DESPITE being unable to hold a full band practice over the past 15 months, members of Selkirk Silver Band gathered in Selkirk Rugby Club’s grandstand at Philiphaugh recently to blow away the cobwebs.

And with COVID restrictions ruling out rehearsals at the band’s Forest Road headquarters, the offer to use the rugby club’s outdoor facilities at Philiphaugh for weekly band practices has been warmly welcomed.

“It’s a very, very good option for us,” said band leader and conductor Colin Kemp, “and on behalf of the band I’d like to thank Selkirk Rugby Club for offering to help us out.

“We’ve played in the stand on many occasions, at common riding events and at certain rugby matches, so we’re very familiar with the venue.”

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With no official guidance yet about when the band will be able to perform at public events, Colin is hoping the silver band will be able to stage its annual Christmas concert at the end of the year.

“At the moment we’re waiting to hear advice from the government about when we can play indoors as a full unit,” added the conductor, “so we’ll just have to wait and see what transpires in the months ahead.

“We’ll now come down to Philiphaugh for practice each Monday night, so everyone in the band has the chance to start rehearsing new as well as familiar pieces.”

Selkirk RFC president Jim Harold said the club was delighted to offer the band somewhere to practice together safely.

“Selkirk Silver Band is such an important asset for the town,” said Mr Harold, “and allowing them to rehearse at Philiphaugh on a weekly basis is a genuine pleasure for the club.

“And of course they sound fantastic.”