Parliamentary Group takes place
The newly formed Parliamentary Committee on brass bands is gaining pace
with its second meeting taking place earlier this month in the Houses
of Parliament.
The British Federation of Brass Band’s (BFBB’s) Development
Officer Philip Watson was in attendance along with Chairman, Robert Morgan,
and Treasurer, Nigel Morgan who were invited to make presentations the
group’s Chairman, Jeff Ennis, MP for Barnsley & Mexborough who
welcomed a good gathering of MPs and members of the House of Lords.
With the support of the parliamentary group and the co-operation and hard
work of the BFBB, new doors are being opened for the brass band movement,
including possible further funding for brass bands from the Arts Council.
Robert Morgan explained to the delegation that following advice from Arts
Council Yorkshire and a meeting organised by Jeff Ennis, the BFBB were
now putting together an application for further funding to engage another
full time employee to liaise with all the regional arts regions and to
assist bands with the preparation of lottery applications. Arts Council
money is available for bands and bands need to progress applications next
year.
The meeting decided that next it was a good time to question the BBC over
its support of bands and it is planned that a delegation from the parliamentary
group led by Jeff Ennis, will question the BBC on its input to brass bands
and support from the BFBB’s member bands will be gained as discussions
continue.
Further meetings of the parliamentary group will take place in the next
12 months along with a possible concert to showcase bands in Portcullis
House.
