War veterans need a band

War veterans in a Black Country town could find themselves honouring fallen colleagues to taped music again if a marching band cannot be found for this year’s Remembrance Day parade.

While Tipton’s annual commemoration service and the three-quarter mile march to its war memorial on November 11 is not in jeopardy, organisers of the event are desperate to find a band to help mark the event in dignity.

But unless a group of suitable musicians can be found in time, the event will have to be accompanied to the strains of the Grenadier Guards Band piped through a public-address system attached to the roof of a car, just like last year.

Barry Whitehouse, president and secretary of Tipton Community Association, said: “The icing on the cake would be to have a proper band.

“It makes a big difference, and adds a huge sense of occasion.

“There must be one out there who can help us.”

Mr Whitehouse added that with the procession set to begin at around 10.40am, the service would begin shortly before 11am at the memorial.

“If any band is able to help us, we would be extremely grateful, and it would only take up a portion of their morning,” he added.

Any band who can help is asked to contact Barry Whitehouse on 07795 694896 or 0121 522 4044.

By Jim Dunton