Multi-Award-Winning 'Derwent Brass' Band Face Homelessness
Derbyshire’s Premier Brass Band could be left homeless now their well-established rehearsal space at the Strutts Community Centre, Belper is no longer being made available to lease.
Derwent Brass, who recently became the first brass band in history to win a Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) award for its musical inspiration, has operated from the former Herbert Strutt School for almost two decades.
Following the closure of the school in 2008, members of the band became active in the successful ‘Saving Strutts for Belper’ campaign with some going on to become founders of the Belper Strutts Society as the Community Centre was born. As the centre’s inaugural licensee, the band continued its support through fundraising, performing at events and collaborating on refurbishment projects. Fast forward nearly 20 years and they are now on the search for a new home as the rehearsal room they occupy at the centre is deemed no longer suitable for licence.
Band Chairman Graham Johnson commented: “We find ourselves in a highly unfortunate situation whereby the space we have occupied for so many years has now been deemed unsuitable for license. This comes at a time where Derwent Brass is otherwise in a great position following a spate of significant awards and activities which have seen us represent Derbyshire, Amber Valley, and in particular our hometown of Belper, on a national level.
“We thank Nick McLeod and other officers from the Guardians of Strutts for their relationship over many years and it is with regret that our tenure comes to an end.”
Derwent Brass currently holds titles of Brass Bands England ‘Innovation Award’, the Making Music ‘Green Award’, the RPS ‘Inspiration Award’, Acquisition International ‘Most Innovative Brass Music Educator and Promoter’ and were shortlisted for ‘4BarsRest’ Brass Band of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. Earlier this year the band received an award from the High Sheriff of Derbyshire in recognition of great and valuable services to the community, achieved a podium finish at the Midland Regional Brass Band Championships and performed in concert with the UK’s best-selling classical artist Russell Watson.
Band Manager Chris Leonard added: “We’ve built our reputation on delivering powerful and creative live brass music; honouring our heritage while pushing boundaries, fostering music education within our communities, and proudly representing Belper on the national stage in both concert and competition arenas. But without a permanent rehearsal space, everything we’ve worked for is in danger of unravelling. We potentially stand to lose one of Derbyshire’s most beloved and successful artistic treasures and we simply cannot afford to let that happen.
“As an unsponsored, not-for-profit charitable organisation, we rely solely on event proceeds, donations, and fundraising efforts to survive. With no permanent financial backing most commercial lease options leave us in a vulnerable position and in all probability the end of our fundraising efforts for other charities too.”
Derwent Brass was founded in 1992 following the merge of the Neville Brass Ensemble with the Davis Derby Band. Its roots however can be traced back to 1860 with the Derby Midland Railway Band, believed to be the earliest brass band established in Derby. Derwent Brass of today is a beacon of innovative programming in the Midlands’ rich heritage of brass banding, positively influencing others with its commitments to sustainability and diverse membership and striving to uphold its position of the number one ranked band in the county.
Can you help?
Anyone able to help Derwent Brass in sourcing a new rehearsal facility is strongly encouraged to get in touch via the band’s website
www.derwentbrass.co.uk, social media channels or by email to sales@derwentbrass.co.uk
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