.. The P Green Band devote a little of their time to help a fund raising event for autism. The event was held at Rolls Royce Leisure Association, The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Derby on 18th Feb, 2005.

One of the event organisers briefly explains.

Because of cuts in the education budget, Holbrook Centre for Autism, in common with other schools were having to discontinue some activities, which were not part of the National Curriculum. Of the activities that were likely to be cut, the head teacher was very unhappy about possibly losing music therapy as it benefited all the pupils, not just a small group. Indirectly this also benefited staff and parents / carers as it helped to calm the pupils.

Holbrook has about 40 pupils in all. In order to continue the music therapy for the next financial year (April 2005 – Mar 2006) a fairly large sum of money had to be found.

Various fundraising activities took place and several charitable trusts made generous donations. The gig was one of those activities. It was called the Big Music Event for Autism and Learning (MEAL). The gig needed to raise £1400 to achieve the overall target so that music therapy could continue for another year (2005-2006).

The target was reached on ticket sales and the raffle with about £100 to spare, which will be going towards music therapy for the following year (2006-2007). The idea was to raise money for music therapy by performing music. The performers at the gig were a dance troupe, a folk band including choir and 3 rock bands including the P Green Band. Everyone performed very well on the night and there was some great feedback

Sam Kenny