*
banner

St David's make further home improvements

The huge task of refurbishing their new band hall has taken yet another great step forward for St David's Brass in Scotland.

St davids
  The new roof has now been out on to await new solar panels

Despite the recent bout of terrible weather that has hit the UK, St David's Brass in Scotland is making great progress on the refurbishment of its new Vogrie Hall band hall.

As previously reported on 4BR thanks to amazingly generous anonymous donors and an incredible amount of fund-raising, the band from Gorebridge in Midlothian was able to purchase the dilapidated hall from the local council to turn it into a new home after 40 year or more without a permanent base.

Fund raising goals

Purchased for £100,000 they have since rasied five times as much again to get the work needed to make it fit for purpose.

Two anonymous donors gave £300,000, whilst £238,000 came from various grant giving bodies, including the Community Ownership Fund (UK Government Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), Fife Environmental Trust, The Foyle Foundation, People's Postcode Trust, National Lottery, Clackmannan & Stirling Environmental Trust, Foundation Scotland, and the Hugh Fraser Foundation.

We've been able to say thank you to known donators, however, for those that we can't reach out to directly we hope they read 4BR and know just how much we thank themSt David's Brass

Thank you

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We've been able to say thank you to known donators, however, for those that we can't reach out to directly we hope they read 4BR and know just how much we thank them."

Over the last month the band has replaced the asbestos roof tiles attached guttering and downpipes and are starting installing the solar panels which will give them plenty of green energy to back their music making.

The spokesperson added: "Further fund raising efforts are ongoing, but the progress made has been amazing and we can already see the end of the road."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd