*
banner

Transformation ready to begin at St David's Brass

A remarkable fund raising effort will soon see the old dilapidated home of St David's Brass in Scotland turned into a fantastic new community based venue.

St DAVD
  Their home is currently in a terrible state of repair...

Thanks to a brace of exceptionally generous anonymous donors and an incredible amount of fund-raising, St David's Brass from Gorebridge in Midlothian will soon start work on its new rehearsal base.

The band has been able to purchase the dilapidated Vogrie Hall from the local council, which will give the organisation its first permanent home since its formation 42 years ago.

Total refurbishment

For the last decade the band has leased the venue which was built in the 1930s for local miners, and which later became a community hall. Sadly, the condition of the building has deteriorated considerably, and it became clear that the council would be unable to carry out the much-needed repairs.

St David's Brass realised that the only way to save it was to purchase the venue itself at a cost of £100,000, enabling it to seek further funding and undertake a total refurbishment programme — starting with the leaking roof (above).

Amazing work

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Early on the band was fortunate to receive two anonymous donations totalling £300,000, and thanks to the amazing work of band members Alistair Taylor and Fiona Dickson further funding has been secured to start the transformation."

Their efforts have seen £238,000 come from various grant giving bodies, including the Community Ownership Fund (UK Government Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), Fife Environmental Trust, The Foyle Foundation, People's Postcode Trust, National Lottery, Clackmannan & Stirling Environmental Trust, Foundation Scotland, and the Hugh Fraser Foundation.

Early on the band was fortunate to receive two anonymous donations totalling £300,000, and thanks to the amazing work of band members Alistair Taylor and Fiona Dickson further funding has been securedSt David's Brass

Heart of the community

Speaking about the incredible fund-raising achievement and what it will bring, Band Chairperson Stuart Dickson told 4BR: "We can't wait to see the finished facility which will be used not only by the band but also by other community groups who wish to hire the main hall for their activities.

The last two years have been particularly difficult as Vogrie Hall was closed by the Council due to it being unsafe, and we had to find alternative accommodation which of course, was very disruptive and expensive."

New era

He added: "Now though we are entering a new era and can look forward to more settled times when we can start to build on our links with the community, especially forging ahead with our youth programme for local children.

I'm very proud to say that St David's Brass has been able to save a much-loved building in the village and that we will provide an asset for the community in the years to come".

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


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd