We're not Brassed Off: Rugeley brass band plays on
They may have sounded their final note in front of the iconic cooling towers, but the former Rugeley Power Station brass band is playing on.
Members of the group, which was founded in 1981, have struck a deal with Lea Hall Colliery, and they are now called Lea Hall Brass Band.
The power station closed weeks earlier than expected in June after burning the last of its coal reserves.
Chairperson, 53-year-old Tracy Barnett, admitted it was an emotional day when the members had to say goodbye to the facility – their home for more than 30 years.
She said: "We moved out officially on September 4. It was an emotional day, the band's entire history had taken place in the grounds of the power station.
"We have seen different owners and many changes but the band carried on. Then the decision came to close the power station and that the social club would have to close." Ms Barnett added: "Rather than watching membership slowly dwindle we thought we should try and move on sooner rather than later.
"We are basically self-financed so we were just looking for a place where we could store our equipment and a place to rehearse.
"But of course we wanted to remain in Rugeley because that is where our routes are.
"I approached Lea Hall to see if they would be interested and could provide us with a rehearsal room and somewhere to store our equipment in a mutually beneficial agreement as we would take their name and give them publicity. Thankfully they accepted and here we are."
The band's story has drawn comparisons with the film Brassed Off, starring Ewan McGregor, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. At the end of the movie, after the band win the national finals, Danny, played by Pete Postlethwaite, gives a speech where he rejects the trophy, telling the crowd they would only care about his band of miners if they were whales or seals.
Ms Barnett agreed there were some similarities, adding: "We feel like we are not seals sometimes too, nobody really cares because we are a brass band."
The group is looking to rehearse an extra day a week and because of that is on the look out for a second rehearsal room.
Anybody who may be able to help can contact Ms Barnett on 07884 553 710.
The musicians are gearing up for a packed festive schedule with shows all over the county.
Further information about the band's future concerts can be found by visiting www.rugeleybrass.org
