Where are we?
We are always looking for new players and after receiving a substantial lottery grant a number of years ago we are also able to offer a number of instruments to new players who do not have their own instrument.
We meet every Wednesday at:
Holker Business Centre,
Burnley Road,
Colne, BB8 8EG.
between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm
Directions to rehearsal room: Enter the car park by the large ‘ INDOOR KARTING’ sign – drive to the front of the building and park in front of the ‘Holker Business Centre’ sign. Continue along the front of the building and through the large metal gates. Behind the right hand gate are 4 metal steps, at the top of the steps look for the buzzer for ‘Pendle Academy of Dance and Performing Arts’. Ring the buzzer and when someone answers say ‘orchestra’ and the door will release. Inside go to the right and up the stairs, on the first landing go through the door and up the next flight of stairs and go to your left at the top where you will find someone to welcome you.
History of the Orchestra
Pendle Community Orchestra, formerly Pendle Youth Orchestra it was originally formed over thirty years ago. Mr Arthur Fenton, from Pendle Leisure Services, with the full backing of Pendle Council, had the foresight to create a youth orchestra to nurture the musical talent of Pendle. The first rehearsal in February 1979 saw approximately 30 young budding musicians arrive at the old Colne Grammar School armed with instruments. During the past three decades we have performed in a variety of venues from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Liverpool’s Garden Festival and Roman Catholic Cathedral, Glasgow Garden Festival, Kassel, Marl, Creil and many more. These concerts have involved the performing with other youth orchestras from France and Germany, the Nelson Civic Choirs, HMS Culdrose Band, Lancashire Constabulary Brass Band and the Manchester Camerata. Music, is what our members do best! Using this talent we have raised over £5,000 for the National Children’s Home over a five week tour around the UK and we have raised money for local Churches, Pendleside Hospice, Derian House, Children in Need and other charities supported by the Rotary Club. We are now a self supporting organisation, relying on revenue from concerts and the hard work and commitment from the Orchestra members and parents all year round.
