17 October 2006 00:00 Central Networks funds new equipment for Wilbarston brass band in recognition of employee’s volunteering

Young musicians in Wilbarston are reaching a new crescendo thanks to equipment provided by local electricity distribution company Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK.

The company donated £200 to Youth Brass 2000, which rehearses at Wilbarston Village Hall, in recognition of employee Chris Stephenson’s volunteering efforts with the band.

Chris, who works as a Surveyor for Central Networks, has been involved with the youth band since it was set up in 2000, helping band members take part in competitions across the UK and Europe.

“Youth Brass 2000 is made up of musicians of all ages and abilities. Our youngest players join us as soon as they’re able to hold an instrument and our oldest is 19,” said Chris.

“We have a lot of fun as well as having had some great success – we’re the current French National Youth Champions and, in July, we were delighted to be invited to perform at the National Festival of Music for Youth.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this donation from Central Networks as we’ve been able to buy much needed folders to hold the music, so the players no longer have to wrestle with individual sheets of music mid-concert.”

Central Networks is part of E.ON UK, the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company. E.ON UK supports its employees by recognising and rewarding the voluntary activities undertaken in their own time.

Visit www.youthbrass2000.com to find out more about the band and how to join.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across Central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
• E.ON UK supports its employees’ favourite charities by matching funds raised through sponsorship and other activities undertaken in employees’ own time;
• In 2005, 100 employees received matched time support from E.ON UK, which allows employees who volunteer 80 hours a year or more of their own time to claim a grant of up to £250 for their chosen not for profit organisation.

For further information contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7618 3681