It’s been a while since we shared anything non-musical with our adoring public but that’s not to say we haven’t been really busy developing our facilities for the benefit of our town and community.

We are therefore very proud and happy to report that we have just completed a major upgrade to our hall with the installation of solar panels on the roof, a 15kW Duracell Battery Storage Array, Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation as part of the National Lottery Community Fund Sustainable Buildings Program.

Despite the really harsh economic climate we have been awarded the incredible sum of over £21,000 from the Community Fund to ensure our hall is more sustainable and to improve the environmental performance of the building.

Being part of this program has allowed us to really consider our impact on the environment and our responsibilities to the community in this regard. This involved two of our committee members attending Carbon Literacy Training and working alongside Action Renewables Consultants to complete an Environmental Impact Report including a plan to upgrade our facilities. This was accepted earlier in the year allowing us to proceed with the upgrade.

We would dearly love to share our experience and show what we have achieved with other local organisations who have similar lofty aspirations. Feel free to contact the band for a chat and/or a site visit.

Big shout out to BlueBuild Energy from Newtownards for completing the project to schedule and cost.

Finally thanks once again to the National Lottery Community Fund for the very generous funding, we are so grateful for the continued support.