In memory of Bill (Michael) Bates

28th September 1941- 28th September 2022

The family are requesting donations to the Benslow Music Trust.

Bill (Michael) Bates was an active and avid amateur musician for his entire life. He played in many bands over the years - whether a rock and roll band in his youth, jazz ensembles, Northfleet Brass, local concert bands in Dartford and Gravesend or swing and big bands. He was primarily a drummer and percussionist but also played double bass. He was also a prolific arranger of musical scores for bands of all shapes and sizes.

One of his greatest joys, especially in later years, was joining fellow musicians at long weekends and summer courses at Benslow. He made many friends there, learnt new styles of music and went back year after year. He certainly supported the mission: “to promote music education for social benefit through the study and practice of music, especially in its social and co-operative forms, amongst students of all ages’”

He certainly would have been touched to know that others were contributing to the ongoing success of Benslow.

Thanks for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

The Bates Family