AN event is being organised in memory of a well-known jazz musician from Romsey.

Peter Husband, 83, from Whitenap, Romsey, had spent long spells being treated in Southampton Hospital for pneumonia before he died on September 9 this year.

Whilst battling his own illness, Peter’s wife Mary died after contracting Covid-19 leaving two daughters Sharon and Dawn and their families.

Sharon said: "Unfortunately over the last 10 years dad had to retire from playing jazz due to ill health and carpal tunnel which meant that he was unable to play his beloved clarinet.

"He was a great man and was loved by all who met him, both here and abroad."

Peter was part of the Husband family who had previously owned and managed the marine and general engineering company known as Husband’s Shipyard once located on the Waterside at Marchwood.

Mike Slipper, a long-time friend of Peter, is organising a tribute night at the Concorde Club, Eastleigh on Wednesday November 10 at 8pm. There is no charge for the event however their will be an opportunity to donate to the Blind Veterans Association and the Southampton Hospitals Trust. Two causes which were important to Peter.

Mike said: “Peter was a well-known jazz fan, particularly anything from New Orleans.

"He was a popular man in the jazz world and the event is just a way of saluting him now that he has left us.

“He loved the early years of the music, Johnny Dodds, Baby Dodds, Buddy Bolden, etc.

“He ran, for a number of years, his own band and I was at one time a member of his band.

“We will run a collection for the two charities he was interested in, therefore there will be an end product. Support for the evening is much hoped for.”

Several jazz bands are lined up to play on the evening including the Pete Husband Deep Bayou tribute band, the nationally known Strutters Hot Four and Shirley Morgan who will be accompanied by pianist Paul Francis and bassist John Hibberd.