Former director Colin Sanderson passes away

Last updated : 30 April 2015 By Tony Scholes

A local solicitor for many years, Colin was certainly very well known in town, but probably more so for his involvement with the local light opera society. Earlier this month he was awarded the highest honour in the field, a special achievement award from the National Operatic and Dramatic Society.

And just days before he died, he received another honour with the bar next to the auditorium at the Mechanics being renamed The Colin Sanderson Theatre Bar.

I wouldn't have known him through his involvement within the local operatic society other than I do recall it was Colin who led the fight, one that ended unsuccessfully, to try and restore the former Empire Theatre on St. James' Street.

I knew him because of his involvement with Burnley Football Club, firstly joining the Supporters' Club Committee when it was launched by John Jackson in November 1981 and then as a member of Jackson's board for a period between 1982 and 1983.

He dramatically resigned from the board early in the 1983/84 season following the League Cup defeat against Crewe but for the next thirty years and more remained a very committed Burnley supporter.

He loved his football and I do recall once going to see him on a legal matter in his office in the town centre and spending two or three hours in there talking Burnley FC, such was his enthusiasm for the club.

His passing is very sad news and I'd wish to pass on my condolences to his family and friends at the very sad time.

 

My thanks to the Burnley Express for kindly allowing me to use the photograph above.