DOBCROSS YOUTH BAND

DOBCROSS YOUTH BAND COMPLETE MAMMOTH REHEARSAL TO FUND TRIP OF A LIFETIME

By Ken Bennett

A dedicated team of young musicians turned into a band on the run to fund a trip of a lifetime.

And the hills really did echo to the sound of music when around 50 Dobcross Youth Band and supporters blew their instruments for more than 24 hours.
And although it wasn’t an official Guinness World Record or the world’s longest brass band rehearsal, the stalwart team smashed their initial £2,000 target.

The event which took place from Good Friday until Easter Saturday was watched live worldwide – including locations in the USA, Africa, the Far East and New Zealand – on the band’s live Facebook feed.
The youngsters were aiming to reach an original £2,000 target which was set to fund the band’s trip to perform at the iconic Menin Gate war memorial in Belgium at a remembrance service.
But the spectacular marathon by youngsters, aged between eight and 18, eventually notched up more than £8,000.
The band’s secretary, Jenny Wood, said: “The band traditionally performs on Good Friday, but one of the parents came up with the idea when the idea of the trip to Belgium was put forward.
“The fundraising was boosted by our JustGiving page, and it was great for the band to get recognition for their efforts thanks to the Facebook webcast.
The band got a lot of support from ex-members who came back to help and and we also have a training band which boosted the numbers.
There were no complaints about exhaustion. They love rehearsing and performing and now the band has got a fantastic trip to look forward to.
Playing at the Menin Gate at the remembrance service will be an honour for the band.”
The remainder of the funds raised by the event will be ploughed by into the band for future trips and concerts.This year marks the 30th years since the youth band’s launch.