Formation of Cross Party Parliamentary Group for brass bands
July 10, 2008
Jeff Ennis, MP for Barnsley East and Mexborough, has really been a great friend to brass bands in this country. Other MPs and members of the House of Lords are taking a healthy interest in his message; a wider participation of people in brass bands. So much so, that they have formed a cross party parliamentary Brass Band Group.
Over thirty Lords and MPs are now signed-up to the group and the list
is growing. Some, such as Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland, have campaigned
on behalf of brass bands for many years but others are gaining a fresh
insight into this vibrant art form.
The inaugural general meeting of the group was held at the Houses of Parliament
on Tuesday evening, 8th July 2008. I was asked to attend on behalf of
BFBB. After the election of the various officers I gave a brief overview
of banding in general and the work of BFBB in particular. BFBB was then
asked to perform the duties of group secretariat. Meetings will be held
at the Houses of Parliament twice a year. It will be a wonderful platform
to air the views and discuss the issues that matter to the brass band
sector.
This is a fantastic opportunity for brass bands, take a look at the members,
and if your MP isn’t on it, write a letter urging him or her to
join the group. This group will be able to influence decisions taken in
parliament that will affect the future of all British brass bands.
