Appeal to save memorial bandstand

The bandstand is suffering from wind and salt damage from the sea

Trustees of a bandstand built as a memorial to 11 Royal Marines musicians killed in an IRA bombing in Kent say it needs a £30,000 refurbishment.

Regular concerts are held at the memorial bandstand, in Deal, which commemorates the bombing at the town's School of Music barracks in 1989.

Supporter Bill Butler said the trustees wanted the bandstand to be rebuilt in time for the 20th anniversary.

"We are looking for a long-term future for the bandstand," he said.

"The concerts on Sunday afternoons are incredibly well attended and it is a wonderful memorial to the bandsmen."

Trust fund

He said quarry tiles on the base of the bandstand needed replacing, along with the roof.

Metalwork on the seafront structure was also suffering from wind and salt damage from the sea.

"We are looking to raise £30,000 plus - for the refurbishment of the bandstand and to put into a trust fund for future maintenance."

The Round Table, which was a major donor when the bandstand was built, is making a national appeal to its 750 clubs in the UK.

But it is also asking the people of Kent to contribute.

Mr Butler said he hoped the bandstand would be ready for the 2009 summer season when the Royal Marines Band was due to play.