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Death Of Former Cornet Joseph Meek
Bands Organiser Joe Meek Dies
One of the longest-serving members of Lanark's Lanimer Committee, Joe Meek, died at his home on Thursday morning.
Joe was the Lanimer bands convener for decades, organising the bands which play such an important part in the Lanimer procession, and he stood down only at the AGM in October.
He was also Lanark's Lord Cornet in 1966.
Joe was born in Lanark in 1925 and on leaving school went on to make his career as a butcher, at one time in the 1960s opening his own shop in St Leonard Street. But in 1948 he joined the Lanimer Committee and began to make his mark on the town.
He was involved with the bands from the beginning of his time on the committee, and as convener tracked down the top bands in the country to take part in the procession.
Joe also brought in changes to the arrangements, introducing catering for the bands en masse on Lanimer morning, rather than have them scatter after the procession to various pubs and hotels all over the town causing delays for the One O'Clock procession; and persuading them to stay in the town all day and take part in the Cornets procession in the evening, then in the recently introduced evening tattoo. His contribution to Lanimers over the years was marked at a presentation during one of the tattoos.
Lanimer Committee chairman Ernest Romer paid tribute to Joe this week, acknowledging the work he had done during 56 years he served on the committee.
"Joe worked hard to bring the best of bands to Lanimer Day," said Ernest. "He had great success with military bands when available, and also the Royal Marine band. Joe will be a sad loss to the committee for his experience and knowledge of bands."
Joe leaves his wife May, children Billy and Margaret, and five grand-children.
The funeral service took place on Wednesday morning, at Greyfriars Church then to Daldowie.
Lanark & Carluke Gazette
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Tribute To Lanimer Stalwart Joe Meek
The man responsible for bringing music to Lanark's Lanimer celebrations for almost 50 years, ex Lord Cornet Joe Meek, has died aged 78.
The town's 1966 Lord Cornet died at his home in the town last Thursday.
A butcher by profession, he had owned his own shop in the town, although latterly he worked for the William Low store.
However, it was for his role in Lanimers, and especially with its bands, that he will be most remembered.
As Bands Convener for the Lanimer Committee from 1956 until his retiral last October, he was a familiar figure on Lanimer Day, marching down High Street in dark suit and bowler hat accompanying one of the first bands. His position as convener meant he was responsible for booking bands on Lanark's big day, sometimes as many as about a dozen pipe, brass and military bands. Although that was a relatively easy job in the early days, in recent years, with military bands posted overseas, and fewer and fewer "domestic" bands becoming available, Joe found himself travelling all over the Central Belt tracking down bands, persuading them to come to Lanimers, and negotiating affordable fees. Over the years Joe became so well-known in band circles that three Pipe Majors each composed a march in his honour, which have been played during past Lanimer Days.
Lanimer chairman Ernest Romer paid tribute to Joe's years of hard work for Lanimers. "For 56 years as a member and band convener Joe worked hard to bring the best of bands to Lanimer Day. His death is a sad loss to the committee for his experience and knowledge."
Representatives of the Lanimer Committee, Lord Cornets Club and bands were amongst those attending his funeral service at Lanark's Greyfriars Church yesterday (Wednesday). Mr Meek is survived by his wife May, children Billy and Margaret and five grand-children.
Lanark & Carluke Advertiser
Thursday, 15th April 2004