Sponsored by
Raid as the band played
RAIDERS have hit efforts to send a youth band on a trip to Belgium.
Thieves sneaked into a masonic lodge and stole six collection tins containing around 300.
The money had been collected by the Revolution Showcorps, of Queensbury.
But while it gave a Christmas concert at Willow Royd Lodge, West Vale, the thieves struck.
The band had raised the money on Sunday by playing carols for three hours to shoppers at a Bradford supermarket.
Youngsters then went straight to Willow Royd and the tins were left in a hallway while the band performed in the function room.
"The kids' can't believe someone would pinch collection tins and are disappointed and upset," said band instructor Trevor Briggs.
Lodge master Keith Suggett and his wife, Shirley, had invited the band to play for 60 members and guests.
"It marred the function to think someone came in and pinched the collection," said Mrs Suggett.
"It is a learning curve for us. When we are in the function room in future the doors are going to be locked."
Youths had been seen loitering outside and it is believed they entered the lodge during the concert.
One of the sealed tins was opened outside and its top and a few coins were found nearby. The tins have Revolution and Queensbury Scout logos.
The band has a busy build-up to Christmas, playing carols and raising funds for the trip in the summer when it will take part in the Menin Gate Last Post ceremony in memory of fallen soldiers.
It raised over 300 from the Willow Royd function.
Sergeant Louise Garner said police inquiries were continuing.
"It was heartless to take the tins and we are keen to trace the offenders," she said.
"Anyone with information should ring the Lower Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team via 0845 6060606."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -3 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
