Derek Atkinson
From school, Derek entered the British Army as a Tuba player – Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Armoured Corps, Dorset. Derek served for two years at JL leaving with the rank of Junior Sergeant. He then joined his appointed Regimental Band – Her Majesty's 1st The Royal Dragoons, and served in England, Malaya, Hong Kong and The Philippines.
On returning to England he entered Knellar Hall, the Royal Military School of Music. After a year’s tuition, now playing Tuba and Bass Trombone he returned to his band.
The band was amalgamated with the Household Cavalry – The Blues, to form the Band of The Blues & Royals one of the two only mounted bands within the British Army. After a short illness he left the Army and returned home to Haydock.
Derek entered the William Booth Memorial Training College and in 1968 became a commissioned Officer of the Salvation Army, serving in London, Wales and Cornwall.
In 1973 Derek returned home to Haydock, and took up a position within Local Government within the Social Services Dept. specialising in the care of the mentally ill. Due to promotion he was made Principal Officer and managed the training of unqualified Social Worker and volunteers.
Derek retired in 1992. He now plays with Merseyside (Liverpool) Police Band and is Chair of their Management Group.
Brass Band History.
Started playing with The Salvation Army at the age of 11.
When 14 appointed assistant MD, teaching many of the youngsters joining the Band.
Army service (see above)
1974 with an old friend Mr Charles Fradley created a Youth Band via two schools in the area. Mr Fradley looking after the musical side while Derek took care of all the management and administration.
The Haydock & Ashton Y.B. was very successful in the contesting arena and won three Gold Medals attending the Music Festival in Kerkrade, Netherlands. The band progressed and became a senior band sponsored by a local brewery and is still a successful local band.
In 1986 appointed Secretary of Preston District North West Area Brass Band Association.
An Executive member of NWABBA.
In 2000 a new Association was formed – North West Counties BBA becoming Secretary & Treasurer.
Is Secretary/ Treasurer for Lancashire Contests.
2004 became an Ex.Member of BFBB.
BFBB responsible for their News Letter – Inform. Administration of members CRB checks – child protection.
In 2008 was appointed to the Executive Committee of the European Brass Band Association.
Contest Controller of;
Burtonwood Brewery BBC
NWCBBA Annual Championships
NWCBBA Slow Melody Contest.
Tameside Youth Festival.
English National BBC
Ex. Wilkinsons Northern Open Championships – St.Helens, Lancashire.
Joint Controller ( with friend Frank Hodges )
British Open Championship
British Open Solo Contest
British Open Spring Festival
Pontin's Brass Band Championships
Pontin’s Youth Championships
Tameside Open
JJB March Contest
NWCBBA team assist BFBB at the national Youth Championships.
Since retirement Derek spend many hours in his home office promoting and planning events for the Brass Band Movement.
