Corps Blimey! We're blown away

27 November 2009

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps celebrate after win

ECSTATIC Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps members are celebrating after winning The People's Millions prize fund of £50,000.

Tens of thousands of people backed the youth band's bid for the cash to find a home during a public vote on Monday.

The money means the group will have the chance to get a permanent base for the first time in more than 52 years.

Honorary secretary Kerrie Binder, 31, said: "This is a fantastic surprise for everyone. It is a really historic moment. The money will mean the band has great future to look forward to.

"We are all so humbled that so many people voted for us. It means a great deal to everyone connected with the band.

"This was not just a vote for the band but a vote for Havering. We're going to create a great facility for the whole of Havering to benefit from."

The search is now on for the perfect venue for the 65 members aged between ten and 27 to practice, store equipment, hold fundraising events and carry out a host of activities aimed at propelling the famous institution to greater success.

Kerrie, of Orchard Road, Collier Row, added: "This will help take the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps on to really great things. We've already achieved so much - all while not having a base. We're so excited at what the future now holds."

The band - which has reached worldwide audiences with performances at the Lord Mayor's Show, this year's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium and many more major events - won the Big Lottery Fund cash after a head-to-head battle for with Pedro's Club, a Hackney-based music club.

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps was the last group standing out of some 800 other good causes in the London region which applied for the cash in April.

Nervous members were told they had won during a live broadcast on ITV's London Tonight on Tuesday.ser Samantha Ennis said: "Our carpets have been completely damaged again because of their errors.

"I think the council needs to pay up because something was put down on the pavements without explaining that it could not be stepped in, so they should be the ones that have to pay for it, not us."

Mr Patel paid £480 to get his carpet professionally cleaned because of the damage and he says he will give an invoice to the council so they can refund him the money he paid.

He said: "Even if it means taking the council to court I will get the money back because it is not my mistake, it is theirs, so now they have to face the consequences of their actions."

Havering Council leader Cllr Michael White said: "It was common sense to remove the oil as quickly as possible as the pavement was becoming treacherous.

"We applied an oil absorbent, designed to lift oils, which is completely recyclable.

"We are sorry if any residue did enter the shops, but it can be vacuumed or washed out of carpets once dry.