The Lions Youth Band recently received a double boost towards their forthcoming appearance at the European Youth Championships in Montreux.

King's visit

The band enjoyed a visit from Major Stewart Halliday and members of The Band of the King's Division who helped with a day of European focussed tuition, sectional and full rehearsals, topped by a performance for the benefit of parents and supporters.

In addition the band also received a great financial boost as local company Bathgate Silica Sand gave a donation to their European appeal fund of £550, whilst a further fund-raising 'afternoon tea' initiative saw another £500 head into the coffers.

Their approach was perfectly aimed at the player's abilities and ambitions and we think it has also given us a bit more military discipline to our playing too!MD, Nigel Birch

Great boost

MD Nigel Birch told 4BR: "Welcoming the musical experience and knowledge of Major Halliday and his brilliant musicians to work with us was a great boost to our confidence.

Their approach was perfectly aimed at the player's abilities and ambitions and we think it has also given us a bit more military discipline to our playing too!

To receive such a generous donation from Bathgate has also given us another pick-up as we head to Montreux. It's great that a company with such an international profile supports a local organisation such as ourselves and our ambition to represent our region with pride."