19/12/21 - Sometimes the passing of a band member comes as a shock, but none so great as the one that came to me this week. Dave Woonton, Grand Marshal with the Red Rose Band for many years, died suddenly last Sunday. It was on the 23rd August after hearing that the Red Rose Band had disbanded, that I asked Dave if he would write A history of the Red Rose Band. He didn't hesitate to reply, "I think your suggestion to recognise the band in print is super. I will try to get the memory bank and brain working and try to put something together". All who knew Dave found him to be a real gentleman and a special individual.
 

27/12/21 -

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Dave Woonton’s death. We string bassists are excused boots, so I had never marched with him, but had known him for many years. He was a regular attender at jazz performances, and was often at Delph Band Club to listen to the Spirit of New Orleans.  

Two months ago in York at the regular Thursday lunchtime session at the Cross Keys (jazz now re-located to nearby Dringhouses Sports Club) I was surprised, and pleased, to spot him at the bar. He was on a day trip to York by train, and, after the jazz, was bound for the Rail Museum before riding the rails back across the Pennines. We had a long discussion over jazz and sundry matters. Dave was a well-informed and interesting companion, very open-minded over jazz styles. I am sure that many of us will miss his contribution to the jazz scene.

John Muskett

17/01/2022 -

The funeral of David Woonton will take place on Tuesday 25th January 2022 at St .Michael’s and All Angels church St Michael’s Ave. Bramhall SK7 0BC at 12 o’clock.   There will be a small parade band playing Reception at the Church Hall.

Dave was the parade Marshal for the Red Rose Band for over 20 years and he also worked at the Royal College of Music in Manchester. He will be greatly missed by his wife Debbie and all his friends and musicians

Derek & Trish Galloway
 

Photo by Barrie Marshall