Alder Valley Brass (AVB) has, for many years, been in the fortunate position of having its own rehearsal accommodation. However, the recent departure of band stalwart Mick Bolton, upon whose land the building stood in Green Lane, Farnham, would mean that at some point in the future the band would have to relocate.
The band is immensely grateful to Mick and his family for allowing the band unfettered access to their site over many years, and tolerating many noisy summer evenings when the band room windows were opened to prevent the members slowly cooking.
It’s not all bad news though! Thanks to band Chairman Mike Balls the opportunity arose for AVB to move to new accommodation whilst it looks for a new permanent home in the area.
Mike, who is a Sales Manager with Murata Electronics (UK) Ltd, identified that they had some accommodation that had not been used for quite some time. Following his approach to senior management they have kindly allowed AVB to relocate to their building, and this is where the band will be based for the foreseeable future while it seeks a new home.
The new location is really spoiling the band – a superb large rehearsal room, storage facilities, large canteen/rest area, ladies and gents toilets and, to cap it all, it’s carpeted and heated! No more thawing instruments out before rehearsal and someone having to light the gas fires in advance of the band arriving.
The band is extremely grateful to Murata Management for affording the band these facilities whilst it seeks a new home – it will be tough if not impossible to match this.
Pictured are AVB in the foyer of their new temporary home.