Guildford in danger

31-Mar-2009
Ludicrous rental increase forces Friary Guildford to move out.

The town of Guildford may be in danger of losing part of its heritage following the news that rehearsal facility rental charges for the town's brass band are set to rise by almost 350%.

Forced out

Friary Guildford Brass will be forced to move out of their rehearsal venue unless they can find an extra £3,000 a year to cover elevated rehearsal costs following the move by Surrey County Council.

The band, which receives the majority of its funding through player-member subscriptions, has been forced to start looking for new accommodation in a stance to protect its future.

'Friary Guildford Brass will be forced to move out of their rehearsal venue unless they can find an extra £3,000 a year to cover elevated rehearsal costs'

~ 4BR

Rental costs

However, with rental costs for suitable premises in Guildford at an all time high and with little in the way of grants or subsidies for non-profit making organisations, the band has been forced to widen their search to include facilities outside of the town.

Guildford is a town that is proud to have had its own brass band for most of the last century.

Chairman Mark Yarham stated: "The band is currently holding discussions with Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council as well as seeking help from local residents and business to ensure that one of the south's premier brass bands can continue to thrive in Guildford."