Sandwell Council is to give the West Bromwich-based People’s Orchestra a special £1,000 grant to help it to replace vital equipment it lost in a recent theft.
The orchestra lost a public address system, cables, wires and IT equipment which were snatched from the back of the van belonging the group in a second theft they have suffered.
Now Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said he was delighted to be able to announce that the council was to help the group to keep playing music for Black Country enthusiasts.
He said: “The People’s Orchestra is a well-respected organisation who have really been badly affected by two thefts of their equipment.
"They provide excellent entertainment for music lovers and do some excellent work in the community and deserve some assistance at this difficult time."
The orchestra, which is based at West Bromwich Town Hall, is made up of a diverse mix of talented musicians from varied backgrounds aged 18-75 years.
The primary objective of the orchestra is to advance, improve and develop an appreciation for arts and music through public concerts.
It also works to help unemployed people back into work by helping to boost their confidence and gain new skills.
Managing director Sarah Marshall estimated that the stolen equipment could cost as much as £2,000 to replace after the "truly heartbreaking thefts" on their vehicle.
She added: "We are absolutely delighted to hear of the council’s kind offer because we have to work so hard to raise the money to buy this equipment to help people to play music and the unemployed members to get back into work."
