Dobcross honours beloved committee member in Whit Friday ceremony

A treasured Saddleworth tradition returned on Friday as Dobcross Youth Band took to the local streets for Whit Friday — but this year, the day carried extra meaning as the band and local community paused to remember a very special lady.

Rosemary Whiffin, the band’s dedicated librarian for over 34 years, passed away last year, leaving a huge and irreplaceable hole in the hearts of everyone connected to Dobcross Youth Band.

She was lovingly remembered during the brief service in the Band Club when past band members are remembered, before Dobcross bands processed to join other local bands in Uppermill as part of the area’s annual celebrations.

In a touching tribute, members of the band wore a flower adorned with sprigs of rosemary in her memory — a small but meaningful gesture for a woman who gave so much to so many young musicians.

Peter Whiffin, Rosemary’s husband, (pictured below) said: “After Rosemary died, her brother made a very generous donation to the Youth Band in her memory which has been used to purchase a top quality professional cornet, a Besson Sovereign. It has been engraved in her memory, as a lasting reminder of how much she gave to Dobcross Youth Band over 34 years of unstinting service.”

During the brief service in the Band Club in the morning, the instrument was blessed by the Rev Sachin Awale. The instrument was played by principal cornet player Bethany Oliver (pictured below centre with Jenny Wood), who becomes its first proud custodian — a fitting legacy.

Jenny Wood, Youth Band Secretary, said: “Whit Friday is always a special day for our young musicians and for the whole of Saddleworth, but this year it feels particularly poignant. Rosemary’s thoughtfulness, kindness, care and attention to detail ensured that all our children could be reassured and certain of Rosemary’s care and dedication to her role. There have been hundreds and hundreds of children who Rosemary ensured had the right music at the right time. I like to think that the Youth Band family in Dobcross is unique because it has many Rosemary’s in our organisation that make it run so smoothly.”

After the morning’s proceedings, the band returned in the afternoon to compete in the famous Whit Friday contest, one of brass banding’s most cherished and unique traditions in the area. “What a wonderful end to a fantastic day for Dobcross Youth Band and our local community. It’s days like this that create memories that last a lifetime for children and adults alike” concluded Sue Crook (BEM), Chairman.

For more information about Dobcross Youth Band, please contact Jenny Wood at dobcrossyouthband@gmail.com or visit the Dobcross Youth Band Facebook page at Dobcross Youth Band.