Progress on St David’s Brass band hall project is steaming ahead

Progress on the refurbishment of St David’s Brass’ recently-acquired premises – which the band is converting into a bespoke band hall and community facility – is now at full steam ahead.

The purchase of Vogrie Hall in Gorebridge, Midlothian, from the local council by St David’s Brass for £100,000 will give the band its first permanent home since its formation some 40 years ago.

To enable the project to proceed, the band was fortunate to receive two anonymous donations totalling £300,000 and a further £238,000 in grants from various organisations.

Stuart Dickson, chairman of St David’s Brass, said: “First and foremost we’ve been very fortunate and have received some very generous donations which have been more than wonderful and we are extremely grateful for all of them.

“Everyone’s donation means a lot and has greatly helped at a time when we are really in need - thank you so much.”

Vogrie Hall, which was first built in the 1930s for local miners, had been closed by the council because it was deemed unsafe and now St David’s Brass is saving much-loved building in the village that will provide an asset for the community in the years to come.

Some of the latest work on the premises has been the removal of asbestos and completion of the roof with a new membrane and the majority of tiles replaced. Rainwater gutters and downpipes have been replaced or repaired.

Now the roof work has been finished the next big event will be the installation of solar panels before the end of this month.

“Lots of progress has been achieved although there’s much more to do,” commented Stuart. “Our players and families are doing their bit with fundraising too with sponsored walks at Halloween, a 24-hour Gaming ‘Streamathon’ and a Ceilidh to look forward to later in the year.”

You can find out more about St David’s Brass on its website  You can support the band and keep up to date by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you wish to donate to the band hall project, you can do so here.