A BRASS band that has been bringing music to its town for more than a century is looking for help to find a new home.
Saltash Town Band has been established for over 110 years, and is proud of its history of supporting civic events and charities both local and further afield, says chairman Matthew Thomas.
Despite the pandemic, membership has remained strong, with people making enquiries to join when restrictions are lifted.
Members have been meeting together to play via Zoom each Friday, and have been playing outside their homes each week too – both to keep up momentum and exercise the lungs, as well as to support the NHS and appeals such as the Captain Tom Moore fundraising.
Now the band is asking the people of Saltash for help, as Matthew explains: “Our current rehearsal venue at the St John Ambulance Hall, due to the pandemic, is not able to accommodate the space we need, which has left us homeless.
“If we can’t find accommodation, we could be forced to relocate from the town which would be a drastic measure for the band members.
“Many brass bands have their own venue but unfortunately this has never been the case for Saltash, although is very much an ambition of the band.”
Saltash Town Band wants to build on its popularity and continue to train new members to an excellent standard to carry the tradition forward – and most of all, it wants to stay in its home town, but this is proving to be a great challenge.
The Maurice Huggins building was considered, but Saltash Town Council has said it would not be suitable, says Matthew.
“Some members have driven around Saltash searching for any space or land for a potential band room, or a building that may be available to be used.
“As covid restrictions start to ease, the band hopes to start having meetings with various people and organisations to discuss potential venues.”
If anyone can help with the band’s situation, please email band manager Alison Ellis at [email protected], or by calling 07718 906335.