The death of Alan Webster, St Albans City Band's former Secretary, Chairman and sponsor has been announced.

Alan joined St Albans City Band in 1952 and soon took on the position of Principal Euphonium, a position he held until 1980.

Great success

During the 1950's and 1960's the band saw great success with Alan Webster as Secretary — he was joined in 1968 by Nelson Morris as Musical Director and together they took the band successfully through the next 15 years.

Business approach

Alan's business-like approach to Band matters ensured that he and the band were taken seriously by all who came across them. His success concerning the band's financial matters resulted in the purchase of a full set of new Boosey and Hawkes instruments in 1968 along with a new set of oatmeal coloured uniform blazers designed by the haute coiture designer Hardy Aimes. These uniforms abandoned the old style gold braid and thick fabric and went for a very cutting edge design as would have been expected from such a designer.

The success and position of the band today can be directly attributed to much of Alan's work over his many years at the helmSt Albans Band

Sponsor
Following his retirement from playing in 1980 Alan became the Band's Chairman, and from 1983 to 1993 sponsored the band, during which time it became known as 'Webster and Day's St Albans City Band', the name being derived from the roofing company that Alan owned.

Centenary

His sponsorship and continued association with the band ensured it's survival through a number of vicissitudes during the 1980's. His reason for the sponsorship was that he wanted to help the band reach it's centenary, in 1992, something that they have now well surpassed.

The success and position of the band today can be directly attributed to much of Alan's work over his many years at the helm.

Retired

In 1993 Alan retired to Brixham, Devon where he passed away on Tuesday 8th April 2008. His family have asked that if anyone wishes to make donations, please do so directly to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

His own memories of his forty year association with the Band can be read in the 'Band History' section at www.stalbansband.co.uk