Royal Visit to Coalburn
Lanarkshire-based Coalburn Silver Band enjoyed one of the most memorable days in its long history when H.R.H. Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, officially opened its refurbished band hall on Monday 6 September. The Princess's arrival was greeted enthusiastically by a large group of local people including Coalburn Primary School pupils. Following introductions to the band's guests, Her Royal Highness was shown around the building by band President, Alan Court. She also viewed displays on the history of the band and the refurbishment project itself.
Built in the early part of the last century, Coalburn's band hall was in need of major updating, to create a more energy efficient building and to rejuvenate this important community building. The works comprised insulating walls, floor and roof, installing new windows and doors, a central heating system and a solar panel, which preheats the hot water. The project would not have been possible without the financial assistance of the Climate Challenge Fund through keep Scotland Beautiful, Community Energy Scotland and the South Lanarkshire Rural Communities Trust.
The band, under conductor, Gareth Bowman, entertained the Princess with a carefully chosen programme of meditative numbers, including Mid All the Traffic, Share my yoke and On the Wings of an Eagle, after which she was introduced to each member of the band. She was particularly interested in brass education and the work of the development band, Coalburn Bronze Band. At the end of the visit, the Princess unveiled a commemorative plaque, before finally being presented with an engraved pewter Quaich and a beautiful posy of flowers by Bronze Band members, seven year-old Rebecca Brownlie and Katie Riley. Alan Court commented on the success of the visit: "The Princess took time out to speak to everyone present and showed a real knowledge of the issues facing brass bands today. We extend our grateful appreciation to her for her visit, not only on behalf of the band but also the local community and the brass band movement."
