One of UK banding’s most popular Musical Directors has announced that due to his ongoing battle with incurable Grade 4 Glioblastoma cancer, he has decided to retire from the conducting podium.

Realistic

Speaking to 4BR, a starkly realistic Alan Needham (above left) said that he will now spend his time writing about his illness through his website and enjoy his banding as a listener.

"I have obviously taken medical retirement from everything except survival.

However, I’ve attempted to produce a website that tells my story of events since the fateful morning of 11th January this year. My prognosis is one of incurable Grade 4 Glioblastoma, yet with aggressive treatment my time line has been extended to between 12 and 18 months."

Banding love

Alan’s love of brass banding started over 50 years ago and saw him take part in his first Area contest with Rossington Colliery Band in 1962.

He remained a highly committed player through to the 1980’s with an additional short spell with Lockwood in the 1990s. His last appearance with instrument in hand was at the Yorkshire Regional Championships with Dronfield in 2012.

Conducting career

His conducting career started with Scotter Silver in the Midlands the early 1980s before increasingly successful spells with the likes of Dronfield/Staveley.

He then embarked on his eight year tenure at Resdev Market Rasen, which he built up from just 11 players in 2005 to become Butlins Mineworkers Champions runner-up in 2007 and again in 2010.

Under his baton (and impeccable dress sense!) he also led the band to become Bolsover Champions in 2012 and Area and LBBA runner-up in 2010. His last Area appearance with the band was in 2013 before he enjoyed a brief move to Whitwell, where he led them to a podium finish at Bolsover.

Enjoyed myself

Due to his illness, the band was led by his great friend Kevin Holdgate at the 2014 Butlins Championship, where they finished 4th in the Fourth Section.

He told 4BR: "I’ve enjoyed myself immensely and will continue to do so.

Sunday at Bradford and the following Sunday at Bedworth will be my last Area visits although sadly and regrettably as a spectator – but I wouldn’t miss them for anything in the worldAlan Needham

Last visits

I would imagine that Sunday at Bradford and the following Sunday at Bedworth will be my last Area visits although sadly and regrettably as a spectator – but I wouldn’t miss them for anything in the world.”

To read more about Alan’s battle go to: http://alanneedham25.wix.com/alan-needham