AFTER more than 20 years without adequate premises, a popular youth band played their first concert in their new hall last weekend.
Members of the Brentwood Royal British Legion Youth Band have been performing and fundraising ever since the group was formed in 1990.
But on Saturday, they were finally able to host a concert in their own drill hall, just off The Drive in Warley.
Band founder John Wyndham, 67, said: "It's a dream come true.
"I'm just so thrilled to be here and know we've finally achieved it.
"It's taken almost 20 years of trying to fund proper premises and there have been more than 600 young people who have gone through the band in that time, many who have gone on to become military musicians.
"People said it wouldn't be possible but here we are."
The band, which has about 80 members, was on the brink of closing 6 years ago before Brentwood Borough Council stepped in to offer it room.
However, the group has always wanted to extend the cramped space, previously the home of Warley Stars Football Club.
Mr Wyndham, a retired hairdresser who was appointed MBE for his work with young people, acknowledged the many people without whom the extension would not have been built, in particular the "Interfering Mums" who have been instrumental in organising fundraising events.
Wendy Reeve, whose son Robert is a member, said: "It's like a big family really and everyone pitches in.
"We've tried to organise events over the years where everyone can get involved, particularly the children.
"One of the really successful ideas was sending each child home with an empty Smarties tube and getting them to fill it with coins by doing chores."
The youngsters themselves, with an average age of 13, have all pitched in.
At 14, Harry Swailes took part in a triathlon last year, raising hundreds toward the £190,000 extension.
"It wasn't actually that hard as I'm pretty sporty, although I got pretty cold and wet," he said.
"I just saw everyone else doing things and wanted to do my bit."
Harry's sister, Ellen, 16, said: "They taught me how to play the clarinet from scratch in just a few months and tonight is my first performance."
Olivia Gardner, 13, said: "We get to perform, do marching, mix with all different types of people and also we get to travel abroad, which I love."
William Morris, a member of the band for 11 years, added: "Before this we've had to travel elsewhere to perform so it's great to put on a concert here for so many."
Brentwood MP Eric Pickles was among the guests. He said: "This is a really great example of a youth group – what they do is terrific.
"We're all tremendously proud of this bunch of young people, and of John, who does so much."
Mr Wyndham said: "We are planning to extend the stage, which will cost a further £11,000.
"Once that is done we want the hall to be available to other groups. So fantastic as this is, we still have wishes we'd love to make happen."
