Alan Needham, brass bandsman

Alan Needham, who has died at 65, was a brass band musician who spent 40 years performing with Doncaster's former Rossington ensemble.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jan 2018, 12:50 BST
Alan NeedhamAlan Needham
Alan Needham

They had disbanded a decade ago but Mr Needham, diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2014 and given a few months to live, determined to see them perform one last time. His wish was granted when brass bandsmen from across the region came together for a one-off concert.

In 2015 he was presented with the Butlins Excellence Award in recognition of half a century of service to the brass band movement.

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A gifted euphonium player, he also gained success as a conductor, working with the likes of the Dronfield, Market Rasen and Whitwell bands, winning the fourth section Bolsover Entertainment title with Market Rasen in 2012, and gaining podium finishes at Butlins, the Midlands Regional Championships, Buxton, Pontins and the NEDBBA contests.

A former miner and civil servant, he turned to fund-raising following his diagnosis, and amassed more than £21,000 for others with a similar condition.

Related topics:DoncasterRossingtonBuxtonPontinsMarket Rasen