*
banner

Plusnet plus more for Grimethorpe

Yorkshire phone and broadband provider helps Grimethorpe's community work project.

Birkwood School
 

Phone and broadband provider, Plusnet, has stepped in for the second year running to give its support to Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s community music work.

Plusnet has offered a donation to support the band’s schools music programme — the benefit of which has been readily seen at the local Birkwood Primary School.

Musical change

The use of Plusnet’s donation has meant musical life at the school has changed dramatically, with pupils are now reaching the standard necessary to take music exams — a first in the school’s history.

This is the second donation to the music programme from Plusnet, which has its headquarters in Yorkshire. The funds will be used to continue the band’s youth education scheme which will ensure 15 pupils between the ages of 8 and 11 at the school will have the opportunity to take specialist music lessons.

Aspirations

School music co-ordinator Esther Sutton-Smith told 4BR: "Our children are now aspiring to be musicians and getting ready to take their first music exam which is incredibly exciting for us!

Beyond the obvious musical advantages we are actually seeing an increase in children’s self esteem, especially for those who are not as strong in other areas. It’s wonderful to see them take such pride in their achievements.

We’re also noticing a real sense of engagement with the community as local people flock to watch the children perform, for which we are very grateful."

Easy decision

Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet added: "Last year our online community called on us to help Grimethorpe Colliery Band continue its work with the community. The plight of such a traditionally Yorkshire institution made it an easy decision, and we are continuing to support them for a second year.

It has been a real privilege to hear how Birkwood Primary School and the children are flourishing under the band’s teaching. We are proud to continue to fund next year’s programme."

Our children are now aspiring to be musicians and getting ready to take their first music exam which is incredibly exciting for us!School music co-ordinator Esther Sutton-Smith

Community support

Grimethorpe Band Manager, Nigel Dixon told 4BR: "It’s encouraging to know there are companies like Plusnet out there, ready to step up and show support for their local communities.

With this further injection of funding we hope to do Grimethorpe proud as the crop of talent at Birkwood Primary School develops through the music programme."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd