Secret donor boosts music charity opening

MELKSHAM’S newest charity opened a shop on the High Street last week and is on its way to making music lessons accessible for all children in Melksham.

Harmony, a charity set up by a group of local people, welcomed town councillor Adrienne Westbrook to its grand opening last Monday.

The innovative charity’s opening day was boosted by an anonymous donation of nine trombones, six flutes and six clarinets. The group will now be looking to build relationships with schools in the town.

One of Harmony’s founders, Robert Machen said, “Thanks to councillor Westbrook for opening the store. Customers were very complimentary about the shop and this was reflected in a very brisk day’s trading; an excellent first day!

“We’ve opened the store very quickly and this is the result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes getting everything ready.

“The opening of the store is an important first step for Harmony as it provides a secure financial platform for the charity to support Melksham youngsters in their quest for learning and enjoyment through music.

“Harmony will now reach out to Melksham schools to ensure the necessary working relationships are in place, so that Harmony can begin to provide music support for children in the form of help with instruments and lessons.

“Harmony would like to thank an individual who would like to remain nameless for generously donating  21 instruments.  This and any other donations of instruments will give Harmony a tremendous boost as instruments are expensive and can be one of the biggest barriers for families.”

The shop at 24 High Street sells clothes, toys, books and bric-a-brac, and raises money for the charity to fund lessons and instruments for local schoolchildren interested in music.

Another founder of the charity, Lianne Miller-Hall said, “The set-up has been busy but it’s gone really well and we’re excited to start working with local children.

“It was totally by chance that someone asked what we were doing while we were setting up the shop, then they came back with all those instruments. We really are eternally grateful – it was an enormous leap forwards for us. We’d love it if more people were able to come forward with instruments they’d like us to use to help children in Melksham.”

Cllr Westbrook said, “Having supported three children through music lessons at school, I welcome this shop which will help children to access music lessons which can  be very expensive.

“Music lessons can help all children with their confidence and enable them to shine in an area which has had its funding depleted over the past few years.”

Above: Town councillor Adrienne Westbrook opens Harmony’s new shop with (l-r) Robert Machen, Barbara Richardson, Lianne Miller-Hall and Sara Young.