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Scout band seeks to boost membership numbers

Robert Hall,Jerseyand
George Thorpe,Channel Islands
BBC Mick and Christine Marett. They are adult leaders of Jersey Scout Band. They are both wearing blue shirts with red and white Scout scarfs on with toggles which have Jersey's flag on them. They are stood inside a room where the band has been practicing.BBC
Mick and Christine Marett lead the Jersey Scout Band

A brass band is attempting to bolster its membership after experiencing a drop in numbers.

Jersey Scout Band has launched an island-wide publicity campaign to find players aged eight and above as it deals with a fall in musicians wanting to join the group.

A total of 12 players turned up to a training night on Thursday at Kenneth Faucon Memorial Hall in St Saviour - those who lead the band said there might have been twice that number not so long ago.

The band, who have been performing since 1970, said people who wanted to join and learn to play an instrument did not have to be a Scout or Girl Guide to do so.

Christine Marett, who leads the band with her husband Mick, said the amount of choice for young people is very different compared to previous generations.

"There is just so much on offer in terms of sport and leisure, and there's also the pressure of doing well at school," she said.

"There just aren't enough hours in the week."

Andrew Journeaux, who has been a member of the band since he was a child and now teaches new recruits drumming, said numbers peaked around 2007.

A man called Andrew Journeaux. He is smiling. He is wearing a blue shirt with a red and white Scouts scarf on with a Jersey flag toggle on it. He red and white straps across his chest.
Andrew Journeaux said the band has to contend with losing members

Journeaux added: "The problem is that band members who are any good move on.

"We've had past players in the Royal Marines and in the Island of Jersey Band.

"Added to that we lose members when they head off to university."

Thomas, who is currently playing drums with the band, said he felt a sense of pride when he performed with the group including at remembrance ceremonies and festivals around the island.

"I just knew that this is where I had to be - playing drums is the coolest role in the band," Thomas, who wants to join the Grenadier Guards eventually, said.

"It would be so sad if everyone's hard work came to nothing."

Two boys stand shoulder to shoulder inside a hall. They both have blue shirts on and red and white Scouts scarves on. Their toggles have Jersey's flag them.
Finlay and Thomas have been playing in the band for two years

His friend Finlay who has been in the band for two years added he gets a lot of enjoyment from being a member.

"It's great to learn on instruments that you might never have tried," he said.

Anyone who is interested in joining has been asked to contact the band.

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