New venue takes shine to brass
Date published: 02 April 2009
A picturesque site in Diggle has been chosen for its first milestone Whit Friday Brass Band Contest.
The June 5 event will take place opposite the village primary school on Sam Road.
The area, formerly Diggle tunnel’s tip, offers a stunning background and good access for visiting bands who will play on the day. It also has disabled access for use of toilets at the school.
When the village held a survey about whether to stage a Whit Friday contest, 90 per cent of villagers voted in favour of the idea. Peter Ashworth, chairman of the organising committee, said the major thrust now is on fund-raising activities.
“Plans are progressing well but without funds the contest simply wouldn’t take place,” he added.
“We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who have pledged advertisements for our programme and the others who have expressed a wish to sponsor prizes.
“We have been fortunate enough to receive significant funding from Saddleworth Round Table and the Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee to assist with our set up costs.”
Contest secretary Bernard Holden said: “We expect that our contest will complement the existing Saddleworth events and offer bands a unique opportunity to be involved in this inaugural event.
Legacy
“We are pleased to have secured the services of Duncan Beckley as our adjudicator.
“Mr Beckley is extremely well-qualified and experienced and we are looking forward to his involvement for many years to come.”
The village, which has a distinguished legacy of successful brass bands, now boasts a new Whit Friday committee.
It comprises Peter Ashworth (chairman), Bernard Holden (treasurer), Brian Cliffe, Steve Scholes, Phil Sewell, Jon Stocker and Dale Hitchen.
The committee is seeking volunteers to help at the event. E-mail:
