THE closure has been confirmed of one of the borough's leading youth organisations.

Thurrock Marching Brass goes back five decades and was revived in earnest in 2010, prompting a revival in its fortunes and a large number of accolades in competitions.

Chairman Paul Morgan has issued a statement saying: "My heart is heavy, but also one that is full of love and memories that will indeed last a lifetime.

"From the moment of the pre launch and run up to the launch day on TMB's founding day of 18 October all those years back in 2010 we have enjoyed immense support from so many quarters, and I and the board can't thank you all enough for all your tireless dedication to ensuring that the kids we have had go through our ranks have enjoyed their experiences and in so many cases have gone on to bigger and better things post their time with TMB.

"I and we love you all and will continue to support and to watch you all grow further.

"Accolades mean nothing to me personally, however, when looking back on the journey that started in earnest in 2008, and finally bore fruit to a re-launch in 2010 there are many things to look back on with pride.

"Four British Championship Titles, (two British Youth Band Association and two Drum Corps United Kingdom), five British Champion Runners-up titles. 143 individual and ensembles medal. A World Record for the Longest Line of Fanfare Trumpeters. 241 performances within the community and outside the borough of Thurrock, including some crackers like a prime-time advert with the legendary Ant & Dec as well as other prestigious performances.

"But most of all, we have seen young inexperienced youngsters come to us and leave fully trained in all areas of the marching and performing arts arenas, going on to continue to enjoy all that this incredible art form of ours has to offer.

"I hope that I and the board have flown the TMB Flag high and proud, and that those passed up to that great band hall in the sky will have looked on with as much pride as I and the board have had in giving youngsters a great home for 13 years.

"Finally, 2023 is TMB's 50th anniversary year, and there are details now being shared of a get together at the Archer in October, which I urge everyone to attend if they are able to do so.

"We aren't getting any younger, and so this may well be one of the last chances we will ever see all eras of TMB under one roof. It looks set to be an incredibly memorable evening.

Thank you all once again."

For any enquiries for equipment purchases is advises to contact Mr Morgan at [email protected]