Rothwell Temperance has announced the death of one of their finest supporters, with the passing of Eileen Roberts, the mother of MD David Roberts.

Eileen married Gordon Roberts, then MD of the original Rothwell Temperance Band in 1955, and quickly became an integral member of the supporters group, helping to raise the funds necessary to support them.

Immense pride

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a source of immense pride for Eileen that her four children John, Kathy, Jane and David went on to play for the band under Gordon's direction, and after John was appointed MD in 1985 she never missed the opportunity to support him and his siblings at every possible engagement."

In 1984, Eileen was instrumental in the creation of the Rothwell Temperance Junior Band and was appointed Band Secretary.

Current band

This group of players would eventually form the present Rothwell Temperance Band, and Eileen took great pride in their rise through the sections — the highlight coming in 1999 as she watched them represent Yorkshire at the National Championships in the Royal Albert Hall under the direction of her youngest son David.

Active role

The spokesperson added: "Even when Eileen retired from her role of secretary in 1996 she remained a committed fundraiser and would often be seen around the village collecting raffle prizes from local shops and writing regular articles about the band for the local press.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all those connected with the band, past and present."

It was a source of immense pride for Eileen that her four children John, Kathy, Jane and David went on to play for the bandRothwell Band spokesperson

Funeral

The funeral will be held at 1.45pm on 29th March at the Holy Trinity Church in Rothwell. The band will be providing music chosen by Eileen throughout the service.