A revitalised British Federation of Brass Bands has reported a 7% increase in membership in the past year, with the organisation well on the way to achieving over 300 members for a full year for the first time since 2008.

Strong offer

BFBB Chairman, Robert Morgan MBE, told 4BR: "We are a membership organisation and without members we have no right to exist. Our member bands look to join BFBB for many different reasons and we look forward to helping wherever we can."

He added: "We currently have a very strong offer for all UK bands including comprehensive information packs and priority access to a wide range of promotional and project opportunities through the Making A Difference for Brass Bands (MAD4BB) creative network."

Liaison key

The work of BFBB Liaison Officer, Terry Luddington, has been one of the keys to the increase.

He added: "So far this year 84% of the 2010 membership has renewed along with an impressive list of 72 new members since January. We still have some 2010 members to contact as their membership becomes due. We will continue to offer our service to all bands across the UK, and currently over 5% of our membership comes from outside England — an increase of 27% on 2010."

We currently have a very strong offer for all UK bands including comprehensive information packs and priority access to a wide range of promotional and project opportunitiesRobert Morgan MBE

Develop

He added: "We have also been very keen to develop and provide specific new services for Brass Band Associations, mainly in the area of fund-raising and closer working together for the benefit of bands.

"So far this year we have delivered three very successful funding seminars for associations and we are very pleased to have 7 either joining or renewing with BFBB so far this year. There’s never been a better time to join us."