Memorial concert for Newmains stalwart

Newmains and District Band is to pay tribute to Siobheann Saville at a memorial concert.

A MUCH loved former member of Newmains and District Band is to be honoured at a concert being held in her memory.

The reformed North Lanarkshire band is adding its final touches to the programme for the event in memory of Siobheann Saville, which is taking place at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 21 at South Wishaw Parish Church, East Academy Street, Wishaw.

Reflecting on Siobheann's impact on the band, band secretary Graeme Goldie said: "Siobheann was a true stalwart of the brass banding movement, playing up through the ranks in her school days, eventually making the move to the brass banding scene in her 20s.

"She spent a few years playing with bands such as Renfrew and Barrhead finally becoming settled with a band she could call 'hame' in 1991. That band was Newmains Band (Hutchison Coaches), which played at her wedding in 1995. Sadly that was to be one of the band's last engagements before the doors closed for what was thought to be the final time - until 20 years on."

Graeme continued: "Last year, I contacted Siobheann to see if she shared my enthusiasm for trying to piece together a band that had a chance of surviving and putting Newmains back on the map. Little did I know that 20 years on, she had given up playing and had a family, including three wonderful daughters.

"Nonetheless, she jumped at the chance to help me with my project and from there the rest is history. We pulled off a historical win which was dedicated to her relentless efforts to get this band back from the ashes. Without her this may not have been possible. She really was a brass band stalwart and we will always remember her for it."

Tickets for the concert cost £5 for adults and children under 16 go free. More information is available by contacting Graeme Goldie, band secretary, grambomb@googlemail.com or calling: 07508247785.