In a fantastic gesture to try and help lower section bands, David Armitage, Managing Director of Sellers International Limited, has told 4BR that he is willing to let 24 former Sellers International mess style band jackets, plus three percussion waistcoats go to a lower section band that needs them – free of charge.

Free of charge!

Meanwhile, he is also on the lookout for a very specific soprano cornet – one which he would like to have back to also help a future player.

They are all of the highest quality having been made by Roger Handley Ltd, and come in all shapes and sizes as you would expectDavid Armitage

Top quality

David explained: "We currently have 24 jackets of the former Sellers International Band in storage, and I would love them to be utilised by another band. They are all of the highest quality having been made by Roger Handley Ltd, and come in all shapes and sizes as you would expect. I think they would be ideal for a lower section band, as they could then add extra numbers to them without having to incur the huge costs."

Return

David is hopeful former players will return extra jackets to him too. "We originally had over 40 jackets made, but over the last two years or so I’m sure a few found their way to the back of an old wardrobe or garage. If anyone out there has one of the blue mess type jackets trimmed with gold, I would be very grateful if they could get in contact with me and return them. We can then send them on to their new owners."

Soprano cornet

As for the soprano cornet, David hopes that will be returned too – with the added bonus of a reward for the person who returns it.

Reward

"It is a very specific instrument – a lacquered Schilke Eb soprano cornet with the serial number 38555. I would like to have it back so we can also hopefully give it to an up and coming player. There is a reward for its return – no questions asked. I would be delighted if it could find its way back to its original home."

Contact

If you are interested in the jackets or can help with the return of the soprano cornet then please get in contact with David at Sellers International on Tel: 01484 540006; Fax: 01484 544457.