Famed band secure funding

WORLD-RENOWNED Grimethorpe Colliery Band has received funding to support young musicians in the town’s primary schools.

The donation to Barnsley Music Hub is for the brass band and music education in local schools. It will give young children access to musical programmes for the next three years, and will cover the costs of teachers, instruments and venues.

Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “It’s fantastic news that children across Barnsley will have guaranteed access to music for the next three years.

“Barnsley is a place that fosters growth and ambition, and music is one of the best ways for young people to develop their skills, talent and creativity while fulfilling their learning potential.”

Richard Windle, band manager of Grimethorpe Colliery Band, added: “Grimethorpe Colliery Band are committed to investing in the young people of Barnsley and are proud to be supporting local primary school brass bands in providing children with the opportunity to continue learning and experiencing the benefits of playing a brass instrument. We’ve got a great relationship with the Barnsley Music Hub and this investment is also a recognition of the outstanding work they are doing to promote music education in Barnsley.

“This is the first of a number of initiatives that the band are committed to over the coming months which will hopefully help the young people of Barnsley to benefit from the fantastic opportunities that playing a musical instrument can offer them.”