AN appeal has been issued to help secure the future of Devon's only village silver band. The annual meeting of Northlew Village Band recently received the sad news of their bandmaster's resignation. Maurice Davey has played in the band for most of his life and been bandmaster for the past eleven years. He announced that reluctantly he would be stepping down as bandmaster, although would continue to support the band in all other ways. This has placed the band in a difficult position as there is no one so far that has come forward to take over the bandmaster's role. The village is proud of the band and regularly supports it with fundraising events. The band's Christmas Concert is always one of the highlights of the village year. The band has also been the mainstay of the popular annual village carnival. Chairman Martin Perry said: 'If the band has to fold because of the lack of a bandmaster it would be a disaster for the village and a tragedy of huge consequence. 'Northlew has many claims to fame, but its status as the last village in the county with a silver band is one that makes the village unique. 'I appeal to anyone who thinks they may be able to help us to contact me or our secretary, Sharon Dufty, as soon as possible. The telephone contact numbers are 01409 221376 or 01837 871744 respectively.'
