12-hour ‘blowathon’ to be held by Verwood brass band

The fundraising event, which will help raise money to fix Verwood Concert Brass’ band hall from subsidence, will see bandmembers blowing from 8am to 8pm. 

During the summer of the first lockdown in 2020, the band hall started to show cracks caused by the heat and needed urgent repairs.  

After the insurance company refused to pay for repairs because the footings were not sufficient at the time it was built, quotes of £250,000 were given to repair the hall.

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The blowathon, which takes place on the recreational ground next to Verwood Memorial Hall, will see nine brass bands with people of ages 10 to 80 playing throughout the day. Food and drink will be on offer. 

More than 100 members of Verwood Concert Brass use the hall to practice their instruments. Bands called the Pickwick Parkers and the Blushing Brass will play at the concert. 

The band's building is falling apart

Robert Graves, the band committee’s fundraising officer, said: “It’s not just about raising money; it’s about showing everybody the great work we do and being part of the community.  

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“We’ve been a part of the community since 1864 and we may not be able to do that much longer if our band hall ultimately falls over. We hope the community can support us in saving our band hall.” 

Verwood Concert Brass Band is currently ranked the 34th best brass band worldwide. 

The free event will end at 8pm with a final performance from The Rubber (Lips) Band for the musicians with the least sore lips. 

Donations can be made on their JustGiving page on this link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/VCB-Band-Hall-Rescue?fbclid=IwAR158oguMRFR2MjaZCmKgI5rUG0WijP6O2E_PWr0Zt_435DATcRR-th9ZBA

The have been quoted £250,000 to repair the hall