The Bands need for Funds!
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
As with all Brass bands, the need to raise large amounts of money each year is key for the band to continue successfully.
The bands running costs are around £20,000 this covers the bands building, expenses, utilities and insurances.
The instruments are another issue. The cost to replace the full set of instruments is around £120,000+ this has to be raised over a 20 year period, as this is how long generally the instruments last.
This is an impossible task with out the support of the community!
The band is very lucky to have the support of its own supporters club and the local community.
The band is very appreciative of the Town Council, who every year give the band a large donation. One recent donation from the council and a donation from our town crier Mr Watham has purchased the Junior band their uniforms as well as purchasing a couple of instruments. This has really helped to push the expansion of the junior band who managed their first contest in 2009.
The band also appreciates the support by the general public at the bands concerts. This not only raises a large amount of money but also gives the satisfaction to the players who enjoy a good crowd to play for. The band also would like to thank the local bussiness’s who advertise in the concert programmes.
Due to every increasing costs the band has had to look at other ideas to raise money and one of these ideas is sponsorship. For 2009 and 2010 the band has been lucky to be sponsored by Winning Smiles, This has given us the oportunity to be able to bring a guest solist from a top band to join the band in a concert, not only giving the band a way of generating more money but also alowing the supporters a chance to see a first class soloist from a top band.
The bands main income apart from the above is from
Carnivals, Concerts, Shows, fetes, weddings, quiz nights and donations.
The band of course likes to do its bit for the community, and plays at many events with out charge in the town. Such as the remembrance parade, the Beer festival for the British Legion, the civic Parade, Christmas parade and lighting a light ceremony as well as many other events!
Thank you to all who have supported the band!