Ottery St Mary Silver Band 'Centenary+1' fundraiser launched

Conductor Andrew Harris taking the band through a rehearsal in 'The Station' before the pandemic (Image: OSMSB)
Undeterred by the setback, chairman and soprano player Malcolm Lee is looking ahead to this year naming it the band’s ‘Centenary +1’ and hopes, at the very least, to hold a concert to mark the occasion.
But the band, which has not met for 45 weeks, is in need of support from the community to help with paying its ongoing costs. This has led to the launch of a crowdfunding appeal with a target set at £2,000. Malcolm said: “We are thankfully not yet in a situation that will mean that the band will have to fold but the lack of income from the many cancelled engagements last year and no doubt this year will mean that annual expenses will have to be paid from dwindling funds which are reserved for instrument, music and uniform purchase.”
Malcolm went on to explain that the lack of meeting up and playing is being keenly felt by all of the band and he has been trying to keep them engaged during lockdown. “Playing music in such a group is rewarding individually but also through being amongst friends that have been built up over many years. I have tried keeping their interest in banding matters up by producing 45 weekly newsletters to date.
“As for 2021 it is hoped that at the very least a Centenary +1 Concert is possible and will go ahead on 9th October in the Kings School, Ottery St Mary.”
A quarter of the £2000 fundraiser target has already been reached in just over two weeks of the band's six week campaign and anyone who wishes to contribute can visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ottery-st-mary-silver-band-centenary-plus-1