Band plans extension

Heathfield Silver Band is hoping to extend its practise room and add toilets and kitchen to the very basic facilities.

Treasurer Mostyn Cornford, who is also a percussionist with the band, said that the room behind Harding Villas in Alexandra Road had no modern facilities other than electricity and the band desperately needed the improvements.

A planning application went before Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council's transportation, planning and streetlighting committee on Monday and councillors said the band should be encouraged because it did such a good job in the area. They offered no objection to the proposal which will be decided by Wealden Council.

Mr Mostyn told the Express the band, which has a new master, Frances Lulham, had 25 members who needed more room to spread out when practising.

It will cost about 16,000 to carry out the work and fund-raising is under way with plans to apply for grants towards the costs. About a quarter of the money has been raised already.

The band has been in existence for more than 100 years and is kept busy throughout the year. For example, it performed at a fete at Maynards Green School on Saturday and will be at the Heathfield Agricultural Show tomorrow and at golden jubilee celebrations at the town's fire station on June 3.

Above, Mrs Lulham with the band. L21038