IT is sad to see that the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel is to close (as it is sad to see any church close, of course). But this particular chapel was the birthplace of the world-renowned Wingates Band.

The importance which the band places on its origins is shown in its latest newsletter, Wingates World, which rightly calls the news "The end of an era".

It tells of how on April 6, 1873 (just two years after the Chapel was built), members of the bible class formed Wingates Good Templars ("Good Templars" being one of the many temperance movements which flourished in Victorian times). It was originally a drum and fife band, but quickly changed to an all-brass ensemble.

At the same time the name was changed to Wingates Temperance Band, which remained unchanged for 108 years until, in 1981, "Temperance" was dropped and the band sought commercial sponsorship.

As the 19th century drew to a close, Wingates Temperance Band had become one of the country's finest, and by this time its links with the chapel were no longer particularly close. In some respects this continued to be the case throughout much of the 20th century, until, in 1993, special efforts were made by the band's committee to renew its links with the Dixon Street chapel. On April 6 of that year - the band's 120th birthday - a marble plaque was unveiled above the chapel's altar, with a suitable inscription commemorating what had happened so many years previously.

Of course, for many decades, the chapel (and its predecessor on the site of the bandroom in Wingates Square) was the hub of the thriving community of Wingates, whose menfolk, in the main, earned their living in the mills and the mines. For literally thousands of people it provided a hugely important and social dimension in their lives.

In fact, the full story of Methodism in Wingates is told in the book "Whispers of Wingates", by Ethel Howell (whose husband Arnold is well-remembered as a teacher at Rivington and Blackrod Grammar School, as it used to be). It was originally produced in 1984, but updated in 1999, and features a chapter about the band's formation and its links with the chapel. If you want a copy (price £4.50, including postage) contact Mrs Howell at 19, The Plaisaunce, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffs, ST5 3RY (Tel. 01782 615574).

Times change, however (not always for the better!), and the once thriving "epicentre" of Wingates is now a pale shadow of its former self. All that remains is a tiny congregation for whom the burden of keeping the chapel going has become too much.

The final service will be held at 6pm on Sunday, May 6 - and because there isn't room to accommodate the full band, an ensemble from the band will play.

And yet another piece of our important history will be no more.

Incidentally, last Friday the band launched its latest album, called "Milestones". I wish it well.