Band drumming up support

Arbroath Instrumental Band is still short of its fundraising total as preparations continue for the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham on September 16.

It has been a busy time for the band, playing the summer season as well as preparing for its gala concert in the Webster Theatre on September 1 with entertainer Danny Laverty.

President Ann Ness said: “We have had to raise in excess of £5,000 for the trip and have been assisted by many local people and organisations, as well as by band members fundraising.

“We are hoping for a large audience at our gala concert but are still short of our total, so any donations would be welcome.

“Some players go through their entire brass band careers without ever having the opportunity to compete at a national level.

“We have a thriving youth band as well who, under conductor Bob McDonald, took part in a trip to Preston and York at the end of March to play with the Leyland Band and work with their worldrenowned conductor Richard Evans.

“The fundraising for both of these events has been a significant challenge but we cannot let the opportunity to completely slip through our fingers.”

Anyone wishing to donate can contact Shirley Bennett on 07863 165539 or Ann Ness on 07903 6823897, annness142@ yahoo.co.uk.