Rushen Silver Band have been able to purchase some new instruments following the receipt of two very substantial donations.

The band’s fundraising organisation The Friends of Rushen Silver Band have donated ?3,000 to the band, which has paid for a new Bass Trombone and a new Bass Drum.

The Gough Ritchie Trust have also donated ?4,000 to the band, which has enabled the band to purchase a new Tuba.

Tom Sinden, Chairman of Rushen Silver Band said: “We are extremely grateful to the Gough Ritchie Trust for their very generous donation. We are a busy community band, undertaking over 40 engagements last year, and donations such as this will help the band to continue its work within the community around the island. Buying new instruments is very costly, but the new B flat Tuba that the Gough Ritchie Trust’s donation has enabled us to purchase should serve the band well for many years to come.”

“The band are also very fortunate to have the support of the Friends of Rushen Silver Band. The Friends raise funds throughout the year at coffee mornings and selling souvenirs at concerts, and it is from the Friends’ hard work that the band have been able to purchase a brand new Bass Trombone and a Concert Bass Drum. The band would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all of the members of the Friends of the Band for their continued support, and also all the members of the public that have donated to the Friends at their various events.”

Rushen Silver Band provide tuition for people of all ages wishing to learn a brass or percussion instrument, with a training band of around 20 players and a further 7 receiving lessons. There is currently a waiting list for those wanting to learn an instrument.

The senior band performed over 40 engagements in 2015, including events for Castle View Nursing Home, Peel Pensioners Association, The Benevolent Society of Andreas, The Royal British Legion, The RNLI and even playing at Southlands Elderly Person’s Home on Christmas morning.

Photo - The band using the new Bass Trombone and Tuba during one of their engagements in December.