A Warwickshire-based marching band which attracts members and instructors from across the country has been given a helping hand from the Heart of England Co-operative Society.

The Phantom Knights, a Nuneaton-based American-style marching show corps, will use the £500 donation towards a rehearsal room for the winter months.

The band, launched in 1996, is renowned throughout the country and regularly attracts members and instructors from Nuneaton, Atherstone, Bedworth, Hinckley and Coventry.

Carl Harris, Corps Director, said: “From about the middle of October through to Easter we have to rehearse indoors but a basic venue costs £1,500. Normally we would put everyone’s subs towards this but at the moment, due to the economic downturn, we do have some members who are struggling to pay the £10 per month fee which goes towards the general running costs of the band.

“Therefore the donation from the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Helping Hearts scheme has been most welcome. We are struggling at the moment but this has enabled us to secure the hire of a rehearsal room throughout the winter.”

With just under 50 members aged eight to 25 the band competes in the top division of the British Youth Band Association. Within the Corps is a marching brass line, marching percussion, static percussion and the Colour Guard. Each section is led by experienced instructors who have marched with several UK Show Corps.

Members of the Phantom Knights raise money through subscriptions, performances and fundraising events throughout the country. The band welcomes additional contributions, using donations towards the cost of maintaining and replacing instruments and uniforms, training expenses and winter rehearsal premises.

Jo Dyke, Community and Membership Adviser at the Heart of England Co-operative Society, said: “The Phantom Knights is a typical example of the hundreds of groups who have applied for financial help from our Helping Hearts scheme, which pledges every penny of our tobacco profits, since its launch in 2000. In that time we have pledged £500,000, benefiting thousands of people across Coventry, Warwickshire and south Leicestershire.

“We are delighted to help the band and would urge any other community group or organisation in need of financial help towards a particular activity or project, to pick up an application form from any of our 50 branches.”
 
The Phantom Knights marching show corps is appealing for more members. No musical ability is necessary – just enthusiasm to learn. The band rehearses at various outdoor venues all year round on a Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. In the winter it also meets indoors on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. This year’s indoor venue is yet to be confirmed.

Carl urged anyone who would like to become a member to log on to www.phantom-knights.org.uk for further details. Alternatively contact him on 01827 713919 or 07970 886828.