Contest in memory of coach-death dad Alan

The hills will come alive with the sound of brass on Friday

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A SPECIAL trophy and a poignant hymn will help remember Alan Chamberlain on Friday, a year after he died in a tragic accident at the band contest in Greenfield.

The father-of-five from Hyde collided with a coach at the Whit Friday band contest celebrations as he crossed the road with his eight-year-old son Zac.

This year, safety measures have been stepped up to avoid coaches and revellers taking the same route through Greenfield after a procedure review.

Greenfield band contest chairman Joe Buckley said: “Everyone was so upset last year and we have been in close contact with the family to minimise any risk this year — safety is paramount.

“The contest has been going for 85 years and we’ve never had an accident, it was such a shock when it turned out to be fatal.”

Bands will march down Chew Valley Road as normal, however coaches will make their way one-by-one down Greenbridge Lane and wait at the band club.

Chew Valley Road will also be closed to through traffic.

The entire Greenfield contest will be dedicated to 57-year-old Alan’s memory, a special youth trophy will be awarded and the famous Brighouse and Rastrick band will stop for a hymn in Chew Valley Road.

Joe added: “We’re with the family when we say that while it is important to remember Alan it’s also important to keep the tradition alive for so many to enjoy.” Plans are firmly in place for the contest with 135 bands expected to descend on the village from far and wide.

Dubbed the Greatest Free Show on Earth, police and the council have been working to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For the first time, Saddleworth Police will be using twitter for updates throughout the day. Tim Forber, Oldham’s police chief, has urged revellers to stay safe during the festivities. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves, but people are reminded that we will not tolerate bad behaviour.”

Bob Rodgers, contest chairman, said: “The event is unique because the smallest of youth bands can rub shoulders with some of the best championship bands in the country.”

A full list about venues, roadworks and traffic restrictions is available at www.whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org  






Contest times
Denshaw: 4.15pm-10.45pm

Diggle: 4.15pm -10.15pm

Dobcross: 4.30pm-10pm

Friezland: 4.30pm-10.30pm

Greenacres: 4.30pm-10.30pm

Greenfield: 4.30pm-10pm

Grotton: 4pm-10pm

Lydgate: 4.30pm-10.30pm

Lees and Springhead: 4.30pm-10.30pm

Scouthead and Austerlands: 4.30pm-11pm

Uppermill: 4pm-10.30pm






A time capsule is to be buried in Uppermill to remember the contests. Photographs and memories of this Friday’s and previous competitions are needed for people to look at in 50 years time.

The capsule will be created by Uppermill resident Roy Hopkinson and buried at St Chad’s Church.

You can send your photos and memories in by ringing Kath Airey on 07746620988, or drop them in at the Queen Anne Tea Rooms in Uppermill.