www.newquayband.org.uk

Newquay Band is putting out a plea for new members.

The band has been entertaining residents and holiday-makers in and around the town since 1856, and during that time it has gone through many highs and, of course, a few lows.

Currently the band is in the middle of a transition period. It owns its bandroom - a modern, heated building with all mod cons and disabled facilities - and a full set of top-of-the-range instruments plus a full back-up set used for training and for the junior band. However, the one missing factor is enough players to take advantage of these assets.

A brass band would normally have approximately 28 musicians, but unfortunately, at the moment, due to various factors such as health, motherhood, migration and university studies the band is only able to call upon 12 to 14 players.

This means that it has to be a little selective in its choice of engagements, although it was out playing six times during December.

What the band is in great need of, therefore, is new members.

There must be many people in the Newquay area who can play a brass instrument.

Maybe you have been taking a break to raise a family, or perhaps you have played with a higher section band and dropped out because you wanted a break from perpetual contesting? It could be that you just wanted to take a breather. Whatever the reason, why not come along and join a friendly band which caters for all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced?

You will be helping to rebuild what is possibly Newquay's oldest asset after the sea and beaches. You never know, you will probably thoroughly enjoy yourself!

The band practices on Monday nights from 7.30pm to 9pm in the bandroom on Clevedon Road, off Mount Wise, and a beginners' class is starting on Saturday mornings.

* Telephone Tony Bullows on 01726 861761, or Richard Clemens on 01637 8733721, if only for a chat.