FOR more than a century, Renfrew Burgh Band has been entertaining music lovers from far and wide.

Now the band’s fascinating story has been captured on film.

Movie-maker Kevin Cameron shot fresh footage of the band in rehearsal, as well as interviewing several members.

These scenes were then combined with historical footage of the musicians performing at various locations.

And the finished product was presented to a packed audience at Renfrew Town Hall.

The Renfrew On Film 3 event offered local residents a glimpse into the past as it also included ‘lost’ footage of events such as a royal visit to the town, sports days and even air raid precaution drills.

As an added bonus, Renfrew Burgh Band – formed in 1911 – was on hand to provide a musical accompaniment to the historic films.

Among the band members to be interviewed was soprano cornet player George Mullin, who has been a member since 1968.

He said: “I joined as a 16-year-old, so I’ve been in the band for 49 years.

“In the 1970s and 80s, I would say there was not a weekend in the summer when we were not out in the bandstands.”

Sixteen-year-old Frankie O’Donnell joined the band in 2016 on second trombone – a seat once occupied by his mum Kathleen.

He said: “My mum was a member 20 years ago and there are lots of stories from her time in the band.

“We play such a wide variety of music at Renfrew, from the traditional marches and hymn tunes to pop songs, music from movies and an original brass band repertoire.

“It’s great to constantly push the boundaries with our music-making.”

Raymond Thomson, 67, who played the French horn for the band, is among those who enjoy starring roles in the new film, in which he is described as “a distinguished amateur player.”

He said: “I gave up playing the French horn around five years ago, when I was aged 62, having played for other groups such as the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra.”

Renfrew On Film 3 – organised by Richard Weeks, of Renfrewshire Leisure, along with Renfrewshire Council, the Paisley 2021 bid team and Renfrew Museum Group – rounded off a busy season for the burgh band.

This included claiming the prize for Best Second Section Band at the Northern Counties Association competition in Kinross last month.

David Hoey, chairman of Renfrew Burgh Band, said: “We have been entertaining audiences for more than a century and this short film provides a fascinating snapshot of the band in action down the years.

“The ‘Burgh Band’ has been at the heart of the community throughout and we will continue representing Renfrew with pride all over the country for many years to come.”

To view the film about Renfrew Burgh Band, visit youtu.be/87pod99MKtQ

More information about the band is available by logging on to Facebook, Twitter or the band’s website at www.renfrewburghband.co.uk