THANKS to the recommendations and the purchasing power of Lochgelly and Lochore Co-operative customers, more than £18,000 was distributed to good causes last Saturday.

Amongst the recipients were Lochgelly Gala Day, who received £6,111; Lochgelly Brass Band, who were the recipients of £5,930 and Kids Come First, the childcare organisation based at Benarty Centre, who were the beneficiaries of a cheque for £6,398.

The organisations were ‘over the moon’ with the generosity of the Co-op and its customers .

Lochgelly Band is still going strong 165 years after being formed but the band’s Neil McCormack said this week that a lot of work is needing done to the band hall in Russell Street.

Said Neil: “Since its formation the Lochgelly Band has been proud to represent the town in both local and national contests and also playing in many public performances including the Gala Parade, Service of Remembrance and the Christmas Concert.

“The band was part funded through donations from the miners at the Jenny Gray Colliery, in the town, and ever since the pit closed in the late 1960s the band has been entirely self funded by its members, either by subscriptions or playing at events to raise funds.”

He added: “However, recently the running costs of the Band have increased to the point it has become more and more difficult to maintain the band hall and we now need to carry out a substantial amount of work, especially make improvements in energy efficiency as well as improve the facilities inside to allow other local groups to use the hall.

“We would like to thank colleagues and members of the Co-op for their support over the past 12 months and the £5,950 we received will allow for the restoration and repair of the hall, making it a more welcoming and inclusive space for new and existing musicians.

“It will be vital to allowing us to purchase and restore equipment and to allow us to continue participating in local galas and concerts and other events.”

After another great Lochgelly Gala Day in August the organising Committee were delighted to receive £6,111 as the look to build up funds for Gala Day 2020.

On behalf of the Gala Committee Derek Johnstone said: “On behalf of the Committee I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Co-op for their continued support and generosity and that of the community. It is warmly welcomed.”

Kids Come First supports important child minding activities in the Benarty area based at Benarty Centre and they were also very thankful for the magnificent support from the Co-op and its customers.