MUSICIANS in Chelmsley Wood are calling out for cash after a wellbeing project has run out of funds.
Black Train Music CIC set up its Wednesday Afternoon Live sessions at the start of the first national lockdown to promote and aid positive wellbeing through music.
Kris Chase-Byrne, musician and director of Black Train Music was forced to halt all of his projects and sessions when restrictions were announced however in a light-bulb moment he came up with a request sessions for people to join in.
He said: “We were conscious that this would have a negative effect on the wellbeing of those who attended our sessions.
“I came up with the idea of doing a weekly live music performance which was streamed via our Facebook page.
“From the piano at Three Trees in Chelmsley Wood, the session grew into an hour of music requested by the viewers.
“The pocket ‘community’ that built up during these sessions became so strong that when we could invite people back into the centre, we continued live streaming and performing live to those in the room.”
After a few months Kris was joined by longtime friend and drummer Ben Haines, and is occasionally joined by guest singers.
The Wednesday sessions were initially paid for by funds given to Black Train Music from The National Lottery Community Fund for another project.
However, at the start of the lockdown and with the Lottery’s permission the grant was used to cover the new sessions.
But now the funding pot is empty.
Kris and Ben have agreed to continue to pay for free, when they would usually get paid, and Kris said the Three Trees Community Centre has given them a special deal on room hire charges as ‘they believe in the importance of this project.’
Black Train Music has applied to grants but as yet nothing has come to fruition.
Kris said: “We have adults with mental health difficulties, physical health difficulties, learning and physical disabilities, dementia, those who have suffered social isolation, bereavement, parents who bring their small children to give both of them a bit of respite and relaxation during a busy week – the list goes on.
“If we had to stop this project, or any of the others we run there would be a large number in our community who would loose weekly social lifelines for them.
“All of our work and projects rely on grants and donations.
“We are very lucky that a good number of out attendees will donate each time they come to a session – even if that is just £1 in the collection tin, or a slightly larger donation via our PayPal account.”
For more or to donate visit Black Train Music Facebook page.
