New uniforms strike the right tune

A County Durham brass band is decked out in new uniforms, thanks to funding from housing association believe housing.

Houghton Brass, which has been playing for over 40 years, was awarded a community grant by believe housing to buy all-weather jackets for its musicians to wear during performances.

The band started life as a youth band and has since evolved into a 25-piece brass band with percussion, entirely self-funded and run by volunteers. All members live in the community and perform at local events, including the Durham Miners Gala and Remembrance Day parades.

The new all-weather shell jackets allow the band to be more flexible about where it can play, helping to keep band members warm at both indoor and outdoor venues.

“They also help to create a brand and an image for the band” said Aidan Hodgson, Musical Director for Houghton Brass.

“When people see the uniforms, they act as an advert for the band, so everyone knows who we are.”

In addition to keeping members warm and promoting the band, the uniforms also give a sense of unity.

“We all wear the jackets after we’ve played” said Aidan, “so when we’re all in the pub after the show everyone knows where we are!”

Funding for Houghton Brass’ all-weather jackets came from believe housing’s community investment fund. The County Durham-based housing association provided a £500 grant to cover the cost of the new uniforms.

Anne-Marie Parkin, Community Investment Coordinator for believe housing said: “Brass bands are an important part of County Durham’s cultural heritage and entertain people across the region for generations.

“That’s why we were delighted to provide funding for Houghton Brass’ new all-weather uniforms, which will help them to keep performing in our communities in the future.”