IF you love a brass band, then head to the Tea Gardens Baptist Church on Sunday 20 August for a concert by the Maitland Salvation Army Band.

“This is the first time the entire band will be playing in Tea Gardens,” Alan Calcutt told News Of The Area.

The band is made up of around 25 members.

“You don’t see bands of this size these days,” Alan said.

“I’ve heard them many times and they’re a feast of brass music.”

There will be afternoon tea and entry is a gold coin donation.

The concert starts at 2.30pm, with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

Alan and wife Ruth both have a passion for brass band.

The couple is also passionate about their “Time Out for Skills Day” at the Baptist Church every fourth Friday of the month.

Residents from Peter Sinclair Gardens and Estia Health join church members on ‘Skills Day’ for a day of art and craft.

On Friday 22 September the group will be taking part in what’s called the ‘Shoebox Project’.

“We have 30 special shoeboxes to fill with six things in each,” Ruth said.

“Something to wear, something to love, something special such as a bangle or photo, something for school, something to play with and something for personal hygiene.”

The A4-size shoe boxes are decorated for a child and once filled will make their way to youngsters in underprivileged countries.

Since the Shoebox Project began, 11.5million have been sent out to children in need worldwide, nearly 350,000 from Australia.

“Last Christmas they were sent to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Ukraine, Samoa, Fiji and PNG,” Ruth said.

Everything in the shoeboxes is new or handmade, bringing joy to a child less fortunate.

If you would like to donate an item phone Ruth Calcutt on 4997 9726.

 

By Margie TIERNEY