The Old Silkstone Band has informed 4BR that they have been forced out of its home village after 155 years.

It follows a dispute over their practice hut rehearsal facility which they state resulted in the band's property being demolished by a developer.

Old Silkstone has been involved in a long running dispute over rights to access to the hut, which has been its home since a lease was signed with the former Silkstone Working Men's Club around 35 years ago.

Outside village

Since the closure of the club the site has been redeveloped as a private home. The hut was subsequently demolished, despite the unresolved legal dispute over the lease, forcing them to take up an offer of a new temporary base outside Silkstone village.

It is a move that has led officials to fear they could lose their proud heritage and identity — one that still sees them retain strong links with the community — most recently the commemoration of the Battle of the Somme and the 91st annual community 'Silkstone Sing'.

Success

However, although the upheaval has been disruptive, the band has continued to succeed, and for the second year running qualified for the National Finals — a first in their history.

This has secured promotion to the First Section in 2017 and will also see them appear in a new BBC documentary, due to be broadcast in the autumn, which focuses on Barnsley's diverse community groups and brass band heritage.

Despite still facing thousands of pounds worth of legal fees and the task of funding their latest Cheltenham National Final appearance, morale is still as high as ever with the players focussed on improving on last year's 6th place finish.

We have been overwhelmed by all the messages of support and offers of help from other local bands and would like to thank the local community for their continued supportBand spokesperson

Overwhelmed

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We have been overwhelmed by all the messages of support and offers of help from other local bands and would like to thank the local community for their continued support — especially Silkstone Golf Club, Silkstone Church and Silkstone Parish Council who are currently looking into helping relocate the band.