Wantage Silver Band

Latest Update

It was announced at the Annual General Meeting of the band in March 2009 that, pending the success of grant applications, it is hoped that a start can be made on building in 2010. Because of the modular design, this may comprise just the practice hall and essential peripherals or a more complete skeleton, awaiting later internal finishing. Meanwhile, access from the A417 road (which is being funded by the County Council) has begun during May 2009.

Band Hall History

From 1978, WSB had use of the former kitchens of the Newbury Street C of E Primary School, in an arrangement with the Oxfordshire Education Authority. New ceiling, walls, floor, toilets, heating, lighting, kitchen and store-rooms were installed by the Band, to create the "Doug Brand Hall", named after our founder. It was a wrench to have to vacate it when the school was pulled down in 2001 to make way for a new building. We were then allowed use of the dining hall at Garston Lane school (former vacant premises, to which school activities were transferred), but no provision could be made for accommodating WSB when the school moved back to Newbury Street in mid 2003.

Since February 2003, the Band has been "homeless" and practices are currently split between Grove C. of E. School, East and West Challow Village Halls, Charlton Centre, Childrey Methodist Church and other local facilities. Clearly, this is not ideal and our aim has been to find suitable premises to call our own.

Our Plans

After years of negotiation between WSB, Oxfordshire County, and Vale of the White Horse district authorities, the Band has been offered a 99-year lease on "Tugwell Field", to build a Band Hall together with football pitches and changing rooms for Wantage Concords junior football club (to be funded and built separately by them). The location is on the eastern edge of Wantage, alongside the A417 road, near the 'Lord Nelson' pub. The Plans were enthusiastically reviewed at the Vale Planning Meeting on 26th November, 2007 and official Approval was granted soon after.