Stone Scout and Guide Band has received a much-needed boost, with a grant from leading social landlord Homes Plus, a Housing Plus Group company. 

The Homes Plus My Community Fund supports grass roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. A grant from the fund will be used to maintain the band’s instruments and provide new uniforms for the young musicians.  

Homes Plus director of housing, Samantha Allcott, said: “We set out to make a positive difference to homes, lives and communities. One of the ways that we do that, is by backing some amazing local organisations and we were very pleased to help the Stone Scout and Guide band, which brings so much pleasure whenever they perform.  

“For these musicians, being part of the band is about learning and performing as part of a team, gaining a sense of belonging and improving wellbeing. It brings lasting benefits and we wanted to lend our support.” 

The band has been bringing together young people in Stone and the surrounding areas since the 1980s, leading parades and competing nationally. It plays traditional marching band music, as well as arrangements of pop songs. 

Bandmaster Kerry Dawson said: “We are very grateful for the grant from the Homes Plus My Community Fund. All our drums need refurbishing, and this donation will help us to maintain our instruments. We are also going to buy some new uniforms. At a time when so many families are finding it hard to make ends meet, we want to ensure that no young person is priced out of participation in our band.” 

Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for funding from the Homes Plus My Community fund online: www.homesplus.co.uk/sponsorship