The two stalwart curators of the Brass Band Archive have informed 4BR that they have growing concerns that they will soon be unable to afford to keep running the banding movement’s priceless collection of memorabilia, music and artefacts in Wigan.

Generosity

Despite the generosity of long term benefactor Brian Halliwell in providing the building and its main overheads free of charge, other day to day running costs are now reaching a critical level – with both Walter Ainscough and Alan Marsh increasingly paying out of their own pockets to ensure they are met.

Financial help

Walter told 4BR: "Brian has been a magnificent supporter of the Archive, and without him the brass band movement would have lost its priceless heritage long ago.

However, it also needs ongoing financial help if we are to keep it running and to be able to curate the memorabilia correctly. It’s reaching a critical situation."

Running costs

4BR understands that some financial support is given to the Archive through Brass Bands England, as well as from individual donations, although these are no longer meeting the day to day running costs.

Walter added: "Both Alan and I enjoy every minute of the time we spend here – it’s a labour of love so to speak. We get messages and requests from all over the world, but replying to them and making sure the archive is kept up to date has become increasingly expensive."

Other bodies seem to be able to get help but not us. It would make our job so much easier and be of huge benefit to the worldwide banding movement tooWalter Ainscough

Grant application

Walter believes a possible the answer is for someone to help with a grant application to meet long term costs and fund a new innovative approach to meet the Archive’s needs.

"I’m sure there is someone out there in the banding movement who could approach the right people to gain some grant aid," he said hopefully.

"Other bodies seem to be able to get help but not us. It would make our job so much easier and be of huge benefit to the worldwide banding movement too."

Help

If you wish to help meet the costs of the Brass Band Archive please go to: http://www.brassbandarchive.com/contact.htm

See 4BRs visit to the Brass Band Archive

http://www.4barsrest.com/vision/play.asp?id=314#.UU1ZShzjcwA