Speaking on behalf of the trustees and members of Turnpike Community Theatre, Neil Gredecki said: “Gill has made amazing contributions to the arts and the local community, driving engagement and inclusivity.
She has raised large amounts of money for local and national causes and has been an inspiration to many. More importantly, she was a wonderful, altruistic person who was loved by so many people and will be missed by many.”
Dave Little, Head of Wigan Music Service at the council, said: “Gill did so much to support the work of the Music Service over so many years.
In 2005 she founded the Friends of Wigan Youth Brass Band and in the same year fund-raised to purchase new uniforms for the band and to pay for their first journey to perform in the Schools Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Through her relentless car boot sales, raffles and other fund-raising schemes she went on to help to fund many projects such as overseas concert tours, new musical instruments, and residential courses.
Her immense contribution will endure for years to come through the uniforms we wear, the instruments we play and the memories of great projects we all share. Thank you, Gill.”