Band needs new members

UCKFIELD S Concert Band is 'at the point of collapse a band leader warned this week.

The band is in desperate need of new members, said Linda Kingaby. Practice sessions at the Alma Arms in Framfield Road are now down to just ten members at least ten to fifteen players short.

Linda said players had left because of job moves, retirement or joining other bands. 'The members who remain are capable musicians who play music to an exceptionally high standard. However, it is very disheartening, week in, week out, when so many parts are missing.

Some years ago the band appeared on the National Lottery after being awarded a grant to buy new instruments most of which are sitting in a cupboard not being used and would have to be returned to the lottery if the band folded.

'Last year the band held a concert for the RNLI, which was extremely successful unfortunately they had to turn down the same job this year due to insufficient members available to perform a satisfactory concert. For the same reason the band had to pull out of the Uckfield Carnival at short notice, said Linda.

'The younger generation do not seem very interested in joining a brass band anymore, which is very sad, as the parents would not have any financial outlay.

Anybody interested in joining the band can telephone Edwina Wooler on 01273 882539.