Band together and vote, vote, vote!

20 November 2009

The nail-biting wait is almost over and their fate rests in your hands.

A single phone call could help Romford Band and Trumpet Corps realise a lifelong dream of finally securing a permanent home - after 52 years.

Today, the famous youth band are issuing one last plea to the Recorder's army of big-hearted readers before the People's Millions competition lines open.

The historic organisation is in a head-to-head battle with a Hackney music club to win £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. Winning a public vote on Monday will see them get the cash.

Honorary secretary Kerrie Binder, 31, said: "A band without a home is a band without a heart. It would make the world of difference if we could get this money.

"We'd love it if everyone could pick up the phone and vote for us. It will cost just 10p from a landline, but could help us get £50,000."

Despite the handicap of not having anywhere to call home, the band is already world-famous.

It has played in front of a worldwide audience of millions at this year's FA Cup Final, and performed for heads of state, and travelled the globe as ambassadors for Havering.

But the benefit of being able to settle in one base could propel them to even greater success.

Kerrie explained: "Since the band was formed 52 years ago, we've been moving from one place to the next. We've not had a single place to store our equipment, rehearse and meet.

"If we got this money we could refurbish a hall, use it for practice, hold fundraising events and so much more.

"A vote for us would be a vote for Havering. We want to create a venue that the whole community can use.

"The members are so excited - some are even looking at curtain samples they're so keen to get into a new place."

This last hurdle marks a roller-coaster ride for the band, which currently has 65 members aged between ten and 27.

Romford Band and Trumpet Corps and rival Hackney-based Pedro's Club are the only two community groups left out of 800 from the London region that applied for The People's Millions in April.

Mother-of-two Kerrie, of Orchard Road, Collier Row, who joined the band in 1987, said: "The band is a fabulous ambassador for Havering. You hear horror stories about youngsters, but our members are respectful, dedicated and a credit to the borough. Securing a new home can make sure all the achievements of the band can carry on for the next generation."

Tune in to ITV's London Tonight at 6.00pm on Monday for a profile on the groups with the results broadcast live on the following night' programme.

Voting lines will open from 9am until midnight on Monday. The phone number will be advertised on Monday at: www.thepeoples millions.org.uk

The Mirror newspaper will also advertise the phone number.

Visit www.rdtc.org to keep track of the band's progress.