One of the oldest musical groups in the north-east was celebrating last night after members were awarded a major funding boost to renovate their town-centre property.
Councillors have awarded the Turriff Silver Band – which was formed in 1911 – £4,000 to begin upgrade work at its hall on Manse Gardens.
Frank Cranna, the band’s conductor and treasurer, said the windfall was just the beginning of an ambitious programme to update all of the facilities at the site.
“This money will be used for architect fees and planning applications, but our intentions are to put a completely new roof on the building and provide new toilets,” he said.
“It’s rundown. The roof is sagging and in need of replacement and the toilets were put in with the main building which was built in the 1960s, so everything is starting to fail. It’s all in need of updating.
“We have been here a long time and we have had our ups and downs, but we have stuck with it. We have got one or two more fundraising events lined up and there are other areas where we can access money from.
“We’re delighted, obviously, hopefully this will kick-start things and get us moving forward.”
Last night, Turriff councillor Anne Robertson said the silver band was an “integral” part of the town.
“One of their key strengths is their ability to attract younger people and, through tuition, allow them to have a greater understanding and experience of music,” she said.
“It just shows how, with some initiative and a lot of voluntary effort, things can be achieved. This will make it a centre that’s fit for purpose and allow the service they provide to be sustainable.
“Over the last two years or so we have seen a number of projects and community initiatives come into being and this is one of those that will improve the appeal and facilities within the town and surrounding area.”
The band’s first major performance of the year will be during Turriff’s May Day celebrations.