Take note of band’s plight

CHADDERTON Brass Band could fold unless it finds a new home.

That’s the stark warning from band president and former Conservative councillor Philip Rogers.

He said: “In October, Chadderton Brass Band will cease to exist unless it finds a new venue in which to rehearse.

“Last year the band lost its rehearsal room of many years in Chadderton Library.

“The council said it was selling the building but 18 months later there has been no sale and a massive bill for security.

“The council can find £5million to bail out Oldham Athletic but cannot find rooms for community groups.”

The band, which has around 20 members aged 30-70, was formed in the 1920s and currently rehearses at Chadderton Court mental health resource centre on Middleton Road.

It was forced to move there following the closure of the former Chadderton Library where it rehearsed for many years.

Lack of storage space for the band’s drum kit and two filing cabinets means that it is looking for somewhere new from October. They rehearse from 7.30 to 9.30pm on Mondays and play events such as Chadderton Day and the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Anyone who can help should call Mr Rogers on 07944-838 786 or band secretary Carol Farnsworth on 07815-805 365.