As reported previously on 4BR, the British Federation of Brass Band is now inviting applications to the Norman Jones Trust Fund.

Trust Fund

Norman Jones was for many years the secretary of the BFBB and worked tirelessly for the organisation and brass banding in general.

He was responsible for setting up the Fedsure insurance scheme that has benefited many bands up and down the country and is a lasting legacy of his work.

Following his untimely death in 2007, the BFBB were informed that they and its member bands would benefit from a large sum of money that Norman had bequeathed in his will.

A trust fund of £62,500 has now been set up for member bands of the BFBB and applications are invited from bands and individualsBFBB

Member bands

A trust fund of £62,500 has now been set up for member bands of the BFBB and applications are invited from bands and individuals.

The trustees of the fund will be the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of the BFBB (the personnel will change if and when the officers change).

In the event of one of the trustees declaring an interest in an application, two other members of the BFBB Executive Committee will be co-opted onto the panel to assess the application.

Trust Terms:

Under the terms of the trust, funding could be provided for the following BFBB activities:-

* Registry system improvements
* Brass Band Archive support
* Administration support

Criteria:

For member bands to apply to the trust the following criteria will be used:

* New music commissions, especially from new or young composers
* Working with other art forms and in particular to fund capital items
* Working with disadvantaged groups
* Assistance for students to help with musical education
* Projects which will have a lasting effect on the brass band movement/applicants

BFBB members

Individuals applying for grants from the trust must prove that they are members of a BFBB member band.

It is unlikely that 100% funding would be given to applications. Amounts awarded will depend on the quality of the application and the funds available at the time.

Applications

Applications will be assessed quarterly and will need to be submitted by 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the application within 4 weeks of the above dates and the decision of the trustees is final.

All applications should be sent to:

Mrs. Carol Tattersfield
BFBB Secretary
Unit 12 Maple Estate
Stocks Lane
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S75 2BL