Brass band tribute to Adlington man (From Chorley Citizen)

Brass band tribute to Adlington man

5:36pm Thursday 4th March 2010 in

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A “HIGHLY respected” stalwart of the brass band world from Adlington has died aged 68.

Michael Brooke, the contest secretary and merchandising manager for the Wingates Brass Band, died suddenly on February 22 following a stroke.

Wingates Brass Band president David Kay said: “Michael, along with his wife Freda, was in many respects the face of Wingates Band at our local concerts.

“He was a lifelong brass band person and he served the North West Brass Band Association as a committee member for 40 years.”

Mr Brooke made his first public appearance in a brass band aged 12, playing the cornet in the Oldham-based Lees Band.

He later swapped instruments and was better known for playing the euphonium.

Aged 26 he emigrated to Canada with Freda, where he continued playing.

Both their sons were born in Canada, before the family returned to England after seven years.

On his return, he played for bands throughout the North West before joining Wingates in 1999 and quickly became an invaluable stalwart of the group and well known in brass band circles.

Mr Brooke lived with his wife in Adlington.

He is also survived by two sons, Ian and Philip.

The funeral will be held at St Paul’s Parish Church, Adlington, at 1pm on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Wingates Brass Band.