£59k grant hits the right note for British Legion band

A marching band that brings the community together by giving musicians of all ages and abilities the chance to perform has said a £59,497 grant from the Sizewell C Community Fund will “make a huge difference”.

The Band of The Royal British Legion Leiston is one of seven groups awarded a share of £485,384 in the latest round of funding. The band, open to everyone from beginners to seasoned players, will use the grant to buy brass instruments, equipment and much-needed new uniforms.

The band plays an important role in local life, offering people the chance to socialise through music while supporting key community events. It performs at civic parades, Remembrance Day services and care homes, and is also a favourite at Christmas concerts.

Steve Lovett, a tuba player and the band’s chairman, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant – it will make a huge difference to our band’s future.

“Our membership fell drastically during the COVID‑19 pandemic. And although numbers have begun to recover, the arrival of Sizewell C’s growing workforce gives us a fantastic opportunity to welcome even more new members.

“Brass instruments can be expensive, and this funding will allow us to purchase new instruments so that people who may not be able to afford their own can still join in and play. This will help us become an even more inclusive, accessible and welcoming band for our whole community.”

Founded more than 130 years ago, the band has around 30 members and takes part in 40 public performances each year, playing everything from classic folk tunes to hits from stage and screen.

“Keeping our music current keeps our players engaged – and it always goes down well with the public,” Steve added.

The band also runs a training band for beginners, with current members spanning a 50‑year age range.

The Sizewell C Community Fund, managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, is making around £2m available each year to projects in the East Suffolk Council area. It supports initiatives that promote the economic, social, or environmental wellbeing of communities closest to, and most affected by, the construction of Sizewell C.

Other organisations to benefit from a share of this round of funding include Rose and Sweet William Club, Yoxford Townland Trust, Heritage Coast Bridge Club, IP17 Good Neighbour Scheme, Middleton-cum-Fordley Recreation Ground and National Literacy Trust.

These latest awards bring the total distributed since the fund launched around 18 months ago to over £3.5m.

For more information about the fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www.sizewellcfund.org.uk or call 01473 602 602.