By John Connell

Last updated at 12:14, Friday, 25 January 2013

Ambitious plans have been launched to revive the fortunes of a brass band and its meeting room.

Gerald Humes

The Workington Town Band was formed in the 1800s but broke up in the 1990s after its conductor left. In its heyday it played at music festivals, miners’ galas and regional competitions and was a thriving part of the town life.

Now a committee has been established to resurrect the band and bring the band room on Victoria Road back into community use.

Committee member Gerald Humes said he wanted to “kick start the band” and return it to its former glory.

He added: “The main thing is the Workington Town Band: the icing on the cake is the building.”

Ultimately the group wants to become a registered charity to attract funding through donations and sponsorship.

Committee members have also pledged to do bag-packing and bucket collections and will use the band room for community fundraisers.

Treasurer Marjorie Rae said: “I’m very nostalgic and I would like to see it come back to the community, and also to get the youth in there so we can have a town band.”

Committee member Carol Armstrong, who used to dance here in the early 1980s, said: “It’s fantastic and I don’t want it to close.”

The band room was hired out until recently by Daisy Nora Cox of D & C Dance Centre who has now retired.

It is in good condition though slightly damp and will need about £10,000 for the roof repairs.

The committee would only be the custodians of the band room until it would be “handed back to the community” either this year or the next.

The committee happens to be made up of local councillors but they have all stressed that their campaign is non-political and has cross party support.

“It’s not about politics” said chairman Alan Barry

James Petre, 92, has been made the group’s honorary president.

To find out more call secretary Joan Wright on 01900 61176.

First published at 11:34, Friday, 25 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk