Derwent Brass has become the first English band to offer a Gold Level of support to the charity Brass for Africa.

Rich heritage

Spokesperson Rob Stew told 4BR: "Derwent has a rich heritage in helping to raise funds for charities led many years ago by one of our patrons Roy Poole. Roy was the hard working Chairman of the former 'Friends of the Nightingale MacMillan Unit' in Derby Hospital for whom the band helped to raise in excess of £28,000.

Roy continues to play a key role in organising events to raise money for the band's nominated charities. In 2016 it was the Alzheimer's Society and for 2017 we are very excited to be supporting Brass for Africa."

Unanimous decision

Brass for Africa has created three levels of more formal interaction so that bands can join in as partners with the charity: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

At the band's recent AGM a unanimous decision was made by the membership to 'Go for Gold' and the wheels have since been put in motion to work with Russell Gray as a Brass for Africa volunteer artist. Richard Evans, an Ambassador for Brass for Africa and close friend of the band, has also expressed his excitement at the backing the scheme at its highest level.

Delighted

Charity spokesman Chris Fower added: "We are absolutely delighted that Derwent Brass has chosen to support Brass for Africa in such a positive manner and we look forward to working with them throughout 2017."

We are absolutely delighted that Derwent Brass has chosen to support Brass for Africa in such a positive manner and we look forward to working with them throughout 2017Charity spokesperson, Chris Fower

More information:

For more information on the Brass for Africa brass band partner packages scheme visit: www.brassforafrica.org/brass-band-partner-packages