If you can’t beat ’em, just get ’em repaired

ADMIRING the restored instruments are (from the left): Colin Wild, Michael Seal, Colin Watson and the Mayor, Councillor John Hudson

THE Mayor of Oldham hailed the restoration of historic military drums and bugles at a ceremony yesterday.

Councillor John Hudson paid tribute to the Oldham branch of the 41/47 Royal Tank Regiment Association, which has overseen the £5,000 project.

The restored instruments are back on display at Oldham Civic Centre and will feature in a World War One commemoration service at Oldham Parish Church this summer.

The silver-plated snare, tenor and bass drums date from 1924 and have been restored by a Shropshire company.

Guests from various organisations, led by 41/47 Royal Tank Regiment Association, visited the civic centre yesterday to celebrate the work.

The drums were originally paid for by the people of Oldham for the first local battalion of the Manchester Regiment.

The Mayor, Councillor John Hudson, said: “The Royal Tank Regiment Association must be really pleased with this splendid restoration. It’s marvellous to see this fine collection of instruments being cared for and passed down through the generations.”