Dear Potential Supporter,
Would you consider becoming a member of Launceston Town Band Supporters’ Club for
which the subscription Is £20 per year. I hope that you will not find this too much
.By comparison, the subscription for Launceston Rugby Club Supporters’ Club is now
£52 per year and Launceston Cricket Club’s the same. We give back approximately half
of the money raised in our monthly prize draws, Winners are notified by post, and
the list of winners posted on this website:. If you would like to join, it would
be helpful, and would save administrations costs, if you did this by standing order.
I have therefore enclosed a standing order mandate for you to complete and return
to me, if you are happy to do so. Please give it directly to your bank if you prefer
but if you do this, let me have a note of your name, address and telephone number
so that I can send you any prize you win or contact you if necessary.
As you know, the band is entirely self-funding, apart from a small grant that we
usually receive from Launceston Town Council. The band costs between £15,000 and
£25,000 a year to run. A major expense is the cost of replacing instruments that
are at the end of their useful lives and can either be traded in for new instruments
or given to young learners to play. A good quality new Bb bass (tuba) now costs
£14,000. Even a good quality new cornet costs over £2,000. Your support is therefore
needed more than ever. As you know, the senior band, under the direction of Dave
Dobson, play at the Remembrance Day Parade, the Mayor’s Sunday Parade and regularly
in the Town Square and at functions in and around Launceston. You may have seen
them playing carols for the late night shopping evening organised by Launceston Commerce
or on 23 December or on other occasions over Christmas. We hope to be able to lead
the procession at Launceston Carnival this year. We now have a thriving junior/training
band taken by Ann Brown. This won the first prize in the section for training bands
at the area contest in Paignton in November. Four of its members are now playing
in the Cornwall Youth Brass Band and Ann also prepares many of the youngsters for
national music exams, so that they improve both their musical knowledge and their
playing. The training band has now improved to the extent that, in addition to playing
in and around Launceston, it is regularly invited to play at engagements. Many of
the youngsters have progressed to playing in the senior band as well, some playing
solo parts. If you wish to book the band or the junior band for any event, please
contact Ann Brown on 01566 86700 or email her . I do hope that you will support the
band by joining the Supporters’ Club, if possible by standing order. If you would
prefer to pay by cheque, you can send me a cheque for £20 made payable to Launceston
Town Band Supporters’ Club. The money raised is typically used towards the purchase
of new instruments, whether for the senior band, training band or beginners, rather
than on the ordinary running costs of the band.
Thank you for your support.
Mike Warne, Chairman & Supporters Club Organiser
