Status changed to
Project complete

Over 150 people benefitted from the funding. Having PB funding made a significant difference to our project by helping us deliver our 50th anniversary celebrations in a way that was affordable and accessible to the wider community. The funding contributed towards essential costs. As the total project costs exceeded the grant amount, PB funding enabled us to subsidise ticket prices and reduce financial barriers, ensuring that past and present members, audiences, and local residents could take part. The support also helped us celebrate 50 years of community involvement, strengthen community connections, and showcase the ongoing work of IDB as North Ayrshire's only community brass band organisation. From Provost Dickson: "North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson has congratulated Irvine and Dreghorn Brass on 50 years of hitting the high notes. The brass band marked its 50th anniversary by staging a celebratory concert at Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms. It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration as well as music with performances from the percussion groups, youth bands, community band and senior band. Provost Dickson was delighted to attend the event and passed on her best wishes to all members, She said: “It is truly amazing how this organisation has grown, offering tuition and common interest to so many people. “On the night, each group presented a few pieces and to see tiny children - from primary one age - through to those in retirement in the community band, all getting so much from their camaraderie, fun of competition, and honing their skills, was most uplifting. The standard of play also a pleasure! “Some members of the band, such as John and Carrie Boax, also contribute so much to the national Scottish Brass Band Association too, with Carrie serving as the current President. “I have no doubt that those determined to have a band 50 years ago could possibly have imagined that the band would grow and prosper to the extent that it has, for 50 years. “Thank goodness for those who have the mindset and are aware that ‘the true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Irvine and Dreghorn Brass’ roots can be traced back to the mid-1970s when local brass teachers brought together children from different schools to form Irvine Youth Band. With the support of parents and volunteers, the band continued to grow and, in the 1980s, it joined forces with Dreghorn Youth Band to form what is now Irvine and Dreghorn Brass. The band has continued to go from strength to strength, attracting members of all ages."