£300 financial boost for Ballylone Concert Band

£300 financial boost for Ballylone Concert Band

24 November 2021

A £300 community grant has hit the right note with Ballylone Concert Band.

The Ballynahinch band received the money from energy supplier Power NI after being nominated to receive the grant by employee Margaret Murray, who is also a member of the band.

The company’s staff sponsorship scheme, Helping Hands, gives staff the opportunity to put forward local groups and organisations for funding. 

The donation has allowed the group to purchase new instruments for the learner’s class with the band now be able to offer tuition to even more people.

Ballylone Concert Band was formed in 1908 from local families in the town land of Ballylone and is a cross community musical group consisting of amateur musicians ranging from the age of 8 to 76.

The concert band performs for people in public parks across Belfast as well as playing at local community centres and residential homes within the Ballynahinch area. 

A key element of the group is the learner’s class where a group of volunteer teachers provide musical tuition to as many people as possible.

Margaret said: “The impact of Covid 19 and lockdown on our group has resulted in very limited fund-raising opportunities being available. 

“As a group of self-funded amateur musicians, we rely heavily on contributions from companies and organisations to enable our volunteers to continue providing support to the local community. 

“This donation has allowed us to purchase new instruments and has had a hands-on impact on the lives of a number of people.

“I am proud to work within an organisation that gives support not only to its employees but also groups nominated by employees.”

Band secretary Gillian Bryson, added: “The purchase of new instruments has brought benefits to a number of local people who now have the opportunity to learn music. This in invaluable and has almost certainly improved the mental wellbeing for those people involved.

“We rely heavily on fund raising and contributions, and this donation from Power NI through the Helping Hands scheme is most valuable as we come out of lockdown.