• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Wednesday December 1 2021
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Packaging firm GWP’s sponsorship is music to band’s ears

Cricklade-based packaging manufacturer GWP has stepped in to help The Cricklade Band, after festive events in the town were cancelled for a second year.

GWP has previously sponsored the band’s performance at the Cricklade lights switch-on, continuing this in 2020 despite the event itself being called off due to the pandemic.

With the 2021 festivities again cancelled, GWP decided to become a corporate sponsor of the band instead.

The Cricklade Band, the oldest established and continuously active association in the area, was founded in 1887.

It has upheld the tradition of playing carols around Cricklade in the lead-up to Christmas for 133 years.

Paul Hewer, leader of the Cricklade Band, commented: “Right from the first Christmas of the band’s existence in 1887, the coppers that were donated at Christmas helped towards paying for the band’s rehearsal facilities for the next year.

“We obviously wanted to continue the tradition of playing Christmas Carols around the town, even with the restrictions that were in place last year.

“Thankfully, we were able to do so in a Covid-safe manner and, although the lights event is cancelled again this year, we are still looking forward to bringing some festive cheer to residents throughout December.”

This determination to continue a long-established tradition, not to mention lifting residents’ spirits, also gained the band an award as the Community Group of The Year from Cricklade Town Council.

Paul continued: “Whilst we were absolutely delighted to win the award, we have had a really testing 24 months.

“With events cancelled and limited capacity audiences, sponsorship from a number of individuals and local businesses like GWP have really helped see us through this difficult period.”

Ruth Cook, managing director at GWP, added: “As a business, we have always looked to be involved with the local community wherever we can.

“The Cricklade Band is a historic and important part of the town’s culture, so we are delighted to be able to help them continue bringing festive cheer and to support them throughout 2022.”

Although the Cricklade lights event will not be taking place again this year, the band will still be in Cricklade High Street for its traditional morning-long carol session on Saturday, December 18 and local people are invited to join the band to enjoy some festive music and show their support.

GWP employs over 100 people – the majority from Cricklade and the surrounding area – designing and manufacturing a wide range of bespoke packaging products.