I am sure there have been privately owned bands..bands like Cyfartha ( merthyr tydfil ) , Bikershaw colliery were owned by businessmen , still I don't think there are any Bernie Ecclestones or Richard Branson's out there wanting to plough a couple of million into a band..
How are you defining privately owned. One man with a big pot of cash. A group of people coming together to form a band, with no ties to any charity or sponsorship. And yes if I won the lottery I would sponsor a band, or rather a group of bands, by means of a trust fund, to safegaurd them and me against a teddies out of the pram scenario.
Stonesfield are first in line if Mr Branson is shopping - he lives about a mile from where we practice in Shipton-upon-Cherwell, Kidlington .... What does "privately owned" mean in terms of a band? Sponsored by an individual? Neil.
I would invest in a band if I won serious money on the lottery , set up a scholarship to promote brass playing , make sure that the youth section and training sections were properly managed. I dont think one person owning a band is a good idea , I like the idea that everyone in the band can have a say in the running , someone may have some great ideas.
My father once donated £2000 to my old band, just to keep it going, and all the extra expense a band incurs from time to time (such as deps fees, new music, etc)..... Does that count? Andy
One could argue that those bands which have been in continuous unbroken sponsorship for a number of years are privately owned e.g Scottish Co-op or Tullis Russell Mills here in Scotland. I'm sure there are plenty of examples of this in England.
Why was I expecting that, Dave? Having looked it up, I can't argue with the fact you're a bit closer than we are - I thought he was Shipton side of Kidlington, but he isn't. But we're the more needy - you've at least got your own bandhall! I don't think either of us will be in luck though - I've never heard of him having any interest in brass bands Neil.
Why don't you say that you want to attempt the world record balloon crossing of the Atlantic with a brass band. Maybe that'll work
Would that entail the band renaming itself "Virgin Brass"???!!! You never know, it might attract a few more players!!!
