Musicians have made a pitch perfect bid to earn £1,000 towards the cost of taking part in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2018.
Volunteers who run Johnstone Brass Band have been awarded the cash through Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s Community Champions fund.
The band, now in its 184th year, has a strong local profile in Johnstone and works hard to promote brass band music through performances at civic and community events.
June Deans, who made the application, said: “Everyone at The Johnstone Band is delighted to receive this support. The funds will boost our fundraising campaign to cover the costs involved representing Scotland in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2018 in Cheltenham.
“This is a great opportunity to compete at national level against bands from all over the UK and the band have worked hard to raise as much of the money needed through a 343 mile sponsored cycle, race night and a quiz.”
The cost of travel, accommodation, sheet music and the hire of rehearsal facilities is expected to exceed £6,000.
Doug Law, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “This is exactly what our Community Champions scheme is all about, supporting good causes to make a positive change in the areas we work and live. We are pleased that we have been able to offer our support and wish the band the best of luck at the championships.”
The Persimmon Community Champions initiative is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves. Each or Persimmon Homes’ 30 business regions has two awards of up to £1,000 to handout each month.
Doug added: “We’ve made it really simple to apply for funding, and we’re urging groups and charities to apply for next month’s donations by completing an online form on our website, at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity