A MAJOR project is under way to build a bespoke concert and scout hall in Kirkbymoorside.

Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and the 1st Scout Group are working together to provide a joint home for the two groups in Manor Vale.

Emma Smailes, who plays solo horn in the senior band and conducts the community band, said: “One thing about being in a band is the need and desire to share the music we make with the community.

“Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall will soon be undergoing a fantastic, exciting development but we would have faced the prospect of no longer being able to play concerts to large audiences.

“This realisation came at the same time that our teaching bands were simply exploding in numbers, with more than 100 young people attending the Sunday morning lessons each week.”

Emma said the band and their neighbours, the Scouts, decided to take on a project to secure their mutual futures.

“We want to provide a hall that will provide a home for the scouts where they hope scouting will thrive in the town,” she said.

“We also want a hall that will provide the band with the space we need to meet our world leading teaching demand, and a hall where we can play, make music and where the community can hopefully enjoy their music for generations to come.”

Emma said that they have enough money to build the shell of the building but needed to raise more to complete the project.

She said: “We have seen a special push by the town to support us and would like to thank all our supporters and the collectors who make our fundraising possible. As generations before us were, and as generations after us will be, with your help, we are so proud, honoured and grateful.”

For more information or to offer support, phone 01751 432813 or email bandmanager@kirkbyband.co.uk