High note for brass band

22/06/2005

A colliery band has been saved with a sponsorship deal announced today by Northumbrian Water.

The future of Ellington Colliery brass band was in doubt following the closure of the last deep mine in the North East.

Northumbrian Water struck the right chord with an offer of sponsorship safeguarding the internationally acclaimed band for at least the next three years.

The band, which is largely made up of musicians from the Wansbeck area of Northumberland, has been re-named the ‘Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery Band’ and water company Chairman Sir Fred Holliday has agreed to be the new Patron.

And the sponsorship has extra special significance for Northumbrian Water’s Waste Water Manager Ray Baldwin, who represented the company when the deal was trumpeted at the pithead.

For previously Ray worked on the Ashington coalfields for 13 years as an electrical engineer.

Ray, from Bedlington, said: “Northumbrian Water is much more than just a water and waste water company. It is immersed in community life. Our new partnership with the band is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the North East social and industrial heritage.”

Northumbrian Water will support the band for three years with a cash donation of £7,500 together with additional assistance with clothing and equipment and help from Northumbrian Water people to seek further funding, organise future events and provide technical and professional expertise.

Future events will be held to benefit both the band and Northumbrian Water’s adopted charity WaterAid.

Alistair Baker, Communications and PR Manager, Northumbrian Water: 0191 301 6851.
John Colvine, Colliery Band contact: 01670 522 276.