Sheffield brass band launches bid to secure future of church hall for community

Stannington Brass Band have been based at Knowle Top Church Hall for the last decade, but a dwindling congregation has recently forced the church to take the difficult decision to close.

This means the building will likely be put up for sale, with the band and many other community organisations who use it worried that if put on the open market it will probably be turned into flats.

However, band bosses are now hoping there is enough support in the Stannington community to save the church hall for community use to fight off any such plans.

Band publicity officer Lorraine Dyson said it would be a ‘tragic loss’ to the community as a whole if the building was lost to property developers.

She said: “We have always been made welcome in our base in the heart of the village and would love to remain here, but we can’t do this without the backing of others.

“We are appealing for help to keep this facility in the hands of the community and are asking people to contact us so we can gauge the strength of support.”

The building has been a striking landmark in Stannington since 1871 and is used extensively by the community for a breakfast and after school clubs, bellringing, keep fit classes, coffee mornings and party bookings.

It has also been used over the years for school nativity plays, band concerts, choir rehearsals and many more activities.

Since they launched their appeal, 123 people have expressed an interest in saving the building, with band leaders now hoping to invite them to an online ‘meeting’ in the near future.

“We need people with previous experience of similar projects or fund-raising to come on board to steer and support us through this challenge,” added Lorraine.

“However, any help would be appreciated to make sure we secure these buildings.”

To register your interest in saving the church hall, complete the band’s survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PYFRQLR or email [email protected].

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