New Band Formed in North West England

12 Feb 2009

Arthur Glover, a former member of the Regimental Band of Her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards, is now setting up new concert band to support the North West Air Ambulance Service (NWAA).

Arthur, who is now a resident of Rossendale in Lancashire, along with other enthusiastic volunteers including his wife Diana, colleagues David Cotson, and Pat and Robert Ashley are being supported by the local business start up service, PEER.

Andy MacNae, PEER Facilitator told us, "The new band will bring together talented musicians from across the North West. We are also pleased about the opportunities that will be available for our local youth.

PEER Support is offering help to the committee members to set up a viable organization capable of delivering much-needed services to encouraging all musicians to participate in bands at a time when many bands are suffering from lack of support."

Established in 1999, the NWAA has been flying life-saving missions throughout the North West region of England (Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire) from its operational base at Blackpool Airport.

NWAA Concert Band is a new concept whose primary purpose is to raise funds for the NWAA charity. In doing this everyone, including residents in the Rossendale area, will benefit: NWAA will receive financial support to provide a vital life-saving service to residents all over the North West; musicians from all over the North West will have the opportunity to play their musical instrument in a quality band for a worthwhile cause; and churches, clubs, groups, villages, businesses, individuals, etc. will have an additional band to choose from to provide music for their functions.

The band is starting from scratch and will need:

• Musicians: the band is looking for players at grade V level or above that are 18 years or older. Rehearsals in Rossendale will be on Thursday evenings from 8-10 PM. The venue is to be announced.

• Equipment: the band is after new and used instruments, music stands, office equipment, small refrigerator, etc.

• Volunteers: the band wants people who would like to get involved in this project as a non-musician to serve on the Governing Committee, serve as hostess once or twice a week during rehearsals, etc.

For more information, please call Diana Glover.