Bands in North East Derbyshire are being invited to find out more about a proposed Heritage Lottery Fund project that seeks to research the unique social and musical history linking brass bands to the coal mining industry in the area.

Future generations

It is hoped that by working with bands that have enjoyed a mining connection at some point in their history it will help future generations understand its importance as part of the social, industrial and musical fabric of an area that once boasted numerous pits and bands in just about every local town and village.

The project will aim to bring together the social and musical history, explore how and why brass banding flourished in the region and to provide an invaluable research resource for future generationsCarole Hirst

Invaluable

Project co-ordinator Carole Hirst told 4BR: "There is such an important history to be researched and retold here — not just about the bands that survive and flourish today, but those that have been lost through time.

The project will aim to bring together the social and musical history, explore how and why brass banding flourished in the region and to provide an invaluable research resource for future generations."

Carole added: "I would be delighted to hear from any band in the North East Derbyshire area that has a link to the coal mining industry that is interested in being involved in this project to see how this unique history can be brought to life."

Contact:

If bands believe they could benefit from being involved in the project please contact: carolejcrompton@btinternet.com