Band in search of a new home

Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date online: 08/02/2010

Library closure forces musicians to look elsewhere

A BAND that started as a social session for keen musicians is still playing sweet music together after 15 years.

The Westwood Over-50s Band was formed in 1995 after founder member Patrick Ward decided to gather a few pals for a Tuesday afternoon social.

The group has grown from just a few members to 27 regulars, with more senior members aged well into their 80s.

The talented team, whose members are from Oldham and across Greater Manchester, are proving popular with music fans and are booked regularly to perform.

Band member David Winterbottom (73) started playing the euphonium in 1945 for the Salvation Army.

He said: “We didn’t really look at booking jobs at first — it was more something to amuse ourselves and a catch-up.

“But as time went by we decided we’d better have a formal constitution and committee. We’ve had 14 jobs this past year.”

Band members perform voluntarily so all money raised goes towards group funds.

They are regulars on the local music scene and regularly play a fund-raising Christmas Concert in Stalybridge.

However, they are now looking for a new rehearsal space since the recent closure of Chadderton Library. They currently rehearse at St Anne’s Primary School, Lydgate.

Mr Winterbottom said: “We are still looking for the right premises and have one or two venues in mind.

“A church hall would be perfect as we have to accommodate all 27 members for rehearsals.”

For more information call 0161-652 9997.