Grimethorpe Band Manager Nigel Dixon has told 4BR that he has already been contacted by numerous people wishing to offer help to the band following his appearance on BBC Look North and BBC Radio 5 Live Tony Livesey Show last night.

Responses

"We have already had a number of responses following the story breaking – especially as people were really enthused by our commitment to providing free musical tuition to children in what is one of the most socially deprived areas of the country."

Nigel told presenters on both programmes that as the Grimethorpe name was ‘known and loved all over the world’ as ‘the People’s Band’, they felt they could provide youngsters with the ideal opportunity to learn a brass band instrument.

Cost focus

"I know the focus was on the cost of running a band such as Grimethorpe – but we keen to point out that if we could raise another £30,000 of sponsorship a year on top of the money we get from concerts etc, then we could really make a lasting impact and provide a brass band legacy in our area the envy of the rest of the world."

Nigel has been quick to show the evidence of their approach too, especially with the success of the Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band and their work in schools such as Birkwood Primary School in Barnsley.

Grimethorpe is fully committed to new projects such as the ongoing work we do at Birkwood and other schools, but we have to balance that with what it costs tooNigel Dixon

Pride

Their co-ordinator Esther Sutton Smith told 4BR: "Thanks to Grimethorpe’s work the children have developed many important life skills, as well as important musical ones: commitment, team work, time keeping, listening, musical appreciation and respect are just a few that spring to mind.

Recently the children were given an opportunity to 'show off' their musical skills to the people who have sponsored their lessons. The fact that their sponsors are the 'best band in the world' for us in Grimethorpe is the icing on the cake! The children's parents were so proud — it clearly gave them a well deserved boost of pride too."

Fully committed

Nigel concluded: "Grimethorpe is fully committed to new projects such as the ongoing work we do at Birkwood and other schools, but we have to balance that with what it costs too — so any extra help with sponsorship can be targeted for maximum benefit."