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Tributes have been paid to a former Wigan councillor whose work in the
field of leisure and recreation was influential at a regional and
national level. Wilf Brogan, a former mayor and freeman of Wigan, died
at the weekend after a long illness. He was 79.
Mr Brogan spearheaded the council's drive to improve sports and tourism
facilities over three decades. As chairman of its old recreation and
amenities committee from 1977 to 2000 he presided over major
developments such as the redevelopment of Wigan Pier and Robin Park
sports complex.
He was made a freeman of the borough in 2000 in recognition of his
service to both the borough and the cultural scene in Greater Manchester
and nationally. He retired from the council in May this year.
Council leader Lord Smith said: "Wilf Brogan was an influential
councillor for many years. The legacy of his public life can be seen all
around the borough in developments like Robin Park which Wilf helped to
make happen. He was a gentleman in the true sense of that word and all
those who knew him feel a strong personal loss."
Rodney Hill, chief executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said:
"Wilf was a lovely man who was a wonderful champion of leisure and
culture both in Wigan, across Greater Manchester and nationally. He was
passionate about what leisure and culture can do in transforming
people's lives."
In his 39 years as a councillor, he served on many influential bodies,
including the former Association of Metropolitan Authorities (as
vice-chairman of its leisure committee), the Local Government
Association, the North West Tourist Board (as vice-chairman), the Royal
Exchange Theatre Company, North West Arts, the Sports Council, the Wigan
Tourism Association, and the National Town Twinning Committee (as
chairman).
He also made a major contribution to the region's social and cultural
life through his chairmanship of the Association of Greater Manchester
Authorities' Grants Committee since 1986, the Greater Manchester Sports
Partnership (organisers of the county's popular Youth Games), and the
Greater Manchester County Archives Committee.
A former Leyland Motors shop steward and convenor, Cllr Brogan leaves a
wife, Agnes, five children and 11 grandchildren. He was elected to the
old Wigan County Borough Council in 1967. After Wigan MBC was created in
1974 he represented Poolstock and Worsley Mesnes until he stepped down
in May 2006. He received the British Empire Medal in 1984.
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