We've sold our plot of land so now have almost enough money to build our rehearsal room extension.
Look out for signs of activity towards the end of June.
We can't wait to get started!
For over a century the Brass Bands of Marple have played a big role in the community. In fact, Marple has two excellent bands - The Marple Band and Hawk Green Band.
Not only do the band members get a lifelong hobby and the enjoyment of playing wonderful music, they add a richness to the local cultural scene, entertain and support local people and pass on this great legacy to future generations by teaching others - young and not so young.
It has not always been easy to maintain these high ideals and the lack of a Band Headquarters with rehearsal room has, on occasion, brought the organisation to its knees. In an attempt to avert such a disaster in future, the Charles Ingham Bandroom Fund was formed in honour of Charlie Ingham. Charlie died in 1985 after a lifetime's devotion to Marple's bands. It was Charlie's dream that the bands would one day have their own home.
The new bandroom will be the converted Park Keeper's Cottage in Marple Memorial Park. Instead of slowly becoming more and more derelict, this unusual building will be put to use as a vibrant music centre.
In a home of our own we will be able to restart our "junior" band which will be open to all "young" beginners aged from 8 to 80.
The bands and bandroom fund work hard throughout the year to raise the money they need to run the organisation. However, to fulfil Charlie's Bandroom dream, a new push is required. An exciting part of this initiative is a special version of Take That's hit Shine. Sales of our recording of Shine will boost funds and help to promote our appeal.
The Chief Arranger for The Royal Marines has taken time out from his duties at the Albert Hall and the Royal Wedding to produce this arrangement of Shine for us. To honour those Marines who have given so much in the cause of freedom, and all the other heroes, a portion of the funds raised from sales of Shine will be donated to Help For Heroes.