The Hepworth Band recently returned to its rehearsal facilities at Dobroyd Mills, having successfully completed a major refurbishment scheme.

Band chairman John Green said: “We are extremely grateful for the support and generosity of the local community, all our grant funding partners, Conroy Brook, Devon Consulting Ltd and Graham Goldthorpe Stonemasonry Ltd for their generous donations and our main contractor Huddersfield Joinery who have all helped us to deliver a fantastic facility that is now a welcoming, creative space where people can come together to rehearse and make music.”

The first phase of works to repair the fabric of the building was completed in 2020, funded with grant assistance from Holme Valley Parish Council, Huddersfield Common Good Trust, Huddersfield Town Foundation, One Community Kirklees and South Yorkshire Community Foundation along with the band’s own fundraising efforts.

The new-look bandroom

The latest phase includes further roof repairs, new guttering, a full package of electrical works, insulation of the roof space, installation of a heat recovery fresh filtered air ventilation system, opening up of the main rehearsal space by relocating the existing toilets, kitchen, library and storage facilities, provision of a new suspended acoustic ceiling to the main rehearsal space, a new security door, floor coverings and redecoration.

Band trustee Graham Goldthorpe said: “The band would like to say a really big thank you to everyone who donated to our ‘Save Hepworth Bandroom’ appeal.

“We’d like to thank One Community Kirklees for supporting our fundraising efforts through their ‘Match It’ initiative, to our grant funders Bright Green Community Trust, Hinchliffe Mill Brass Band Music Charity, Holme Valley Parish Council, Huddersfield Common Good Trust, South Yorkshire Community Foundation in association with Ventient Energy, the owners of the Blackstone Edge Wind Turbines and West Riding Masonic Charities.

“This work has also been made possible by an award from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.”