Making brass for charity

PICTURE: Members of Shepherd Group Brass Band prepare to entertain Kirsten and daughters (centre) together with Julie Russell (fourth left)

A fabulous Christmas fundraiser is on the way thanks to a leading group of York musicians and a couple of resourceful schoolgirls.

The Shepherd Group Brass Band is lending its services free of charge at a Christmas fundraising concert in aid of our charity.

The event at The Hive in Manor CE Academy, Nether Poppleton, was arranged after band members approached City of York Council Leader Ian Gillies to ask if he would help find a home for the concert.

Councillor Gillies’ daughter Kirsten Ovenden knew of The Hive as a venue through her daughters Mollie, 14, and Isobel, 11, both students at the school.

The girls managed to secure The Hive and are also helping with refreshments, collections and clearing up after the concert as well as sourcing raffle prizes from companies. “They’ve done some fundraisers before for YAC so have the contacts!” said Kirsten.

York footwear firm Pavers Shoes has also kindly agreed to sponsor the concert, further reducing costs. Mark Granger, Director of Operations, said: “We are delighted to support this fabulous initiative, which we hope will raise significant funds for YAC.

“We are very aware of the magnificent work YAC does in the community and the Pavers Foundation was formed to enable us to support such worthy causes.”

Shepherd Group Brass Band manager Charles Wilson said the programme for the evening was still being finalised, but it would feature carols and other songs with a seasonal flavour to get people into the Christmas spirit.

“It will be our way of saying thank you to the people of York for their support,” he said.

Councillor Ian Gillies said he and his family had been delighted to take up the band’s kind offer of a free-of-charge performance. “There’s nothing like a brass band at Christmas and York Against Cancer is our favourite charity,” he said. “We hope it raises plenty of money to help local people living with cancer.”

Julie Russell, our general manager, said she was very much looking forward to the event. “We are really grateful to the organisers for thinking of us,” she said.

The concert takes place at The Hive at 7.30pm on Friday December 14. Tickets priced £5 are available to buy in person at York Against Cancer’s office in 31 North Moor Road, Huntington or by phone on 01904 764466.