*
banner

Unison Kinneil bandroom gutted by flames

Arson believed to have been the cause of a fire that spread to the headquarters of the Bo'ness based band. If you can help the band, please do...

Kinneil
  The bandhall has been gutted by the fire that started in the local football stadium

A fire believed to have been started by vandals at Bo'ness United football ground in Scotland has engulfed the home of Unison Kinneil Band.

Reports state that the fire gutted Blydon Hall, the band's rehearsal facility which is in the grounds of the football stadium, with the loss of instruments, uniforms, percussion equipment and memorabilia.

Speaking to 4BR, Band Secretary Robert Doherty said that present the full extent of the damage is not known as the fire service is wary that the structure of the building is still unsafe. However, initial reports suggest very little has survived.

Devastated

"Two blackened trophies, a box of stands and some stand banners is all we have at present,"he said.

"We are devastated. Our annual concert is planned for June 14th, and we were due to do a job on the weekend. We have to wait for the fire service and police to do their job before we can look at anything else and find what the insurers have to say."

Robert stated that it is understood that it is believed that the fire was deliberately started in rolls of Astroturf that were to be laid as a new pitch for the local football team.

He added: "Instruments and music can be replaced, but the memorabilia is priceless to us as we have a proud history going back to 1858."

In March the band qualified for the Cheltenham First Section National Finals and claimed a top 10 finish at the Senior Trophy in May.

We are devastated. Our annual concert is planned for June 14th, and we were due to do a job on the weekendRobert Doherty

Support

Offers of support have already been forthcoming from the Scottish brass band community and further afield, whilst the Falkirk East MSP, Angus MacDonald stated that he would also do everything he could to help.

"My thanks go to those who have already been in touch to offer help, and we are determined to gets things sorted as soon as possible."

A Just Giving page has been set up to help the band with immediate costs and to ensure they can meet their financial responsibilities to events and undertakings they are committed to.

If you can help,please go to:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/supportkinneilband?utm_term=Kk8G7Nyx7

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd