Back to Banding: Croy’s long-awaited return to rehearsals is met with great excitement and some trepidation

Croy Silver Band has finally made a long-awaited return to rehearsals after nearly 550 days since lifting the 3rd Section trophy at the Scottish Championships in March last year.

It has been a long haul from lockdown to getting back to banding.  The additional restrictions in place in North Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow kept members apart until well into the summer and it was, because of this lack of together time, that the band – with heavy hearts – had to withdraw from taking part in the National Finals in Cheltenham.

Nevertheless, it was with great excitement and some trepidation that the Croy players finally met up for their first rehearsal at the beginning of September. 

“The online socials had been enjoyable and we had managed a couple of virtual performances, but nothing compares to being able to make music together – in 3D and full surround sound!” said band secretary Carol Devlin.

“We are only meeting once a week for now, but it is an important step back towards normal rehearsals.”

She added: The band thanks everyone who has helped us through the silent months: the Facebook followers with their messages of support, the generous people who contributed to our funds when we did the virtual carolling and those who have helped us with the groundwork for making a safe return to rehearsals. 

“We are especially grateful to Holy Cross Chapel who, on hearing that we were unable to hire our normal venue, generously made arrangements for us to use their church hall on a Monday night.”

The band is keen to welcome new members of any ability and background to help maintain the long tradition of brass banding in Croy.

Croy Silver Band members rehearsing in the Holy Cross parish hall.