*
banner

Death of Mike Brooke

The death has been announced of Wingates stalwart Mike Brooke.

Wingates
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Wingates stalwart, Mike Brooke.

Mike died on Monday 22nd February following a stroke.

Inspirational

Mike has been a long standing supporter of Wingates, as well as being an inspirational contest secretary for over 10 years. Many people will know Mike also through the work he did helping with North West registration with the NWCBBA, along with his wife, Freda.

If anyone wishes to send cards and messages of condolence to Freda and her family please contact Gareth Crane for their address details on 07531570567.

He was one of those people that any band or organisation was pleased to have associated with them. He put so much into the brass band movementDerek Atkinson

So much in

Derek Atkinson of NWCBBA told 4BR: "Mike served the NWCBBA for many years, the last few years as Vice Chair. He was one of those people that any band or organisation was pleased to have associated with them. He put so much into the brass band movement."

An honour and a privilege

Wingates' chairman Barry Bentley echoed the sentiments of Derek Atkinson when he said "I know i can speak on behalf of everybody at Wingates by saying it was an honour and a privilege to know Mike. His commitment and work ethic was nothing short of exemplorary and he will be noticeably missed by anybody that has had an association with Wingates on a personal and professional level. Our thoughts are with Freda and the family."

Funeral details

Mike's funeral will take place on Friday 5th March. The service is to be held at St Paul's Church, Railway Road, Adlington at 1pm and then Charnock Richard Crematorium for approximately 2:15pm.

There is an open invitation for anybody who will attend any part of the funeral or friends to meet at the Coppull British Legion Club, Springfield Road, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5EJ afterwards for food and drinks. For catering purposes — if you know that you will be attending this could you please contact Gareth Crane as per the number above so that catering numbers can be confirmed.

Although Freda and her family are aware of Mike's many connections with bands and bandspersons they have requested for only Wingates Band to play at the funeral.

The family have requested family flowers only but anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu can do so to the band itself in accordance with the family's wishes.

The band's address is:

Wingates Band
The Band Hall
Wingates Square
Westhoughton
Bolton
BL5 3PS

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


NYBBGB

Last call for NYBBGB Conducting Competition

October 31 • The last bar is closing for the 2025 NYBBGB Conducting Competition — as 1st November looms for entries.


Desford Band

Rankings update: October

October 31 • Desford storm back into top ten as five-way battle for world number one goes down to the wire


Tivoli

Final countdown for Dutch National Championships

October 31 • 4BR will be heading to Utrecht to bring live comments on the Dutch National Championships.


siddis

Wobplay to broadcast SIDDIS entertainment

October 31 • Norwegian bands are putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of their entertainment challenges in Stavanger this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Drighlington Band

October 30 • Drighlington Band are looking for the following players for a full compliment: . . - Front Row Cornet . - Euph or Baritone or Trombone (we are flexible!) . - Percussion (Kit or tuned)


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd