WALKER Group has donated £1,000 to The Fraser Centre Community Trust to support the introduction of a regular youth music night.
Founded in 2011 in the former Winton Picture house in Tranent, the goal was to provide a learning, development, arts, and entertainment centre at the heart of the community. The charity hosts a range of community events in their cinema, meeting spaces and café from movie showings to cake decorating sessions and baby classes to exercise groups.
At the start of the year, the charity launched a youth music night where young musicians and bands were given the opportunity to perform and share their talent on stage. Housebuilder Walker Group – which is selling three, four and five-bedroom homes just off Marr Crescent in Tranent – were keen to support the event.
Alison Brown, development officer at The Fraser Centre Community Trust, said, “As a charity, we heavily rely on donations from organisations and individuals alike and are delighted that the Walker Group have given such a generous contribution to our youth music nights. The regular event is a fantastic way for young people to share their passion with the local community whilst nurturing their talent and self-esteem. The night is also a great low cost evening out for local families to enjoy.
“We have had 14 young people take part in the performances already as both individual performers and as part of bands. The first night was really well received by the audience who left fantastic reviews too.”
16-year-old Hayley Hawkins was singing at the event on Saturday. She said, “I’ve sang for as long as I can remember, always singing my mum and dads ears off growing up! I saw the poster for the Youth Music Night at the Fraser Centre and was excited to get in touch to see if I could be part of the event. Slightly nervous but looking forward to it.”
Punk-inspired band, No Dirty Campers, made up of 17-year-old lead guitarist Kaan, 17-year-old vocalist Kieran, 18-year-old Daniel on the drums, and 18-year-old Maciej playing the bass guitar, also played on Saturday evening. Kieran said, “The youth music night is a great opportunity for young people to perform to a live audience. It makes us feel more like a real band too.”
Jordana Young, Walker Group’s community engagement coordinator, added, “We look to support a range of groups, charities, schools, and organisations in the areas where we are selling our high quality, energy efficient homes. Charities like The Fraser Centre Community Trust are an integral part of the community and offer such benefit for the people living in that area.
“When we learned about the plans to launch a Youth Music night where young people were given the opportunity to showcase their talents, build confidence and meet like-minded people as part of a local event for the community to enjoy, we were very keen to be involved.”
For more information about the Fraser Centre, and to find out details about the next Youth Music Night, click here.
