Connecting during the Corona crisis – the cooperation band

Entering the spotlight in our ongoing series on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic is the cooperation band:

The cooperation band was formed in 1918 as the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society Band by the workers of the Shieldhall factories in Glasgow. The band quickly became one of the foremost bands in Scotland and won its first Scottish Championship in 1924, something they have repeated on another 35 occasions.

The band recently had a name change to the cooperation band after it lost its sponsor of over 100 years, but are now pleased to have the support of the Scotmid Co-operative Society.

The band is the most successful band in Scotland having taken the prestigious National Champions of Great Britain title back to Scotland. During 1993 the band toured Australia and New Zealand for three weeks. Performances on the tour included live TV and radio broadcasts as well as performing in the main concert halls culminating in an appearance at the world-famous Sidney Opera House.

The band has also just launched its new-look website which can be found at https://www.thecooperationband.co.uk/

A full program of concerts arranged for 2020, including working with some of Scotland’s biggest charities and festivals, has, like all other major events, currently had to be curtailed due to Covid-19.

During this strange time the band remains in touch via social media and members are currently working on a band video performance from the safety of everyone’s own home.

Like all other bands in the country, the cooperation band is hoping that the UK can beat this terrible virus so that life can get back to normal for everyone. The band is also very proud that a few of their number are key workers and are currently doing their bit to keep the country going.

The cooperation band currently rehearse in Motherwell, but will move back into the centre of Glasgow later this year.

• Let us know about your band. Tell us about some of your successes, when you were founded, where and when you rehearse (when things are back to normal), and how your members are coping during the Coronavirus emergency situation.

Just send a couple of photos and a short write-up to Nigel Martin at sbbapr@gmail.com