Carnival stalwart Alan dies, aged 83

A STALWART of Oldham Carnival for more than 40 years has died.

Alan Craig (83) was first roped in as a carnival volunteer in 1961 and became a parade marshal a year later.

The former painter and decorator went on to become a leading figure in the organisation of the annual event as competitions organiser, ground manager and then chairman.

In that time the event raised more than £300,000 for good causes — but by the early 2000s most of the carnival association members were in their 70s.

Mr Craig was nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award in 2002 — a year after he celebrated his 40th year with Oldham Carnival and his golden wedding.

He met his late wife, Hilda, in 1949 on Blackpool’s central pier when he asked her to dance. The couple had a daughter, Judith, and a grandson, Matthew.

When they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Mr Craig said: “Hilda has always been behind me every year at the carnival.”

Mr Craig, who lived in Gordon Avenue, Oldham, before moving to a care home, died suddenly in hospital on November 30. The funeral was at Oldham Crematorium, Hollinwood today.