"Bounced Off" 2002

Members of Michelmersh Silver Band swapped brass for bounce on Sunday 21st July in a fundraising event held at the River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester. When the Band became West of England Third Section Champions in 2002, they were rewarded with an invitation to compete in the National Championships held in Torquay in September. Although keen to accept the challenge, the huge cost involved in transporting and accomodating 25 players and their equipment, estimated at around £2000, presented a huge problem to the entirely self-supporting village band.

Band member Lynda Beare, a trampoline instructor at River Park, hit upon the idea of a sponsored trampoline bounce-athon to raise money, and was delighted when the Leisure Centre kindly offered use of the venue and equipment free of charge. The aim was for participating band members and supporters to bounce non-stop in relay for a four hour period.

The event raised in excess of £500.00 which was used to subsidise the cost of the Torquay trip to playing members. The Band would like to express their thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success.