Welsh champion Tredegar is mourning the loss of former principal cornet player Alan Winstone, aged 83. He passed away following a short illness on 25th October.

He is survived by his loving wife Pat, children Mark and Claire and granddaughter Teigan.

Encouraged

Alan was brought to the band as a learner by his uncle Albert Morris, an ex-military bandsman. He soon showed considerable promise and was encouraged by the conductor Con Buckley who oversaw his development with a keen eye.

He also was also fortunate to eventually sit on the solo cornet bench next to Brian C Buckley who was the renowned principal cornet with Tredegar for many years.

With him in the ranks Tredegar enjoyed considerable success, coming runner-up at the 1955 Second Section National Championship of Great Britain and winning the Championship Section National Eisteddfod of Wales title in 1962.

Alan was part of the band that gave the contest premiere of Gilbert Vinter's 'Variations on a Ninth' at the 1964 National Finals and eventually went on to succeed Brian Buckley as principal cornet.

Team performer

Always a team performer he also played soprano and even euphonium when required and was an invaluable member of the band that won the Second Section Mineworkers title in 1972 and National title in 1973.

For a short time he conducted the Tredegar Youth Band and was part of an extended banding family that included two nephews and his own son who also became players with Tredegar. He also enjoyed playing jazz and big band music, running a semi-professional dance band for many years.

Alan was an outstanding servant and will be greatly missed. He played at a time when his commitment was as important as his talent as a playerTredegar Band

Connections

His direct connection with Tredegar lasted over 35 years, and for many more after he was a proud supporter and fan, delighting at the current band's success up to their podium finish at the recent British Open.

A Tredegar Band spokesperson told 4BR: "Alan was an outstanding servant and will be greatly missed. He played at a time when his commitment was as important as his talent as a player.

He excelled at both and his contribution to the band's history was marked and hugely significant."

Funeral

The funeral will be held at Penuel Funeral Home, Harcourt Terrace, Tredegar (NP223QE) at 11.15am on Monday 6th November.

The burial service will take place at Dukestown Cemetery and will be followed by a gathering at Bedwellty Park and House, Morgan Street, Tredegar (NP223XN).