Dolphin Stairlifts South Wales Sponsor Brass Band

THE Vale of Glamorgan Brass Band has recently received a sponsorship deal from Dolphin Stairlifts South Wales Limited.

This is the first time in the bands history that an alliance has been made with a business in the South Wales area. It is also a first for the South Wales based firm.

John Pearce, managing director of the Dolphin Stairlifts was pleased to offer assistance to the band when hearing of the work that has been undertaken during recent years.

The band has been able to offer services free of charge to a residential care home and a day centre for elderly persons and is possibly looking to increase this activity in the build up to Christmas and in the New Year.

Terry Short, the band's Chairman said: "It has been usual for the band to carry out fundraising to meet it's own operating costs around the Christmas period, but with the new sponsorship and recent grants received we hope to be able to extend our charity work with some fundraising efforts being made for Cancer Research".

The band are seen in the photograph with the resident Musical Director, Dave Short (Back row), Mark Weston of Dolphin Lifts South Wales Limited and the bands president, Cllr Jeffrey James (second row).

The sponsorship that has included the provision of new polo shirts with the name of the band and the company logo of Dolphin Stairlifts has meant the band has also been able to release other funds to help the junior and training sections of the band. The success of this new initiative has already seen younger players join the senior band.

Terry Short explained: "New players and those who cannot play a brass instrument at the moment are always welcome in the band. Our learning band runs on Monday's from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which is then followed by the senior band that concludes around 9.30pm."

The band practises in a recently refurbished and dedicated building in grounds owned by the Barry Athletic Club. You needn't worry if you don't have your own instrument as the band supplies these and most of the music you will need. Percussion and drum skills are also in demand by the band!

The band is also setting up a series of "turn up and have a go sessions."

This will enable people to try something they have never done before without attending a formal lesson or rehersal; you could have a go at blowing a cornet or perhaps one of the larger instruments in the band.

The only talent required is the ability blow, the band will show you how to make some noise!

Details of the bands activities can be obtained from the band's secretary Angela Coomer on 01446 400846 or musical director Dave Short 01446 408741, or via the bands website www.valeofglamorganbrassband.com or Email: valeofglamorganbrassband@hotmail.com

Downward facing stairlift seat

The following images show the Freelift Van Gogh Stairlift with a downward facing seat. The chair swivels at an angle of 45 degrees.

For more information and prices visit the Dolphin Stair Lifts website.

Hampshire grants for renovations

New Forest council has £50,000 left in its renovation grant fund for the last four months of the year. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for essential repairs and adaptations.

Disabled facilities grants are still available for people who require adaptations, such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts and bathroom and kitchen improvements. They apply to home owners and tenants alike. Call the grants helpline on 023 8028 5151.