Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town band has this week welcomed a £5,000 grant from the Town Council to allow it to make repairs to its aging band hall.
The building, located on the edge of Worston Road on the north side of the BAY Centre playing fields, has suffered from vandalism in recent years, as we reported here.
Treasurer Neville Baker said this week: “The band hall is an important and integral part of the band, and without the band room we would have to hire a shared rehearsal room. We would also lose out considerable storage and space which would mean losing our irreplaceable library of music and disposing of large pieces of equipment.”
“We would also lose the home of Burnham and Highbridge Town Band, which was formed in 1947. It does give a unique and, we believe, important service to the town. Burnham would be worse off without us. This year, we experimented with concerts on the seafront and due to their success and popularity we intend to continue the same next year.”
“The band room, under previous committees, has not been properly maintained, however the new committee is endeavouring to carry out all necessary repairs to the cladding. The frame and roof are both in sound condition.”
“It is also hoped to install a toilet and kitchenette with running water and mains drainage.”
“All the works will make the band room more attractive to new members and also more attractive in its present position to be a building we can be proud of.”
This week, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council unanimously awarded the group a £5,000 grant towards the work to repair the building.
Mayor Andy Brewer said: “They are only asking for a third of the overall costs from us through this grant. I am fully supportive – the band do a marvellous job for the towns.”
