YOUTH TRUST'S AMAZING GESTURE

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

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Back in September 2007 the cadets of 1066 (Hitchin) squadron, under the leadership of Musical Director Instructor Cadet Flight Sergeant Lewis Stockwell, organised ‘An Evening of Music’ which was held at Hitchin Town Hall. This music concert was held in order to raise funds for much needed band equipment.

With cadets putting information leaflets about the event through their neighbours’ front doors, one of the guests at the concert was Mr Roger How, President of Hitchin Youth Trust.

Mr How was so impressed with the performances and the evening in general, that he later contacted Squadron Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey in the hope that Hitchin Youth Trust could assist the squadron with funding for more band equipment. Between them an application was then put together to try for a successful bid for funding at one of the Trust’s meetings.

A few months later 1066 Squadron received the amazing news that it was to receive a donation of £3,600 towards the purchase of new band equipment. This fantastic gesture along with funds from the concert has enabled the squadron to purchase three bell lyres, six snare drums, two tenor drums, drum sticks, a bass drum, cymbals, a mace, belts and gloves as well as protective carry cases for all the drums and lyres.

On Monday 1st December four members of Hitchin Youth Trust visited 1066 Squadron to listen to the band and meet the cadets. They were impressed with the band’s performance and the hard work that the cadets put in especially meeting early on parade nights to practice.

Flt Sgt Stockwell (18) explained: "Without the money that Hitchin Youth Trust gave 1066, the band would still be playing battered instruments and would not sound anywhere near as impressive as it does today. The money has allowed the band to improve its standards of playing and because of this we are extremely grateful to the trust.’

Flt Lt Vey said: "The 1066 marching band continues to grow and the new band equipment is making this possible. We are truly grateful to Hitchin Youth Trust for its very generous donation. The cadets practice on a weekly basis and put a great deal of effort in. It is fantastic that finally the instruments that were over twenty years old have been replaced.’