Pupils polish up their brass with band aid

Birkwood Primary, in Cudworth, invited the band to perform as part of a project to ensure children learned about their mining heritage.

But now the school is hoping it can help keep the tradition of brass band music alive as a dozen of its children are learning to play instruments.

For the past year Grimethorpe Colliery Band has been able to support music lessons at the school by providing instruments for pupils to practice and money for specialist teaching but there were fears that a lack of funding would mean this could not continue. However phone and broadband provider Plusnet has now made a donation to ensure the work can carry on.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band manager Nigel Dixon said: “Our funding cuts are having a very serious impact over what activities the band can do, and if it wasn’t for Plusnet we would not be able to provide such a key education tool for local children. We are so grateful for this support, Plusnet has shown itself to be a champion of the community.”

Head teacher Julie Allen said; “The lessons take place every week with Barnsley Music Service and two of our members of staff Esther Sutton and Linda Taylor, who are learning to play, lead a practice with them at lunchtime.”