THE much-loved Wroughton Silver Band have been hitting the right notes with McCarthy and Stone after the housebuilding company donated £500 towards the group.

McCarthy and Stone, who are currently building a new retirement living development on the site of the former Ivy Hotel, decided to donate the generous funds to the group as a way of creating a legacy in the community - much to the delight of members who collected the cheque this week.

The money will help towards the costs associated with the much-loved Wroughton band, including providing instruments and uniforms to new and existing members, and the maintenance and running costs of the practice venue.

From available records, the band was first established in 1890 and currently has over 25 members, ranging in age from 15 to 94, with new members always welcome. Wroughton Silver Band is well known within the community, playing a wide variety of engagements in the local area, including fetes, band stand concerts, Remembrance Day services and Christmas engagements and also support many local charities including the Prospect Hospice.

Musical director, Neil Webb, said: “Wroughton Silver Band is extremely grateful to McCarthy and Stone for this donation. We are a totally voluntary organisation and so rely on the support of local businesses and organisations for the band’s survival. We are always looking to welcome new members who have a passion for music, and this money will be a great help with the provision and maintenance of instruments, uniforms and keeping our music library current.”

Kim Caldwell, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone Southern, added: “As a company, we appreciate that our responsibility is not only to build quality, purpose-built retirement properties, but also to create a positive legacy in the communities in which we build. Wroughton Silver Band is extremely well-known within the local community and has a strong link with Wroughton Methodist Church, and we are delighted to show our support to the organisation. We hope that many of our future homeowners will be inspired by their musical talents and want to be a part of this fantastic group of people. Enjoying music together is a wonderful thing.”