After thirteen years of effort by Alford people, at last the town has a bandstand in the park.
The hottest day of the year, 6 July, saw the bandstand christened in fine style with a performance by Alford Silver Band of a fanfare specially written for the occasion by assistant musical director and trombone virtuoso Richard Walker.
Prime mover in the campaign for the bandstand, Richard Quantrell, summarised the difficulties experienced by the trustees in raising the money for the stand and he praised the work done by Bob Oakes, local artist blacksmith, who designed and made the metalwork on the stand including the unique decorative panels which depict the life of the town. Adrian Cadoo laid the foundations and Richard thanked the whole team for all their hard work, and the funders Coastal Action Zone and local benefactor Eva Deakin, not forgetting the support and encouragement from Alford Town Council and East Lindsey DC.
The mayor of Alford, Cllr Jenny Cooper, said a few words of encouragement and the stand was blessed by the vicar, the Rev. Roz Latham, before a full afternoon’s entertainment was led by musical director Steve Walker.
A mischievous imp leapt upon the bandstand and scrambled over the roof before being chased off, but even this did not spoil the perfect summer’s day, so long awaited.