Bandstand to be grand (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bandstand to be grand

TWO Stroud businesses are working together on an unusual project, which takes them from their bases at Aston Down and Woodchester to the elite racecourse at Ascot.

The Berkshire racecourse, which held its first meeting in 1711, is currently undergoing a £185 million refurbishment and major buildings are being demolished.

In the new-look Ascot there will be no room for the fine Edwardian style bandstand, which has always been one of the racecourse's distinctive features.

But rather than demolish it, organisers have called on Steve Tomlin of Minchinhampton Architectural Services, who has been in the salvage business for more than 20 years.

With a reputation for reclaiming and restoring other historic bandstands he was a clear choice for this unique project.

The cast iron bandstand has been carefully dismantled and brought on pallets to Steve's yard at Aston Down.

It is now being lovingly restored with the help and engineering expertise of steel fabricators David Sanderson and David Barnes of Prime Architectural Ltd of Inchbrook.

Once restored to its former glory, Steve and the team will transport and re-erect the bandstand at the Grand Designs Live exhibition in London's Docklands next month.

"The bandstand will be sold to the highest bidder at auction, conducted by John Baddeley of Bonhams, as the climax of the show at midday on Sunday June 12th," said Steve.

"We know that the event organisers are in touch with the racing fraternity, Premier League footballers and international hotel developers who can afford to buy the bandstand for their own use.

"It seems a shame that it can no longer fulfill its original requirements but at least it will be saved.

"It has been difficult to find original pictures of the Ascot bandstand in its heyday - Royal Ascot was recreated in a memorable scene in the film, My Fair Lady but sadly, the bandstand was not pictured.

"Photography was banned during the early part of the 20th century after the death of Queen Victoria so there really is very little for us to go by.

"If anyone can help us in our quest for visual reference material for this decorative and historic bandstand, we would be extremely grateful."

*Anyone who thinks they can help should contact Minchinhampton Architectural Services on 01285 760886