Big Albert dies at 82

A POPULAR local singer, who entertained countless Oldhamers during three decades of performing, has died aged 82.

Albert Farrington, who died on Saturday, was a familiar figure in Oldham’s pubs during the 50s, 60s and 70s, where he sang songs from the musicals including “Shoshana” and “Goodbye to the White Horse Inn”, often raising large sums of money for charity in the process.

Albert’s generosity was such that he didn’t want to stop giving after his death and he has taken the unusual step of donating his body to Manchester University medical school.

Albert’s daughter, Sheila Boothby (57), said: “Because dad didn’t believe in God, he was quite pragmatic about what would happen to him after his death, so he made a decision back in the Eighties to pledge his body to science.”

Though a successful singer, Albert, whose wife Hilda died three years ago, was not a full-time musician and spent many years working in Oldham’s mills, including the Majestic Mill and the Orb Mill in Waterhead.

He did his National Service in the East Lancs Regiment and was later posted to India and Hong Kong with the Marine commandoes.

Although Albert was living in Delph at the time of his death, he spent much of his life in Waterhead.

Sheila said: “Dad was often known as Big Albert. He was a good host and great fun to be around, a lovely character.”

Albert leaves two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His life will be celebrated in a humanist service at Austerlands Cricket Club, Thorpe Lane, Austerlands, on Tuesday at 1pm.