Britain's last remaining St John Ambulance marching band are appealing to King Charles to save them from eviction - after 50 years.

The band, based on Kent's Isle of Sheppey, have until next month to find a new home, but say they should be allowed to stay put.



The musicians have been based at the building on the island since 1974, which is also home to St John Ambulance Badgers and Cadets programmes for youngsters.

Volunteers say they're heartbroken at being forced out of their home and disappointed with the "corporate responses" they've received from the charity's headquarters. "

The band - the last of its kind in Britain with 38 members aged between ten and 90 - is due to celebrate its 80th birthday next year.

Members have now resorted to writing a plea to St John's Royal Patron, King Charles, asking him to intervene and reverse the band's marching orders.

Band volunteers, some of whom have given more than 70 years of service to the charity, are branding their imminent eviction as a mark of disrespect.

One member of the marching band, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being suspended by the charity, said: "We are the last marching band in the UK; it's very important to us as a community and as an island to keep our premises. "

"We have written to the King, asking him to intervene on our behalf as the Royal Patron. "

"We have support from councillors and our MP, Kevin McKenna, has written to St John as well. "

"But St John has just said: 'Here's eight weeks' notice - you have to get out."

The band called the decision from St John's Ambulance "shocking"."

The land was donated to community organisations by the Rt Hon Lord Harris in 1974 and the building was constructed with funds raised by volunteers and local residents.

But the unity is now slated for closure on September 23 - giving the band and other groups just weeks to find a new home.

A statement from the band said: "In an organisation that once prided itself on its service to the local community, this chain of events has left many questioning the future."

"The decision came as a shock to all members."

St John's Ambulance had offered the band another base in Rochester, 25 miles away, which band members say was not suitable.

Other 'spot units' are being put forward as temporary sites for band practice, but the group are adamant they want to stay where they are.

The band member added: "It's a vital service. We live in a deprived area and we get incredible support from our community. "

"We just want them to engage with us. There is a lot of financial pressure, which we understand, but there is always a solution that works for all. "

"We are all volunteers - we give up our lives for this and this is the sort of respect we get at the moment. "

"It's horrible. I have done nearly 50 years of service with this organisation and I don't think I have ever been treated so poorly. "

"They don't communicate with us... It's appalling. "

"It's not always about the money; it's about the community. That's what the charity should be about. "

"It's a great shame. We are so disappointed and disheartened. "

"There's no respect and it's very sad."

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St John Ambulance spokesperson said: "St John Ambulance values the long-standing service and dedication of Sheppey Band members, and we recognise the strong connection they have to the building that has been their home since the 1970s.  "

"We are strongly committed to the future of the Band in the region and there has never been any suggestion the Band should be disbanded."

"Our focus is on ensuring that both the Band and other St John members, including our Cadets and Badgers, have a suitable meeting place that can continue to meet both their and the wider organisation's needs into the future."

"St John Ambulance is actively engaging with local volunteers and Band Members to secure a suitable spot-hire meeting place from several promising leads in Sheppey, while we seek more permanent premises in the region. "

"This collaborative approach to securing a venue will help to support the local community while ensuring the effective management of our resources. "

"The decision to close our current meeting place on Queenborough Road followed a thorough review of the condition, running costs, maintenance requirements, and location of the building, confirming it was no longer suitable for our service needs.  "

"While the Sheppey site has played an important role for over 50 years, we must now look to the future."