On Sunday, 5 August 2018, players from Phoenix Brass, their families, friends and supporters travelled by coach (and a few cars) to Swanage to perform in the Bandstand. The Band wanted to help support the fundraising events by the “Friends of Swanage Bandstand”, a local charitable group that has been formed and dedicated to restore the former bandstand and putting it back into full use.
The Swanage bandstand roof sustained considerable storm damage a few years ago and was removed by the local Council for health and safety reasons. Originally installed in 1923, it is only one of a few bandstands of that particular type in the country. Restoration will bring the bandstand back to its original condition and ensure its future use for years to come.
To date the “Friends of Swanage Bandstand” has raised £56,000 and with the Swanage Council pledge of £50,000 total funds have climbed to £106,000 towards the total estimated costs of full restoration of £160,000. Further details can be found on the Friends of Swanage Bandstand website: http://friendsofswanagebandstand.co.uk/fundraising.html
Phoenix Brass followed Warrington Concert Band into the bandstand to play a mixed repertoire of music to both locals and holidaymakers. Although a hot and sunny day, the wind off the sea provided a gentle cooling breeze.
Commenting afterwards in an email, Alan Houghton, Chairman of the “Friends of Swanage Bandstand”, stated “… we in Swanage want to thank you and your fantastic brass band for your contribution to a wonderful day. We will look forward to a return visit when restoration is complete”.
“What a treat we had on 5 August, we had two quality bands visit Swanage to play in the bandstand to support us in our efforts to restore the bandstand as was, how fantastic is that. The first to play was Warrington Concert Band and they were brilliant. The Phoenix Brass Band from Froxfield played until 5pm , totally different, but equally brilliant. We were less well supported than we expected, but all who came thought it was a great afternoon of entertainment and people were very generous with their donations, raising £296.40. Thank you everybody involved and both bands would like to return when restoration is completed hopefully in March 2019”. [This sum later increased to £350 following a further donation].
A big thank you to Lawrie Sandford from Swanage who has kindly supplied many of the photographs on this News Page and the Gallery. His help and support is very much appreciated.
