Cricklade’s BandAcademy has received a tremendous new year windfall from a Charity Fund based at the town’s popular Red Lion pub.
Richard Sarjent, front row right, Trustee of the Red Lion Charity Fund, and next to him Paul Hewer, Bandleader of The Cricklade Band - surrounded by members of the Charity Fund committtee and BandAcademy
During an informal ceremony, Bandleader Paul Hewer was presented with a cheque for £3,500. This recognises the ‘Charity of the Year’ status that BandAcademy was nominated for in 2019 by Richard Sarjent, Trustee of the Charity Fund.
Richard had this to say about his nomination: “The BandAcademy fits all the criteria for our Charity of the Year. Finding, training, supporting and nurturing local musical talent, offering all this with virtually no charge to the recipients. It deserves the support of the whole community”.
BandAcademy is the education and training arm of The Cricklade Band as a whole and was set up to provide a training ground for those of any age within Cricklade and its surroundings who wish to learn to play brass instruments. By doing so in a supported environment has proved its worth by Cricklade continuing to have what some describe as the luxury of its own community band – nowadays an increasingly rare asset.
This award will provide a ring-fenced fund, designated to BandAcademy, from which to pay for purchases that otherwise would be unlikely to be afforded.
On the shopping list is a saxophone for one student who’s currently borrowing one; music arrangements to better suit those still learning; and additions to a programme of basic music theory provision to run alongside the practical music-making mentoring.
Bandleader Paul thanked everyone in the Red Lion Charity Fund, especially Richard for his nomination, and all those who have contributed towards this funding award throughout 2019, promising that the money will be very wisely used.
