4BR has been informed of the death of Wingates stalwart, Mike Brooke.

Mike died on Monday 22nd February following a stroke.

Inspirational

Mike has been a long standing supporter of Wingates, as well as being an inspirational contest secretary for over 10 years. Many people will know Mike also through the work he did helping with North West registration with the NWCBBA, along with his wife, Freda.

If anyone wishes to send cards and messages of condolence to Freda and her family please contact Gareth Crane for their address details on 07531570567.

He was one of those people that any band or organisation was pleased to have associated with them. He put so much into the brass band movementDerek Atkinson

So much in

Derek Atkinson of NWCBBA told 4BR: "Mike served the NWCBBA for many years, the last few years as Vice Chair. He was one of those people that any band or organisation was pleased to have associated with them. He put so much into the brass band movement."

An honour and a privilege

Wingates' chairman Barry Bentley echoed the sentiments of Derek Atkinson when he said "I know i can speak on behalf of everybody at Wingates by saying it was an honour and a privilege to know Mike. His commitment and work ethic was nothing short of exemplorary and he will be noticeably missed by anybody that has had an association with Wingates on a personal and professional level. Our thoughts are with Freda and the family."

Funeral details

Mike's funeral will take place on Friday 5th March. The service is to be held at St Paul's Church, Railway Road, Adlington at 1pm and then Charnock Richard Crematorium for approximately 2:15pm.

There is an open invitation for anybody who will attend any part of the funeral or friends to meet at the Coppull British Legion Club, Springfield Road, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5EJ afterwards for food and drinks. For catering purposes — if you know that you will be attending this could you please contact Gareth Crane as per the number above so that catering numbers can be confirmed.

Although Freda and her family are aware of Mike's many connections with bands and bandspersons they have requested for only Wingates Band to play at the funeral.

The family have requested family flowers only but anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu can do so to the band itself in accordance with the family's wishes.

The band's address is:

Wingates Band
The Band Hall
Wingates Square
Westhoughton
Bolton
BL5 3PS