Gardner Steel Pan Band End of an Era

The band disbanded in August after almost eleven years of entertaining people in the local area. For several reasons the band members felt it was time to retire——not so young now. A member of G.M Church left a legacy to the church and stipulated it was to be used for the young people of the church and community, to encourage their interest in playing a musical instrument and that it should be something a little different. The steel pans were purchased and the band formed. Initially there were young members, then over the years it was the” young at heart” who kept the band going. There were nine members at one time but members have come and gone over the years for various reasons. The present five members have played together for almost eight years with three being in the band for almost eleven years. The venues have been mainly day care centres and care homes for the elderly, plus outdoor venues in the summer months and also at Christmas. The band has entertained people in Brechin, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Montrose, Edzell, Luthermuir and Fettercairn. The venues all kindly and generously donated to our church funds over the years .Over the past three years £1,880 have been donated. The band has also done short teaching sessions with local Trefoil Guild ladies and the Brechin Rainbows .Lots of fun on these occasions. Past and present members have enjoyed playing and have had a lot of fun both at the venues and the weekly practices .It has also been very satisfying for the band to see people enjoying the music whether they sang along to the tunes, clapped their hands, tapped their feet or even danced!! AFTER TEN YEARS,IT IS THE END OF AN ERA!

John ,Irene ,June, Sheena and Mabel.