Stockport Silver Band out on the streets
Stockport Silver Band says that its landlord, the non-registered charity - the Social Centre for the Elderly and Disabled of Stockport (SCEDS), has given it one month’s notice to leave its band room in Whitfield House, under the Stockport arches
Section 4 Stockport Silver has supported the community in Stockport for nearly 150 years, initially as Stockport Yeomanry Band, and is currently fundraising for a year of celebrations in 2020 to commemorate the band’s 150th birthday that will include a new CD and a reunion concert. The band has also recently enjoyed a resurgence as it returned to contesting in 2016 and performs a number of concerts annually that support support local charities, as well as local events like Stockport Pride, Bramhall Duck Race and Poynton Show. It also competes annually at the Whit Friday marches, where it has secured three best Section 4 prizes.
On a brighter note, the interim MD, Dr. Alexander Parker, is to become the permanent MD and led the band at this year's Whit Friday contests, for its summer programme and into the future.
Said Alex Parker: “Stockport is a fantastic group of people and such an important part of Stockport's community, so it's great to be involved as the bands permanent MD. I’m very hopeful that either Stockport Council, or a local business with great social responsibility, will help us find a new affordable home for the band, to allow us to stay in this wonderful community for the next 150 years.”
Meanwhile, Stockport Silver, which rehearses on Tuesday nights, has been offered temporary rehearsal space at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Cheadle – an arrangement that can only last until August.
If you can help to locate a rehearsal room with storage for the band, email: secretary@stockportsilver.co.uk or call the Band Secretary, Phil Mumford, on 07504705064.
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