After 15 months of blood, sweat and tears our new bandroom opened on Thursday February 2nd 2012. Current and former players, families, friends and supporters from all over the UK gathered for a celebration evening. whilst WFEL MD Ian Wilson unveiled a commemorative plaque and wished the band another 75 years of success.

The November 2010 fire was a huge disaster but everyone has shown great resilience and character to keep the show on the road whilst rebuilding took place. Guests included former cornetist Ray Peacock - a lifelong Fairey's man - and his wife Margaret who have made a generous donation to help improve the acoustics in the new room. Other former stars present included Nige Beasley, Neil Hewson, Alan Lawton, Jimmy Cant, Simon Stonehouse, Les Hall, Bob Wyatt, Stuart Peacock, Bernie Logan, Jim Hunter and Bob Mulholland (whose father played in the band in the 1950s under Harry Mortimer). Special mention goes to Margaret and Tony Greenham, our number one fans from Beaminster in Dorset who made the long journey north to be with us, presenting us with a new Henry vacuum cleaner to keep the place tidy!

The evening also saw the presentation of the bands annual awards. Solo euphonium Matthew White was named 'Player of the Year' with repiano cornet JJ Lees named 'Bandsman of the Year'. Following the presentations the band played a short concert conducted by Mark Peacock. The opening number was our signature tune 'Beaufighters', followed by 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee' featuring Brian Taylor and Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' to close.

The event attracted publicity on Granada regional television, BBC radio and the local Stockport press.

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