The Wingates Band has announced the death of former player and official, Alan Fowler. He was 71.

Champion

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Alan lived all his life in his native Leyland, and began his playing on cornet aged 10, in Leyland Parish Church Band.

He moved to Leyland Motors before joining Wingates in 1968. Initially playing cornet, he soon switched to horn, and he was a member of the band that won the National Championship of Great Britain and British Open titles in 1971 and 1975 respectively."

Temperance

They added: "Alan served the band faithfully as player and committee member for 24 years, finally retiring from playing in 1992. He was band treasurer and then chairman when the band took its momentous decision in 1980 to dispense with its Temperance title which had prevailed since 1878.

Shortly thereafter, in the ultimate irony, he helped Wingates secure its first-ever commercial sponsorship deal with Bass Brewers!"

Supporter

Following his retirement Alan maintained a strong interest in the band’s fortunes and was a generous member of the band's Supporters' Club, attending many Wingates concerts.

The spokesperson concluded: "The trustees, management committee and playing members of Wingates Band extend their condolences to Alan's widow, Dorothy, who supported him so faithfully throughout his long banding career and all members of his family."