Sir, The Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band has been recorded as being in existence since 1821, probably dating back even further than that.

Whilst maintaining local awareness with concerts, promoting our town with our own annual contest and fund-raising for other charities, we have also competed at national level, coming 6th in the national finals of Great Britain in 1995.

In the last 13 years we have had two long weekends in Belgium, and befriended other brass bands around the world, some of whom have visited us, including the Narrabri Brass Band from Australia.

We have decided that after nine years of staying at home we would like to tour again whilst not travelling too far, and with this in mind we have decided to go to Ireland this summer.

With a band of 35 registered players, obviously the expenses will be great.

Whilst the players are happy to pay for themselves, we would like to be able to reward them for their hard work and contribute in some way to their travel costs.

We have already started fund-raising, and have various other activities in the pipeline.

If anyone feels able to contribute financially to our tour please make any cheques payable to the Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band Tour Fund, and forward them either to Colin Johnson, band secretary, Holly Gill, Burton Road, Bentham LA2 7EW.

Mr S.

Harrison & Mrs J.

Harrison

Tour Committee Members

Kirkby Lonsdale