Tributes have been paid to Derek Foster, Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland, one of the most high profile and influential advocates on behalf of the brass band movement in political and government life, who recently passed away at the age of 81.

Born in 1937, Derek Foster learned to play an instrument in the Salvation Army at Sunderland Millfield and continued playing in Oxford SA Band whilst studying for a degree in philosophy, politics and economics at St. Catherine's College.

Having graduated from Oxford, he spent a period in youth work — forming his life-long passion for social justice.

Political career

His career in politics began in 1972 with election to Sunderland Council and then to Tyne and Wear County. He was an influential chairman of the North of England Development Council before becoming Labour MP for Bishop Auckland in 1979.

In Parliament he served in a variety of roles in government, culminating in being appointed Labour chief whip in 1985. He was appointed to the Lords in 2001.

Influence

Speaking to 4BR, Roy Terry, who worked with Lord Foster on the All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Bands, said that the brass band movement befitted greatly from his knowledge, passion and influence.

"Through his quite persuasion working with the Parliamentary Group he was able to bring together politicians from different political persuasions to make common cause to the benefit of brass bands,"he said.

"The last time I met Derek was at the House of Commons, when he came over to College Green to join young music students who were performing in support of the campaign against the damaging impact on music and the arts in schools."

Vision and actions

Others have also paid their tribute, with Ray Farr stating: "The vision and actions of Lord Foster touched the lives of so many people in the North East of England.

In 2002 I received a telephone call from him to ask if I would be interested in a position at Durham University to work with students and brass bands in the region. What followed was a remarkable ten-year period of whirlwind musical activity.

With his natural charm, intelligent and enthusiastic approach, he persuaded local dignitaries, authorities and entrepreneurs to support his and my many visions with finance and direct action. His list of contacts seemed endless.

It was abundantly clear to me that people in important positions trusted and respected Derek's ideology and his integrity."

Through his quite persuasion working with the Parliamentary Group he was able to bring together politicians from different political persuasions to make common cause to the benefit of brass bandsRoy Terry

Champion

Lord Foster continued his passion for the brass band movement until the end of his life, attending the Brass in Concert Gala Concert and contest in November.

He also followed Spennymoor Town Band at the Durham Miners Gala for over 30 years, and was regarded by colleagues from all political parties as an indefatigable ambassador and champion for brass banding heritage in the north of England and the UK as a whole.

Hugh Stephenson, who knew him well told 4BR: "He was a true gentleman who thought of others before himself.

His great ambitions were never for personal gain, and his desire for success in all his initiatives were matched by his drive and passion for them. He was a great man and is a great loss to the brass band movement."

Funeral details

Derek Foster's funeral takes place at Sunderland Millfield Salvation Army Hall on Friday 25th January at 12 noon.