1st Old Boys Association Silver Band are the proud donators of a new trophy – The Bradley Milligan Cup – for the Best Basses in the Championship Section.

1st Old Boys have also provided us with this information about the late Bradley Milligan. This information will also be going on our website for future generations to see what a true bandsman he was

“Bradley Milligan joined the ‘Old Boys’ as a full time member in 1957, age 15, and held Band Committee posts for many years, including Chairman and in later years was always a very important voice to be consulted on all matters regarding the band. A stalwart of the Bass section, Bradley provided the solid foundation on BBb Bass.

Over the years he enjoyed playing with many former members of the band, but in particular he formed a long standing playing partnership, and friendship, with Dr. Ian Shuttleworth upon his arrival to Belfast in the early 1990’s. He always enjoyed the band trips and contests away, many accompanied by his wife, Norma.

Bradley retired from full-time playing in 2020 during COVID-19 lockdown after over 63 years of unbroken service to 1OB. Despite his retirement, he was always most interested in how the band was doing and it’s day to day activities. Bradley was appointed Honorary President in June of 2022 and was delighted to take up the role. Bradley passed away on Friday 29th July 2022, and we as a band have donated ‘The Bradley Milligan Cup’ to be awarded to the Best Basses in the Championship Section at the BBNI Spring Festival. Many members of the band could tell excellent stories about Bradley, and many of those have and will always continue to be reminisced upon. He will always be remembered as a great bandsman, most supportive mentor to younger players and an excellent friend.”