LOCAL musicians are being urged to lend their support to Watchet Town Band in a bid to stave off a looming recruitment crisis. There is real concern the popular band could fold unless a new conductor and musical director is found, together with up to a dozen new players. The band, which is a regular and popular feature at events ranging from fetes, carol concerts and local carnivals, now has just 20 musicians to fulfil its hectic performance schedule. Ideally, the ranks should be swelled to at least 30 players to ensure a steady supply of musicians to play on a purely voluntary basis at engagements throughout the area. Existing players have largely been taught by other band members and tuition, together with instruments, is available to anyone interested in learning to play in a bid to secure the long-term future of the band. However, the band may not even have a future unless a new conductor and musical director can be found. Since being founded in 1893, the leadership of the band has passed through a number of hands, including Alfred Wedlake, Tom Bulpin, Fred Bishop and, latterly, Geoffrey Perkins. To date the hunt for a replacement for Mr Perkins has proved unsuccessful, but band members are confident it is only a matter of time before they find the right person for the job. The band meets in the band room in Market Street car park every Friday from 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining should contact the secretary on 01984 633538.
