12:54pm Wednesday 13th September 2006
THE future of one of Hertfordshire's oldest brass bands has been secured thanks to sponsorship from a Watford business.
The Watford Band, who next week travel to Harrogate for the national brass band finals, were contacted by Frank Lambert, managing director of FH Lambert - a metal plating and instrument repair business based in Rembrant House on Whippendell Road - after he read an appeal for sponsorship in the Watford Observer.
Last week, FK Lambert presented a cheque for £2,000 to the band and gave them a tour of their workshop. Since August, FK Lambert has also been making euphoniums and basses - something which members of the Watford band were especially interested in.
"The money from Mr Lambert was a life-saver for us," Martyn France, Watford Band musical director said.
"We lost our original sponsor three years ago and have found it quite difficult since then. Now, a financial burden has been lifted and it means that the band can exist throughout the year."
Mr France added: "It also gives us the chance to have our instruments looked after and repaired by one of the country's leading metal platers. You do not get offers like that every day."
Mr Lambert said that he decided to sponsor the Watford Band because FH Lambert is a local business involved in the music industry. He said: "We decided to lend them some financial support and also take care of their instruments for them. We will do what we can to help them along the way."
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