The Friends of Sidmouth Town Band have pledged to do ‘all we can’ to help the acclaimed group secure its much-needed new HQ.

Fellow performers, past members and family members are among those clubbing together to make the band’s £500,000 dream a reality.

It hopes to take on the United Reformed Church – an ideal venue to perform, rehearse and teach up-and-coming musicians - as a replacement for its cramped current base in Woolcombe Lane.

Anne Blackburn, whose son Jerome gained a wealth of musical experience with the band, said: “We all want to see the band continue to succeed and nurture young musical talent.

“It is a vital part of our community, and we want to play our part in helping the band achieve their dream of new premises.”

She founded the ‘friends’ group with singer Val Howels, Sally George and Andrea Gosling. “These talented and popular musicians deserve the best venue we can possibly give them,” said Val, a long-time collaborator with the band.

“Band members rehearse several times a week and have little time for fundraising. We will do all we can to help STB secure its much-needed new home.”

Andrea, who joined the training band with her son Thomas a few years ago, has a lot of events planned for the ‘friends’ group, including a musical variety night and musical coffee mornings, so members can enjoy a variety of social activities, meet new friends and have some fun.

Band chairman Martin Cordy said: “It is so lovely to receive support from this new friends group to help us secure the space we need for the next 150 years.”

To become a friend of STB, visit www.sidmouthtownband.co.uk or call Andrea on 01395 513973 to request an application form.