Black Dyke has announced that its ground breaking Heritage Centre development based at its famous Queensbury bandroom will benefit from an innovative link with the acclaimed Tolson Museum in Huddersfield.

Artefacts

Curator Frances Stonehouse will act as a professional advisor for the preservation and display of the numerous artefacts already in the possession of the band, as well as introducing historic brass band instruments, such as Serpents, Ophicleides and keyed Bugles from their own renowned collection.

A series of meetings has already begun with Black Dyke's Heritage Consultant, Andrew Tebbs to give advice and help in formulating a long term conservation programme, as well as developing plans to help the band tell the story of its amazing 150 year history in an inventive way.

Vast collection

Black Dyke was awarded £61,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the project. The Heritage and Archive Project will gain total funding of £94,500 to enable it to make its vast collection of memorabilia, music and historic banding artifacts accessible to the world — including an unprecedented treasure trove of original hand written manuscripts and early recordings.

Wonderful link

Black Dyke Secretary, David Hirst told 4BR: "This is a wonderful link that will certainly enhance the world-wide scope and reach of the Heritage Centre.

We already have a number of superb volunteers on board with the project but we welcome anyone with a passion for the band to help assist us with the refurbishment of the room housing the heritage materials."

This is a wonderful link that will certainly enhance the world-wide scope and reach of the Heritage CentreBlack Dyke Secretary, David Hirst

Contact:

Should you wish to volunteer please contact David Hirst at: secblackdykeband@btinternet.com

Picture shows (left to right) Frances Stonehouse (Curatorial Assistant, Kirklees Museums & Galleries), Daniel Morris (volunteer) and Andrew Tebbs (Black Dyke Band Heritage Consultant).