The words 'inspirational', 'influencial' and 'motivational' are some that stand out best to describe Dave. He was all of these, and more.
I will NEVER forget the Unicorn days, and often talk of 'those years' with such fondness. In latter years I have often said, "I wouldn't have done any of this if it wasn't for Dave!", (and I'm sure many of you will echo this).
Music is still a big part of my life and will always be, and I'm sure that those 'unique years' have given me the confidence and drive to taken on so much more of life's rich tapestry.
'Thank you Dave for everything'.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Betty and her family.
Love Maria x
Laura McEwan-Hill (nee McEwan)
What can I say about Dave Rogers that has not already been said on this site or indeed on the BYBA site? So this instead is a message for Betty. Your man was just about the most inspirational person I ever met, although of course I did not realise it at the time. He was kind, passionate, scary and completely genuine. He nurtured our young lives and allowed us to make mistakes. I grew up in the Unicorns and lived a thousand lives, met extraordinary people, made good friends (where are they now?) and achieved some things that I can only hope my own children get the opportunity to.
I have glorious memories of all the things we did and weren't we great, thanks to Dave. Please don't grieve Betty, your man was a guiding light for so many young people and you must be proud of his legacy.
So, thank you Betty for supporting Dave and allowing the Unicorns to take over so much of your lives. I and my sisters Fran and Fiona and my parents Barbara and Tom send their deepest sympathy. God bless you and keep you both now and forever more.
Jane Van-Meir (McCaffery)
Love to Betty and all the family at this very sad time. He was a great inspiration to many people. He will never be forgotten by any of us.
Eddie Burridge
Just wanted to add a tribute to Dave who was an inspiration to everyone who he met.
I have many fond memories of the Unicorns from my early days of banding,all of which are good, because Dave taught the Unicorns to respect everyone else, however good or bad they were.
Never once did he or they look down on people less fortunate musically then they were.
Gone we know but not forgotten by many of us,
My condolences to Betty and the family.
Eddie Burridge
Ex bandmaster "The Ambassadors"
Ex BYBA Chairman
Sue Banfield
I am proud to have known Dave, and can only thank him for the opportunities the band he created gave to me.
He was a man with a remarkable gift, for getting the best out of people, and helping them to reach levels of achievement they thought were impossible.
He was, and will remain an inspiration to me. Gone but will never be forgotten
My thoughts are with Betty & Family at this sad time.
Green Family
'Inspiring' seems to be the word that best describes the effect Dave had on people's lives.
What a gift, to be able to motivate, enthuse and captivate such a vast number of young people.
He has given so many the courage to face their fears and the belief that they can achieve whatever they put their hearts to.
He touched more lives than I'm sure he ever knew.
Thank you Dave for your wisdom and your courage.
Our deepest sympathies are with Betty and Family and our love to you all.
With love
Mike, Pip, David and Julie Green
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