A brass band has moved a step closer to a new permanent home in Royston after signing a lease for the site of its new building.

Royston Town Band, one of the town’s oldest community groups, is planning to build a new band room at Tannery Drift School in Royston, and has now signed a long-term lease for the land with its owners, Hertfordshire County Council.

Royston’s mayor, Cllr Robert Smith, attended a recent band practice to carry out a ceremonial signing of the lease on behalf of the county council.

Owen Simons, from Royston Town Band, said: “The band is celebrating its 150th birthday this year and there can be no better start to it than to finally start building their new home which everyone has been working so hard to achieve. The band would like to thank townsfolk for all their support and generous donations over the last two years.”

As reported in the Crow, the town band has been searching for a new home since being evicted from the band room located in the car park of the Manor House Club, in Melbourn Street.

This room had been the band’s home since 1961, but they were asked to leave when the building was sold to JD Wetherspoon to house its new pub.

Fundraising for the new practice room has been going on for two years, and Mr Simons added that the band is still on the look-out for sponsors via a scheme called Bandroom Benefactors. This sees benefactors pay £50 towards the cost of the band room, and in return will get a brass plaque in the new building complete with the engraving of their choice.

He said: “If any individuals or businesses would still like to donate then they can visit the band’s website www.roystontownband.org.uk/BandroomBenefactor.aspx for further details.”

The band’s next social event is a Burns Night dinner and dance on Saturday, January 25 at Royston Golf Club.

For ticket details, contact Roger Simons on 01763 246929.