In tune with Wardle Youth Brass Band

Lynne Brosnan and Andrew Johnson with members of Wardle Youth Brass Band

The coffers of Wardle Youth Brass Band have been boosted as the students prepare for a special date at London’s Royal Albert Hall in November.

The talented musicians from Wardle Academy have been invited to play at the prestigious Schools’ Proms after earning rave reviews for their performance in the Music for Youth National Festival held in Birmingham this summer.

As part of the preparations for their date in London, the band held a special concert at the school to raise funds for travel and accommodation.

Two representatives from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) were on hand to enjoy the music and hand over a cheque for £250 to help them on their way.

The donation was made to say thank you to the school for staging RBH’s 'Big Mutual Do' in September where members of the country’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual housing society were able to have their say on RBH’s future and enjoy a host of fun activities.

Chair of the RBH Representative Body, Lynne Brosnan said: “Wardle Academy were wonderful hosts for our Big Mutual Do and we are delighted to be able to show our gratitude with this donation.”

She added: “As a mutual organisation we are committed to working with others for the benefit of all and this is a great example of how we can put that principle into practice.”

Deputy Chairman Andrew Johnson added: “The young musicians at Wardle Academy are extremely gifted and a source of great pride to the borough. I’m sure their performance at the Royal Albert Hall will be one of the highlights of the Schools’ Proms.”

Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts at Wardle Academy, said: “Being part of the Schools’ Proms at the Royal Albert Hall will be a wonderful experience for all our musicians and we are extremely grateful to RBH for their generous contribution to our trip.”