A VILLAGE band has been given a £250 cash boost by Kirkburton Parish Council.

Shepley Band will use the grant money to buy new music scores.

A band spokesman said: “Thanks go to KPC for their generous support in these increasingly difficult financial times.”

Meanwhile bottled water company Shepley Spring have sprung into action to add a fizz to the band’s bank account.

The firm has sent a generous cheque for £500 towards band funds.

The covering note said: “Keep up the good work – you are a huge asset to our village and we wish you all well.”

The band spokesman said: “It’s thanks to everyone at Shepley Spring for their generosity.”

Kirkburton Parish Council provided grant support and drinks company Shepley Spring donated bottled water for the band’s Italian tour last summer.

They stayed in Vallio Terme, Lake Garda, and during the week played three concerts to large and appreciative audiences.

Concerts were held in the lakeside towns of Gardone and Sirmione as well as the beautiful gardens at Parco Sigurta.

The band, under musical director Judith Beatty, will be featured as part of the Shepley Spring Festival Concert playing in concert at Paul’s Parish Church, Marsh Lane, Shepley, on Saturday May 21, starting at 7.30pm.

Today there is a rehearsal day in Stocksmoor Village Hall from 10am to 5pm.

The band has launched a new fundraising initiative – The 50/50 Club. They are looking for 100 people over the age of 16 to subscribe £1 per month for a number.

It’s £12 per number for the year, paid up-front, and the allocated numbers are entered into a monthly draw with the winning number getting 50% of the monthly pot. The remaining 50% goes into band funds to pay for music, music stands, uniforms, hall rental, instrument repairs etc. The draws will take place at the end of every month.

Shepley Band – the largest self-funded wind band in West Yorkshire with more than 40 amateur musicians – welcomes players of all brass, woodwind and percussion instruments of all ages and abilities.

They would like to hear from players of 1st trumpet, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trombone, 2nd tuba, percussion/kit and French horn (minimum grade 5).