By Mark Barrow
DIGGLE BAND have exciting times ahead of them as they are set to be promoted to the Championship Section in January 2016 as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
The village had been deprived of a band since the original one disbanded in 1926, with all the instruments sold off.
But in 1996, Dorothy and Alan Rhodes and Brian Taylor got to work on filling that void so the village would possess its first band in 70 years.
Starting off with seven players practising in a garage, the original plan was to bring some music back to Diggle in a largely informal and enjoyable manner.
All aspects of the band, from supplying the instruments to refurbishing a new band room, were organised from scratch, with local people and businesses assisting financially, while all money raised from concerts has gone back into the club.
Within two years Diggle Band had grown to 27 players and in 2000 they got the chance to play at the Royal Albert Hall, conducted by David Morris.
And as of next January, they will play in the Championship Section against opposition of the calibre of Fodens, Fairey and Wingates.
Dorothy said: “We really are thrilled to bits. We have come a very long way, but I don’t think any of us expected to get to where we are now.
‘’It feels like we started something and achieved something.
“We have had youngsters who’ve gone on to be very successful, with some going off to music colleges. We really are very proud.’’
If you would like to see Diggle Band live, then there are two big events coming up.
On Saturday, September 5, the band is playing alongside New Mill Male Voice Choir at Uppermill Civic Hall at 7.30pm, tickets £8. All money will be reinvested in Diggle Band.
Then on Saturday, October 17, Diggle Band will play with the prestigious The Band of the King’s Division, the Regular Army’s first professional Brass Band.
The concert is again at the Uppermill Civic Hall at 7.30pm, with all proceeds going to the Help for Heroes charity.
For any enquiries about Diggle Band and their events, please call: 01457 873937.
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