Coalburn Silver Band Welcome the Princess Royal
Coalburn Silver Band enjoyed one of the most memorable days in their long history when The Princess Royal officially opened their refurbished band hall. The band hall, built in the early part of the 20th century was in need of significant renovation work. The project was to create a more energy efficient building and to rejuvenate this important community
building. The works comprised insulating walls, floor and roof, installing new windows and doors, a central heating system and a solar panel which preheats the hot water. The project would not have been possible without the financial assistance of the Climate Challenge Fund through keep Scotland Beautiful, Community Energy Scotland and the South Lanarkshire Rural Communities Trust.
The Princess arrived mid afternoon on Monday (6th September) and was greeted enthusiastically by a large group of local peopleincluding Coalburn Primary School pupils. Following introductions to the bands guests The Princess was shown around the building by the Band President Alan Court and was shown displays on the history of the band and the refurbishment
project itself.
The band, conducted by their musical director Gareth Bowman then played a short concert, the music all carefully chosen to reflect the quieter dynamics that the band can achieve, the music played was, Song Setting – Mid All The Traffic, Cornet solo -Share my yolk (soloist Joel Harding), Solo cornet feature with lower band – The Water Is Wide and the Flugel Horn Feature – On The Wings Of An Eagle (soloist Alex Sheridan)
The Princess was then introduced to the band, taking time to speak to each and every member; she was particularly interested in brass education and the work of the development band, Coalburn Bronze Band. The visit concluded with the Princess unveiling a commemorative plaque and signing the visitor’s book before finally being presented with an engraved pewter Quaich and a beautiful pose of flowers by Bronze Band members 7 year old Rebecca Brownlie and Katie Riley.
Following the Princess’s departure the Band President commented on the visit ‘This visit was without doubt a real success, The Princess took time out to speak to everyone present and showed a real knowledge of the issues facing brass bands today’ Alan went on ‘the band’s playing today was wonderful and the visit has given us great encouragement for the national championships in 3 weeks time, The Princess was a delight and we extend our grateful appreciation to her for her visit, not only on behalf of the band but also the local community and the brass band movement’