Drumming up funds for renovations

GARAGE SALE: The City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band is raising money to keep the club thriving so they can continue to entertain the community. File picture

At over 100 years old, City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band is hoping a band room facelift will be the refresh the club is looking for.

Purpose-built in 1904, the building has suffered flood and earthquake damage over the years.

The pipe band typically sell firewood to finance the club, but are looking at a less strenuous way of filling the piggy bank this week, and are holding a garage sale on Saturday morning.

“We normally receive a koha for our public performances and parades, but with fewer events this year we need to look at other ways to keep ourselves viable,” pipe major David Andrew said.

“Our band rooms need major renovations, and although we own our building, we still need to pay rates and land lease expenses. The need for income doesn't stop”.

Located on the banks of the Taruheru River, the building is owned by the pipe band but sits on council land. Its walls feature a mural by the late Graeme Mudge.

The band has already spent over $5000 on a geological engineering report, which advised that the building needs to be raised on new piles, which will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Band members and friends have donated goods for the garage sale, ranging from plants and produce to furniture and building materials. They are hoping for good public support to keep the pipe band going strong.

City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band garage sale will be held at 25 Rutene Road, Saturday, 8am.