Buy a Brick and Help Build Band Room

Sale City Band wants every person in Sale and district to buy a brick to help build its new hall. The price, $1 each. The band, which has just received approval from Sale City Council to go ahead, needs about $25,000 from the public appeal to make up shortfall. The hall will cost more than $30,000.

President Mr Ken Garner said today be was looking for "plenty of support from all corners of the community." Help was not only needed through monetary donations but also in labor and support from businesses. The band had already been guaranteed materials by one leading Sale firm at wholesale price.

"If we could generate this type of aid with others, it will go a long way to achieving the goal - the new hall." Mr Garner said he would approach local service clubs for help in constructing the building. Most would be on a voluntary basis by band members with supervision by tradesmen and council's buildings supervisor.

Over the years the band had performed many times for different organisations in the district, and he hoped they would now give some return help.

The band has had its present tin shed for 29 years.

Mr Garner said former bandsman Mr Len Pendlebury could remember when the building, which was draughty and damp, was moved to the Foster Street site from the East Sale RAAF Base. It replaced a hessian roofed barn, "which did not keep the rain out" that had been there since the 1920s.

The new hall with a fully equipped kitchen and instrument store will be built towards the rear of the Sale City Council-owned land. A driveway will run to where the present hall stands. Beautification of the area would take place with trees and a barbecue area. A car park for 11 vehicles would also be provided.

Mr Garner said that with the development, he hoped to generate new life for the band. The last few months there had been a growth in membership, particularly among young people.

Band master Mr Ray Jago said there were now about 10 learning instruments in use. Beginners were given lessons once a week by band member Miss Debbie Hemperger. Mr Jago said there were still vacancies in the band for concert and trombone players to add to the present 24 members.