AN Inverclyde Boys' Brigade band is hoping for a pitch-perfect performance as members get set to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special concert.
The Stedfast Silver Band will be marking four decades of making music at Westburn Parish Church on November 19.
Throughout the year the band’s current members have been celebrating its long history in the area, which began when the group was set up by its first conductor Ian Armour to celebrate the centenary of the BB in 1983.
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Over the years the band has played for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II for the launch of the MV Hebrides ferry at Ferguson's, as well as at countless concerts, fetes and fundraisers.
The chairman David Burnie told the Telegraph he could never have imagined where the band would end up when he first joined it 40 years ago.
He said: “It was supposed to be a one off, but it was some size of band we got and it was predominantly ex-BB members.
“We decided it was too good to let it go.
“We started out calling it the ex-members band but eventually we decided it should be the Stedfast Silver Band.
“It feels amazing to be celebrating this anniversary.
“When you look at the old pictures you can see us performing at all kinds of events.
“It’s amazing the number of boys that have come through the band. There must be well over 300.
“We’re down in numbers from that these days, but we’ve still got the dedication of guys who travel from all over to come and rehearse every Thursday night in Greenock.
“We’ve got some incredible memories to look back on like the ship launch at Ferguson and the General Assembly.
“We’ve also played fetes, events at local bowling clubs and golf clubs, charity concerts and, of course, at the Wellpark cenotaph.
“It’s turned into a family.
“It’s been a real journey and hopefully we can continue with it.
“Covid hit us hard because we weren’t able to meet but hopefully we can continue to recruit.
“Our motto has always been to promote music in Inverclyde.”
Band secretary Robert Wilson says an upbeat atmosphere had helped keep members coming back throughout the years.
He added: “The camaraderie and the love of music has kept us going.
“We’re not a competition band, it’s just good fun.
“There are probably about half a dozen band members who went on to make music their career.
“A number of former members will be coming back to perform at the anniversary concert, which is brilliant.
“We’re really looking forward to it.”
The Stedfast Silver Band’s anniversary concert will take place on Sunday November 19 at 7:30pm, with tickets available at the door via donation.
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