Thousands of pounds were raised for Staffordshire Police Cadets this weekend as the British Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO) raised the roof at a charity concert in Lichfield.
The prestigious show featured a Legends and Heroes theme which saw the BPSO enthral the audience with music including Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Sibelius’ Finlandia.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis was there with a full house to see his pre-election promise become a reality, to form a uniformed young people service – that strengthens links between the police and the younger generation and promotes good citizenship. Successful Cadets units have already been launched in Stafford and Cannock thanks to funding from Patrons and Sponsors, with a third launching in Stoke-on-Trent in the next few weeks.
Saturday’s successful event was staged by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold as part of ongoing fund-raising efforts for the Cadets’ service.
All proceeds from the concert will help pay for the on-going roll-out of the Cadets’ programme across Staffordshire in 2014, including Lichfield and Tamworth and will pay for things such as uniforms, the allocation of transport and much more.
The Commissioner said: “A tremendous evening with the BPSO in aid of Staffordshire’s wonderful Police Cadets. An extraordinary performance and even better because it’s raising money for this cracking cause which is expanding the service and giving more young lives opportunities. Thanks to my Deputy Sue Arnold who has done an amazing job putting this event together and delivering the Cadet Service on my behalf.”
Mrs Arnold said: “Saturday’s evening was a great success which featured brilliant, show-stopping music from the BPSO.
“It was fantastic to see so many Police Cadets in their uniform at the event. They are a credit to themselves, their families and their communities.
“The service is all about giving advantages to young people – some from challenging backgrounds – who through a positive and vibrant programme can learn how to become responsible citizens.
“Proceeds from the show will mean even more youngsters will benefit from the service as it continues to roll out across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
The BPSO is made up of musicians from across the UK, many who are either serving or retired police officers, police staff or other members of the extended police family. Its chairman is Staffordshire Police’s Chief Constable Mike Cunningham.
The BPSO will be celebrating its 25 years anniversary this year. They perform all over the country and amazingly have raised more than £150,000 for a variety of charities and good causes.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “The orchestra brings together talented musicians who are great ambassadors for the British police service. Rehearsals and performances are all done in the members own time and their excellent concerts have resulted in significant amounts of money being raised for charity.
“I am very proud to be their chairman and we are very grateful that they have again raised funds for Staffordshire Cadets.
Businesses are being invited to become Patrons and Sponsors to fund the Cadets Service. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. For more details visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
A video of the concert can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppH1IdRBj20
