4BR has been informed of the death of Gordon Dorman, who passed away Saturday 30th April.

Never say no

Gordon would never say no to helping any band without ever seeking or receiving a penny, and served as a player and officer for 65 years before ill health made it too difficult to commit to contesting.

Gordon did not however give up, and continued playing for a further 6 years with the Stockport Salvation Army taking his service to banding up to 71 years.

Age of six

He began playing cornet at the age of six in the Miles Platting SA Band, later moving to Harpurhey SA and Gill Street (Methodist) Moston bands.

During National Service he played euphonium in Tern Hill RAF Band, later joining Newton Heath Manchester Band, where he met and fell in love with principal cornetist Anne Hinchley.

Gordon is a loss to the band movement. He was a true banding stalwart — loyal, reliable and hardworking4BR

Responsible

Gordon later took on other band responsibilities such as trustee, librarian and other unofficial duties – family members had to find their own lifts to band rehearsals/concerts as he picked up players without transport.

Later, Gordon, Anne and Brian Jenkins provided free tuition for the Newton Heath Junior Band. Many of their pupils progressed to the newly named BAE Systems Band – where Gordon also worked.

Half a century

Gordon played every year for 50 years on Christmas Day at Manchester General (Crumpsall) Hospital, a duty always fulfilled before the family opened their presents.

For seven successive years, the family took their instruments on their annual fortnight’s holiday in Cornwall, where they joined the St Stythians Band for rehearsals and concerts in Falmouth’s Pavilion Gardens.

Husband and wife

Gordon continued on bass with BAE until they disbanded in 1999, before he and Anne joined Uppermill until ill health forced Gordon to take it easier. Anne has only just retired from banding after 65 years.

Gordon is a loss to the band movement. He was a true banding stalwart — loyal, reliable and hardworking. He was also a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be deeply missed.

Funeral details

The funeral will be held at 2.00pm on 13th May at Hollinwood Crematory.