Double celebration as generosity of Verwood Concert Brass helps Katie get her wheels

Helen Dunnings, Chairman of Verwood Concert Brass explained, “Some of the money we collect through carolling is used to support the band but we also share some of the money raised with a chosen charity. This year we chose to support ‘Katie’s New Wheels’ via The Tree of Hope charity.

“Choosing this charity was easy. Katie recently joined our Acorns new starters group to learn to play the trumpet. As well as loving making music we found out that she would also love to be able to get out and about more in our beautiful New Forest and Dorset coastal countryside with Vinnie, her assistance dog. That’s not so easy for Katie as she has cerebral palsy, but an all-terrain wheelchair would help resolve that, so hence the ‘Katie’s New Wheels’ charity to help fund the purchase of one.

“We were delighted that the donation from Verwood Concert Brass, combined with that of The Sarah Kinsley Fund, meant Katie’s wish came true and were thrilled when she turned up at band rehearsal to show off her brand-new wheels.”

But that wasn’t all the band had to celebrate. The Verwood Youth Band had also just competed in the Wessex Brass Band Association Youth and Training Band Festival (on 28 January) and celebrated being awarded the cup for the Best Youth Band, plus principal cornet player, Naomi Selby Grace, won the trophy for best instrumentalist.

Helen Dunnings concluded, “It is a real privilege to see these young players enjoy learning and making music together.”

She said new brass and percussion players were always welcome and that the band has seen many young players progress through the Youth and Training Band and on to the 4th section Verwood Town Band and ultimately to the championship section Verwood Concert Brass Band.