*
banner

The best banding Christmas present ever?

A trio of anonymous donations amounting to £350,000 will enable St David's Brass to secure their musical future in the heart of their community for generations to come.

St Davuds
  All smiles for the Dickson family as the future of St David's Brass has been scured

St David's Brass in Midlothian in Scotland has just received perhaps the most generous Christmas present in the banding world.

Three anonymous donations amounting to £350,000 have enabled it to buy a former Miners' Welfare Hall in the village of Gorebridge which had been their rehearsal base for the past 14 years — securing it as their base, as well as for the use of the local community for generations to come.

Only option

St David's had originally leased Vogie Hall from Midlothian Council for the past 14 years, but such was the declining state of repair that they were forced to leave it and find alternative rehearsal facilities for the past two years.

Following a Community Asset Transfer agreement falling through, the only option left was to raise £100,000 and purchase it themselves.

Amazingly, they soon received the first anonymous donation of £200,000, followed by another for £100,000 a few months later after the scale of the renovation work, which included the complete removal of dry rot and asbestos, become known.

Finally, just a couple of weeks ago a third anonymous donation of £50,000 was received.

Additional funding

It has meant that the band has also been able to secure additional funding of an extra £238,000 — made up of £127,000 from the UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund and successful applications to the People's Postcode Trust, National Lottery and Foundation Scotland.

The hope is now that not only will it become a fantastic rehearsal facility with modern facilities and inclusive access for the band, but also act as a community hub and expressive arts centre, enabling it to become the vibrant heart of the former mining village once again.

We can only suppose it's someone who enjoys brass band music or someone who could see what we wanted to do with the hall, which is get it back into use and for the communityFiona Dickson

Just wonderful

In an article in The Herald newspaper, Fiona Dickson from the band stated: "We couldn't believe it — it is just wonderful. We can only suppose it's someone who enjoys brass band music or someone who could see what we wanted to do with the hall, which is get it back into use and for the community."

Fiona's husband John formed the St David's Brass in 1981 at St David's High School and continues to conduct them. They first entered the Scottish Championships in 1986 and have qualified for the National Finals on three occasions. The family — including sons and grandchildren all play in the band (above).

Community asset

Speaking about the news, Ellen Scott, Chair of Gorebridge Community Cares told the newspaper: "Vogrie Hall holds many fond memories for local folk.

I am sure the Community will be very pleased that this iconic building has been saved from the demolisher's wrecking ball and that young and old will be able to learn and play music for many years to come in a lovely fit for purpose building".

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