Dodworth Colliery Miners Welfare Band is currently celebrating its 180th year and far from taking it easy and slowing it down a bit, we're looking to prepare the band for the next 180 years.

It is vitally important to us that we retain the band in the local community and that we retain its rich Mining Heritage. That's why we've avoided big name sponsorship that might take us away from this. Its also important that we continue to support everyone in the local community. Currently or work includes:

Developing talent through the Training Band and our latest venture the "Old Blowers" band aimed at those retired and interested in music. Effectively music lessons for £1 per session (including instrument loan) - music for everyone - regardless of income.

Supporting our elderly and lonely residents through concerts in local care homes at Christmas and through our Boxing Day Carolling around the village.

Supporting local summer galas and other important events.

Supporting other fund raising efforts. We have put on concerts to raise funds for organisations such as Meningitis Now and for the recently unveiled monument to commemorate the Oaks Mining Disaster.

We have been fortunate up to now that we can supply instruments to players who give up their time to play for us, many of these are advancing in years (though none quite 180). Unfortunately time does take its toll and currently our two largest instruments, our Bb basses are badly in need of refurbishment. New instruments would be around £8,000 each and refurbishment is around £2,500. We believe that refurbishing these instruments will result in a much better sound quality - very important for anyone that might want to come and listen to us play.

We recognise this is a slightly strange request, but we hope that there are band supporters and music lovers out there who will support our cause and help us to continue our good work for quite some considerable time.