Michael Dugher MP for Barnsley East has become the new patron of Worsbrough Brass Band.
It was formed in 1993 with only £14 in its bank account but since then Worsbrough Brass has gone from strength to strength and celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.
The band and training band come from a broad age group, with musicians ranging from eight-years-old to 80.
They perform all over the country and last year visited Schwabisch Gmund, Barnsley's German twin town. This year the Musikverein Stadtkapelle Band from Schwabisch Gmund have visited the town.
When Worsbrough Brass and Musikverein Stadtkapelle Band performed at the Emmanuel Methodist Church in Barnsley last Thursday, Michael was unveiled as patron for Worsbrough Brass.
There was also a surprise presentation made during the evening to John Hopkinson, marking his 50 years in the brass band competitive movement.
Michael Dugher said: "I am proud to become the patron of Worsbrough Brass. I am a keen supporter and champion of brass bands. They are a vital part of the region and UK's heritage.
"I have been a keen campaigner for brass bands since becoming an MP. I am vice-chairman of the APPG for brass bands in parliament.
"More recently, I met with the minister for culture, communications and creative industries, Ed Vaizey, to discuss brass band funding and help to ensure brass bands are accessing the various Arts Council funding streams available.
"The concert on Thursday was fantastic and I would urge anyone looking to join, or learn to play a brass instrument, to get along to rehearsals.”
Worsbrough Brass offers full tuition for those interested in learning to play a brass instrument. The training band rehearses at the Band Room, Worsbrough Mill, on Thursdays between 6pm-6.45pm.
