Help Celebrate 170th Anniversary

This year Rockingham Brass Band were to mark a huge milestone anniversary of a 170 years since the formation, our first incarnation, as the Wharncliffe Silkstone Colliery Band. The band were going to mark this historic event with concerts, celebrations and even a commissioned piece by Philip Harper.

The band and it’s members have been working hard over the last 5 years to rebuild themselves from a 4th Section Brass Band that had only 8 members to becoming a 2nd Section Band with more than 30 regular players!

This is down to the hard work put in by the committee, the band, it’s friends and family and of course, it’s MD Adam Whittle, who’s tireless efforts and determination, made the band what it is today.

But of course the band is much more than a name, it is also a family, a hobby, and a part of the members lives. To them it serves as a social, mental and physical outlet, allowing them to have some fun, a challenge and indulge in music.

Sadly, the arrival of the coronavirus meant that the brass banding community had to stop all rehearsals and postpone every engagement. This has led to the loss of income that brass bands normally receive to keep them running. Rockingham is no exception. The continued expenses such as rent and insurance still have to be paid and have cost the band most of the money they had saved for their anniversary. In addition to this, Rockingham Band have rented a larger covid-safe venue, which they use when local and national guidance allows. Although this gives the opportunity to be together again, the financial strain is becoming greater.

“Thanks to BBE and Crowdfunder, we have a chance to recover some of what we have lost this year and continue to pay for the use of the large hall. We are aiming to raise £1000 by Christmas Eve and thanks to the goodwill of others, we are already half way to our goal after only a week!”

The band is proud to serve the communities that they entertain and have rallied with friends and families to fight to keep the band thriving during these unprecedented times.

“Rockingham Band is like a second family! I have made true friends for life who have helped me through difficult times! After I took a break for a while, when I returned, it was like I’d never left.” – Sophie Holling

“We absolutely love the band! We look forward to the yearly concerts at Christmas and in the summer. We even had the video performance the band made back in May played during a Church service to pray for the victims of Covid-19. It moved many to tears. We are happy to keep supporting! – Glyn and Hazel Stones

“At Cromford Steam Rally, we are proud to have supported Rockingham Brass Band for a number of years.” – Cromford Steam Rally

Here is our video message for our crowdfunder: