Following discussions to secure the future of the Brass Band Archive the British Federation of Brass Bands has now signed a Declaration of Trust transferring ownership of the Archive to the Federation.

In addition to the BFBB (as Donee Trustee) the new Trustees of the Archive are Walter Ainscough, Alan Marsh, Martin Mortimer, Brian Halliwell, Derek Rawlinson and David Read.

Power to appoint new or additional Trustees will now be with the BFBB, who will also be entitled to accept future appropriate items to be incorporated as part of the collection.

This will be a significant help with future publicity and promotion of this extraordinary collection of our brass band heritageRobert Morgan MBE

Preserve collection

The BFBB and the other Trustees have declared, in the Trust, that they will preserve the collection on behalf of present and future brass band enthusiasts.

Commenting on the agreement, Robert Morgan MBE, Chairman of the BFBB, told 4BR: "We are extremely honoured to have been asked by the Trustees to take care of the archive for the future interest of brass band enthusiasts. The work carried out by Walter Ainscough, Alan Marsh and others is very significant and has been a true labour of love by these stalwarts of the movement."

Robert added: "Walter and Alan will of course be continuing to look after the exhibits in Wigan. Together with the Trustees we look forward to enlarging the collection over time and bandsmen/women are encouraged to donate those special items that may be in the attic or a back room of the band room, for the benefit of all."

Join the Archive Friends

To join the Friends of the Brass Band Archive the annual fee is £25 and Life Membership is available for £100.

Applications are available from Walter Ainscough, 95 Ashbourne Avenue, New Springs Park, Wigan, WN2 1HW. Tel: 01942 231811 or Alan Marsh, 01942 747644.

New website

Finally, Robert said “The Brass Band Archive is also delighted to have been selected for a support project for the creation and maintenance of a new website.

We are extremely grateful to receive this and offer our thanks to the Association of Band Traders and Steve Walker (the Butlins event co-ordinator) for the provision of exhibition space at the 2008 Butlins Mineworkers Contest, Virtuosi England Ltd. for the donation of a Euphonium for a special prize draw at the event, TOR Designs for the sponsoring of signage and staff uniforms to enhance the display stand and Just Brass Media Services for the provision of their website design and maintenance services.

This will be a significant help with future publicity and promotion of this extraordinary collection of our brass band heritage."