20th July 2011
Dudley Building Society’s Gornal Wood branch sounded a fanfare this week as it stepped in to help a local brass band in their efforts to land a prestigious national title.
The Phoenix West Midlands Brass Band, which has its base at the Methodist Church on Himley Road, Gornal, approached the Dudley for support as it gears up for the National Brass Bands Championship of Great Britain in September.
Dudley Building Society has increased its support of local activities in recent years as part of its strategy to develop more interactive relationships with the communities at the heart of the Society’s branch network.
Gornal Wood Branch Manager Lisa Jones commented:
“Each of the Dudley’s seven branches has a responsibility to forge closer connections with the various strands that make up our neighbourhoods. At Gornal we have links with sports teams, schools and other local businesses but the chance to help a local brass band was an opportunity for us to broaden our reach and help one of the more traditional activities enjoyed by local people.”
Phoenix West Midlands Brass Band member John Moore commented:
“We are grateful for Dudley Building Society’s support which enables us to buy new music stands for all band members – 25 in the brass section and two percussionists, which constitute a full contest line-up. We are a subscription band that has no outside support, we subsist on what we are able to earn through our concerts, such as the typical events we do in parks, with the Salvation Army and of course our Christmas Carol Concert.
“The Dudley’s kind donation will ensure we look our best in Cheltenham on 25th September at the National Brass Bands Championship of Great Britain.”