Going for a quarter of a century, an accordion band that started in Horsham is searching for a new keyboard player.
Horsham Accordion Band was founded in 1987 when local accordion teacher John Coles got together with friends and pupils to play for local events.
Some of the faces have changed over the years, as people have moved on, but keyboard player Kevin Rowley, has been with the group for 23 years.
Mags Fisher, band leader, from Bashurst Copse, Itchingfield, joined the band in 1992, after buying a second-hand accordion in the Horsham ‘Pass It On’ shop, and taking lessons from Mr Coles.
She was inspired by watching accordionists play at a Trinity Youth Club Tyrolean Evening in Horsham in the 1950s.
She said: “It’s a very friendly and rewarding way to spend an evening.”
Mags took over as band leader ten years ago after David Baker and Gordon Arnell took turns over conducting duties following Mr Coles’ retirement.
The band has a varied calendar of bookings, from sessions in the Carfax, to French street markets, music evenings, church charity events, diamond wedding anniversaries, and Christmas carols.
They have been invited to Germany and Denmark, and perform across Sussex.
Other band members include Diana Spadaccini, from Horsham, who joined 21 years ago, and was inspired by her husband Egidio to take up the instrument, and Dereck Prentis from Findon.
They practice at Slinfold Chapel every Wednesday evening.
The group has a good Technics keyboard available, for anyone interested in replacing Kevin, who joined the band at 13 as an accordionist.
To register an interest call Mags on 01403 790717 or email magsfisher@btinternet.com
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