Login   |   Register   |   
Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Brass Bands

6 Comments

Mesnes Park Band Consert
Mesnes Park Band Consert
Photo: Norman Latham
Views: 3,296
Item #: 30517
Myself, Norman Latham right , Norman Whitter centre and John Cheetham Left, with Crooke Miners Welfare Band at a concert in Mesnes Park
Approx 1960.
Norman Whitter passed away aged 72 in September 2017

Comment by: Gareth Cheetham on 14th May 2018 at 13:45

Hello Norman. You don't know me but I am John Cheetham's eldest son, and I have a younger brother Chris.

Our dad John sadly passed away in July last year, after a brief battle with cancer. We actually have this same photo at home after clearing his belongings. Dad stayed connected to the band right up to his death, about 64 years altogether.

Comment by: norman Latham on 14th May 2018 at 15:23

Gareth, I am very sorry indeed to hear this sad news, It was an old friend John Marrow (who you may know) who informed me last week about Norman`s death but unfortunately did (or must not know) about your dad
Best wishes Norman

Comment by: Gareth Cheetham on 14th May 2018 at 21:15

Norman,
Thank you for that. I indeed know John Marrow very well, and whilst he may not have mentioned our Dad, he does know about his passing.The band did our Dad proud at his funeral, and there were many old faces there who you probably know. Alan Marsh, Gary Parr, June Newbiggin etc.
Whilst neither me or my brother ever played, we were involved in band activities from an early age, and have memories of some real characters- Colin Moore, Walt Ainscough, Paul Wilson, Jimmy Dennings, John Hedley (also sadly passed away), and many others. Our beloved Jack Russell is named Jimmy, after our Grandad, who I am sure you will remember. Costantly barking at anything that displeases him, intolerant of idiots, and willing to fight anyone of any size..and our dog is just the same....

Comment by: Norman Latham on 15th May 2018 at 11:48

Well, that's great Gareth and if I had thought all day I could not have summed your granddad up better, give your dog a biscuit !! Best wishes to you and all your family
Norman

Comment by: paul wilson on 17th May 2018 at 16:15

Hello Gareth,it was sad to hear the news of your dad's death.I spoke with Chris earlier this year and he informed me,i'm only sorry i couldn't go to his funeral.
I have some very fond memories of your dad sat at the side of me in the Band, we had some great laughs and some of his jokes i am still using!!
Hope you are well Gareth, your dad's memory will definitely live on forever.

Comment by: Gareth Cheetham on 18th May 2018 at 18:16

Hi Paul,Thanks for that...it does seem a million years ago sitting in that practice room at Kirkless on Friday nights, but I mostly remember everybody laughing and being really happy. Good times..

Leave a comment?

* Enter the 5 digit code to the right of the input box. Don't worry if you make a mistake, you will get another chance. Your comments won't be lost.