The Bodmin Band in Cornwall are battling hard to recover after a couple of hard years when player numbers reduced the ranks to a core of 12 players.

Struggled

Chairman, Ryun Retallack told 4BR: "The band has struggled over the past few years to attract new players and has now decided to change it's priorities. The sole aim in the short term is to secure it's future through recruiting new members, and to become more active in the local community. A return to the contesting stage may have to be put on hold temporarily."

Infrastructure

Ryun explained that the infrastructure at Bodmin is all there. "We have our own bandroom, an extensive library, our own band club and an excellent Musical Director in Huw Williams."

He added: "It recently hit us that not a single player in the band actually lives in Bodmin itself and that can't be good. We are very fortunate that within our ranks are some very good players from the Royal Marines Band. However, when duty calls the numbers within the band dwindle accordingly."

It recently hit us that not a single player in the band actually lives in Bodmin itself and that can't be goodChairman, Ryun Retallack

Devastated

The band is devastated that it cannot fulfil it's engagements at this year's remembrance services.

The band currently rehearses once a week on Tuesdays and they are desperate to get some new blood. Ryun is realistic: "It is a real likelihood that if numbers don't pick up soon we may have to close our doors. It is quite disheartening for the current members to sit amongst so many empty chairs."

Turn up

He closed by saying: "We invite players of any standard, and on any instrument, who might wish to join the band or even come along for a blow on Tuesday nights to contact the band via it's website — www.bodmintownband.com — please leave your details on our guest book including contact addresses/numbers.

Come along

Alternatively just come along to the band room — rehearsals start at 8.00pm. If you are not a player but feel you can help out behind the scenes, then we would equally like to hear from you.

The remainder of this year will be critical to the band's future, but we hope to still be around in 2009 and for many, many years to come."