Last Post Stan has a day to remember

Bugler Stan Whiteman receives award from Oldham Council for his Remembrance Sunday cornet playing. PIC L-R: Audrey Whiteman,Cllr Olwen Chadderton (Mayor) and Stan.

A CORNET player who has sounded The Last Post on Remembrance Sunday for four decades has been honoured by Oldham Council.

Stan Whiteman joined the Royal British Legion band 40 years ago and has played at Oldham War Memorial, as well as funerals of ex-servicemen and women, ever since.

The 87-year-old, of Bickerstaffe Close, Shaw, started playing the cornet at 17 with Oldham Air Training Corps Band.

Over the last 70 years, Stan, an engineer by trade, has played in and conducted a range of bands and amateur operatic groups. His exploits have taken him all over the world.

Honoured
Last year, Stan, who has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, was presented with a crystal decanter and glasses by the Oldham branch of the Royal British Legion to honour his commitment and dedication.

And yesterday, he was given a certificate of thanks and a crystal rose bowl by the Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, whom he conducted when she appeared in productions with the Royton Trinity Amateur Operatic Society.

She said: “I have known Stan for many years and I am so pleased and honoured that I am able to make this presentation to him. He should be very proud of his achievements. He has provided an excellent service to Oldham over the years and has contributed so much to music in the borough.”
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