Description

The band comprises about 35 members, including two Musical Directors, Mr Ray Jones and Mrs Gaynor Lovett, with a diversified age range of musicians from twelve to seventy six. Likewise the ability level is varied, from relative beginners to several ex professionals. Everybody, whatever their ability when they join our band will all agree that they have gained from the experience and learnt something. We are a closely knitted community band and enjoy rehearsing music every Tuesday night at the Zion Church Openwoodgate in Belper. Encouragement is offered to anyone who wishes to participate.

Many years ago, Belper had a band called "Belper Town Band". This was set up in the period when the mills were still in operation from and from which they had great support. With the demise of the mills the band's fortune also changed and although they battled on, they eventually had to give in to the inevitable and disbanded in 1956. Little is known or recorded of the mills band, so any donations of photographs, postcards or paper clippings would be very much appreciated and the Belper Town Wind Band would treasure them.

The new band formed in 1999 was originally named "Belper Town Band" after the earlier band but, after some time, it was always being mistaken for a brass band so to clarify the situation the word "Wind" was later added.

The first year was a struggle to gather music and basic equipment but the band survived with the help of its founders. The band's very first concert as a Concert Wind Band was in July 1999 at the Top Residents Association in Heage. This was followed by several more concerts throughout Amber Valley in places such as Codnor, Heage, Millford, Ripley, and of course, Belper. The band also started to make appearances outside the district of Amber Valley in venues such as Derby City and Elton. We currently play across Derbyshire in wonderful surroundings such Chatsworth House and village fetes.

Having established a working platform the band has devoted every penny it receives in purchasing music and equipment to enable it to function properly. Further donations have been made to local charities. The band is now fully self-supporting with sufficient members, music and equipment to perform for the public.

Players of all brass, woodwind, double reed and tuned percussion instruments are always welcome to join our concert wind band. We rehearse from 7.15pm at the Zion Church Openwoodgate in Belper. Just turn up, make your self known, and bring your instrument, as there are no auditions.

We are a very friendly bunch of all ages, with a wide range of abilities and a variety of different backgrounds in music. After a short probationary period, you can decide on whether you want to be part of a group, who are working to promote music in and around the community. You will be provided with band uniform and be invited to play in our concerts. Music is fun so come along and enjoy yourselves.

Description

On arrival collect your old penny to pay the conductor your tram fare, and receive a ticket you can use all day. Trams depart regularly from town end, calling at various stops along the mile long track.

In 2010 the Great Exhibition Hall was redisplayed with the ‘Century of Trams’ exhibition. The exhibition takes you on a fascinating journey through a hundred years of tramway development, from 1860 – 1960, taking in horse trams, steam trams and electric trams.

Step back in time along our recreated period street where you won’t have to wait long for the rumble of a vintage tram. Many of the buildings along the street have been rescued from towns and cities across the UK, such as the Derby Assembly Rooms façade which came to Crich after a tragic fire. The Red Lion Pub and Restaurant came all the way from Stoke and was re-built brick by brick. Also look out for the street furniture which is dotted along the street, including the Bundy Clock at Town End Terminus and The Exhibition Hall windows which were rescued from the Doncaster tram depot.

Located in the heart of the period street, Rita’s Tea Rooms are the perfect place to take a breather and relax. Serving hot meals from 12pm – 3.00pm, sandwiches, a range of pies and mouth-watering cakes everyday. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.

Welcoming families and even dogs, the Red Lion pub opens daily serving a selection of cask ales, local bottled beer, cider and wine and soft drinks, plus hot drinks, panninis and cake. With plentiful outdoor seating, it is the perfect venue to enjoy the period street and do a touch of tram spotting.

Funded by the Countryside Agency, the Woodland Walk & Sculpture Trail allows visitors to stretch their legs on a trail that winds its way through native woodland now dotted with sculptures by our resident sculptor. You may see him at work in his outdoor studio.

With breathtaking views across the Derwent Valley and Derbyshire Countryside the Woodland Walk is the perfect place to escape for a picnic or to while away the hours surrounded by nature. Look out for the sculptures which lurk around every corner such as the Giant Wood Ant and the Green Man.

Children can let off steam in the Discovery Depot – a huge indoor play area with a soft ‘tram’ climbing frame and ball pit and separate soft play area suitable for toddlers. Plenty of chairs are available for parents to have a break and lots of room for pushchairs.

There is a children’s outdoor play area near to the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail. It includes a Mordred castle, swings, see-saw, twister, zip wire and pick- up sticks.

ADMISSION PRICES 2018
What’s Included?
Free return admission for 12 months*
Car and Coach Parking
Exhibition Hall
George Stephenson Discovery Centre
Tram Depots
Indoor and Outdoor Play areas
Unlimited Vintage Electric Tram Rides (additional charge for the Horse Tram applies)
Use of Picnic Areas
Woodland Walk

Adult: £17.00
Senior(60+): £13.00
Child (4-15 yrs): £10.00
Family (2 adults / 3 children or 1 adult /4 children): £40.00

Less Able Visitors
Adult: £10.50
Senior(60+): £10.50
Child (4-15 yrs): £7.00
Please note: You can save 50p per ticket on full priced tickets by booking online and these still qualify for free return within 12 months*.

OPENING TIMES
Main Season
1st April - 2nd September: 10am - 5.30pm (last admissions 4pm)

Winter Season
3rd September - 28th October and 4th November: 10am - 4.30pm (last admissions 3pm)

Starlight Spectacular
29th October - 2nd November: 10am - 7.30pm (last admissions 6pm).
Saturday 3rd November 10am - 8.30pm (last admissions 7pm)

Dogs on a lead are accepted, provided that owners clean up after them. They are not permitted in Rita’s Tearooms or the indoor children’s play area, but can go everywhere else, including on the floor of the lower decks of trams if well behaved.

We provide a shelter at Town End for buggies and pushchairs to be left, while you ride the trams.

*Free return admission on full price tickets only (including Adult, Senior, Child and Family tickets). Does not apply on re-entry to 1940’s / World War II events and refers to the 12 month period from when you purchase your full priced ticket and available during our opening dates only.

The National Tramway Museum,

Matlock,

Derbyshire,

England,

DE4 5DP.

01773 854 321