LATEST NEWS February 2019

 

The bandstand for Luton - wonderful day says Bill McKenzie

 

More than four years of delays with a complete architect redesign to satisfy Luton public's opinion and Luton Borough Council's planning department, the Rotary bandstand for Luton is now being built. The commencement of building work was marked with a ground-breaking ceremony on February 11 attended by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Rvd Richard Atkinson and Lord McKenzie of Luton, a former Parliamentary under-secretary for the department of communities and local government, Kelvin Hopkins MP, plus leaders of the Rotary movement in Luton, the Rotary district governor for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Dave Ford.

The new building to replace the original bandstand is of Victorian design and will be sited at the north westerly side of Wardown Park, approached via an avenue of trees. Building work is expected to take 14 weeks. When complete the bandstand will be available for all kinds of cultural activities such as  music and drama and be a great addition to Luton's cultural heritage.

 

Four Luton Rotary clubs worked assiduously to set up the bandstand for Luton, led by Alan Corkhill a member of the lead club, Luton North.

 

The bandstand will cost £250.000  and has been financed by the Steel Charitable Trust, local donations and other supporters of Rotary. It has been gifted to Luton Borough Council who will be responsible for its maintenance and the control of the entertainment.

 

Lord Bill McKenzie, the projects patron, said: "Wonderful day for Luton and congratulations to the Rotary clubs who have worked hard on the project. The bandstand will be a fantastic facility for the local community and will add to the many exciting things in our town."

 

Further details available from Alan Corkhill Chair of the Bandstand Committee alan@guidelinepublications.co.uk