The fundraiser
A small but perfectly formed group of Amersham Banders and friends will be doing a 60k ride on 9 June 2019 through the Buckinghamshire countryside in order to raise sponsorship for the new bandroom. At the moment the team consists of myself, Rob, Lyndon, Malcolm, Paul, Marion and Phil and Will, all of whom are polishing carbon fibre and washing lycra in readiness.
What are we raising funds for?
We have planning permission and we are raising £425,000 to build a bandroom. Our current rented space is now too small to meet our growing needs. A new bandroom will give us the ability to further expand our bands, and to develop our community brass and beginner groups. We also plan to open a brass academy for individual and group teaching. We currently reach nearly 100 musicians, we would like to expand our activities to another 200 to 300 people.
How are we doing?
We have made great progress with our fundraising for our brand new, purpose-built bandroom and site work will start in the next few weeks.
The project is now 85% funded and we just need a final push to reach our target. So far we have raised £363,000, achieved through many generous donations, numerous fundraising activities and several grants.
We hope to sign a contract for the enabling site works shortly, such that the entrance onto Rectory Hill and driveway can be constructed. Our architects are finalising the detailed design of the building and we plan to go out to tender for the main construction work by Easter. We can’t start the build until further funding is secured, but with luck we will be able to see the building go up in the second half of the year.