Members of Lanner and District Silver Band arrived for practice on Wednesday of last week to be greeted by the sound of Water Music — although unfortunately it was not Handel's.

Devastation

On entering the bandroom the scene was one of devastation with remnants of ceiling tiles floating in inches of water and a waterfall streaming down through the ceiling.

Sub zero

The sub zero temperatures were to blame causing the water supply that runs through the bandroom roof to freeze and burst.

The sub zero temperatures were to blame causing the water supply that runs through the bandroom roof to freeze and burstLanner Band

Damage

On inspection it was found that water had poured through the original ceiling and had then taken huge areas of the suspended ceiling down with it.

Damage

There was damage to instrument cases, mutes, music and photocopier not to mention the wood floor and carpet and it is feared that it could be several months before everything is fully sorted.

Clean up

Richard Rowe, Building Control Officer with Carrick Council and the band's principal cornet is leading the cleanup operation which is set to continue over the forthcoming weeks.

Insurance

The bands chairman Mr Lee Rouse told 4BR: "Fortunately the band has adequate insurance provision but regrettably a lot of the music will be impossible to replace because of its age."

The band also has a further problem in having to find a practice venue for the foreseeable future as they prepare for the West of England area contest. Thankfully, the band has been kindly offered the use of the function room at local The Coppice Inn.