Jim Fitton 1937-2019
Jim Fitton joined Milnrow Band in the late 1980’s. He socialised with several players from the band and agreed to have a go at playing BBb bass, a seat that had been empty for some time.
As was always his way, Jim got involved in everything related to the band and at his first AGM he was disgusted to hear that a small ladies committee that supported the band had made more from jumble sales in the last year than the band had made from engagements. With several others from the band he set about making changes.
Jim was soon asked to take over as Band Master and set about encouraging more young players to join, recognising that this was the future of the band. His sons Andrew and David, who were members of the Church Lads Brigade soon joined along with several others from local schools and youth bands. With support from their parents a larger committee formed supporting the band and its interests. New uniforms were purchased, the band entered its first contest for several years and with the help of Rochdale Council the rehearsal room was totally refurbished.
By his own admission, Jim’s playing abilities were limited and he stepped aside from playing, taking over as the band Chairman and Treasurer. However, this didn’t kerb his enthusiasm and spurred him on even more to make the band a success. During his tenure as Chairman, the band employed several great musical directors all of whom progressed the band through the various contest sections and strengthened them as a unit. There were several National Finals and other major contests, all bringing the band forward to establish itself in the Championship Section where we still compete today.
If asked, Jim would probably say he would have loved to have started playing earlier and continued longer, however there is no doubt that when a successful result for the band was announced he got as much joy and satisfaction from it as any player sat on the stage.
In more recent times, Jim took pride in the fact that good people are still in control of the destiny of the band, giving the comfort that Milnrow Band will be here for many years to come. At his last AGM on the 28th March he stepped down as Treasurer but was keen to continue as Chairman despite ill health. Jim passed peacefully only 4 weeks later on the 26th April aged 81.
We would all like to thank Jim from the bottom of our hearts for his tireless commitment and dedication to the band over the past 4 decades. All of our love and thoughts are with Jim’s loving wife Val, sons David and Andrew, and all of Jim’s family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered by all associated with Milnrow Band.
Jim’s family would like to invite all who knew him to a celebration of his life on Tuesday 14th May 2019. The service will be held at St Thomas Church, Newhey at 12.15pm followed by interment at Rochdale Crematorium. Family flowers only and donations if desired to the British Lung Foundation care of Kilpatrick Funeral Care, 634 Halifax Road, Littleborough, OL16 2SQ.
