The Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association is to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Saturday 19th January to discuss its future.

The Association currently runs a number of events, including the popular Easingwold, Hardraw Scar and Dewsbury contests, as well as representing its member interests on the North of England and Yorkshire Regional Committees.

Stalwarts

However, despite being in a sound financial position, recent years have seen it struggle to engage with both its member bands and the wider banding community, whilst a number of stalwart committee members have also reached the time in their lives where they wish to step back from the organisation and stewarding of events.

4BR has been informed that the Association believes it needs to consider its future carefully to ensure it is performing a role that bands across Yorkshire and Humberside value, and more importantly, that it can attract volunteers that are willing to help deliver events and support its activities.

Without new blood it is going to be impossible to continue and we will regrettably have to look at how we can manage an orderly wind up of the Association's affairsAssociation Chairman, Stuart Warriner

New blood

Association Chairman, Stuart Warriner told 4BR: "We are proud of all the Association has achieved and hope we can find a way forward.

However, the current situation is rapidly becoming critical, particularly in terms of keen volunteer members who can help with event organisation and management.

Without new blood it is going to be impossible to continue and we will regrettably have to look at how we can manage an orderly wind up of the Association's affairs."

Time and place

The EGM will take place at Walton Village Hall (near Wetherby) on the 19th of January at 10.30am.

Representatives of member bands as well as brass band enthusiasts and supporters are invited to attend.