Cory Band from the Rhondda, South Wales, will defend its European Brass Band title on 28-29 April in Ostend, Belgium. This is the 17th consecutive appearance for the band at the competition - a modern-day record. Although the unbroken appearance is a proud achievement, getting 35 people overseas for a three-night trip takes its toll on the band finances and, unlike many of the other participant bands, representatives from Wales receive no financial help or subsidy whatsoever from any national bodies or organisations.

So this year, rather than being hampered for the rest of the year with big bills to pay, we are taking matters into our own hands!

Cory Band President and TV Presenter Morgan Jones, members of his cycling club, and Cory Band Musical Director Philip Harper will be cycling all the way to Ostend to raise money for the trip. The journey will begin on 25th April when Philip will cycle 84 miles from his home in Gloucester to the bandroom in Treorchy where he will conduct rehearsal. After rehearsal, Morgan will 'pick up the baton' and travel another 371 miles to Ostend, arriving just in time for the Opening Ceremony and Cory Band's performance on Friday 28th April.

Please help us to reach our total and follow us all on twitter to check on progress @coryband @mogsjos @philipharper1.

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