THE Bradford Catholic Players have been mourning the loss of one of the society’s long-standing musical directors.

Basil Walsh took over running family funeral directors D Walsh and Son, which his grandfather founded in 1963, and expanded the business with his brother, Leo, until they both retired.

Basil became involved with Bradford Catholic Players as a well respected musical director. He joined the society in 1950 as the accompanist and eventually took over the baton in 1974, becoming one of the longest-serving musical directors.

He directed many shows at the Bradford Alhambra, finally retiring in 1994 when the Catholic Players presented him with a specially-commissioned Waterford glass copy of a page of the score of 42nd Street, his last show with the society. He continued to act as musical director for concerts and annual masses for many years.

Basil was also a well-known organist, playing mainly at St Patrick’s Church in Bradford until its closure. He played in many churches in Bradford on various occasions, including funerals and weddings, and he was the last person to play the organ at St George’s Hall before the concert hall’s organ fell into disrepair.

A father and grandfather and great grandfather, He was secretary to the Knights of St Columba, president of Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band and a former chairman of Bradford Youth Players.