Charity role of police orchestra trumpeted
Amy Wall looks at another of the winners of one of the country’s top awards.
It's been nearly three decades since Alex Rowe, a police constable from West Midlands Police, dreamed of creating an orchestra with a difference.
The British Police Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences up and down the country for almost 30 years. In that time the group has graced the stages of various venues across the UK, raising considerable funds for UK charities both big and small.
To date, the BPSO has raised well over £150,000 for many good causes both locally and nationally.
Drawing its members from police forces across the breadth of the UK, all are either serving or retired police officers, police staff or other members of the extended police family.
Earlier this month the group became one of seven organisations across Shropshire to be given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which is considered the equivalent to an MBE for voluntary groups. It has been given in recognition of its links to the county, following a nomination by supporters in Telford.
Steph Owen is from Stafford and is The BPSO secretary and established cellist. She became involved with the group 29 years ago after a local inspector asked if she could help.
Steph speaks passionately about the organisation she has dedicated much of her time to, like so many members.
"We have done what we have done for 30 years and we've not received any recognition, but we carry on because we are passionate about the police force and passionate about music. To finally have our efforts recognised with such a prestigious award is beyond anything. We are extremely grateful," says Steph.
The award is being presented to the group by Shropshire's Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy at a special ceremony in December.
Steph added: "This is unusual as the award is usually presented in private, however we see our audiences as part of our volunteering effort because they give so much of their time and money to the organisation by buying tickets. Without them it simply wouldn't be possible."
The group of dedicated musicians, who performed nine concerts last year, gather for one weekend every month to practice. Rehearsal locations range from Glasgow, Carmarthen, Exeter and everywhere in-between.
In a typical year each member gives a total of 133 playing hours, adding together everyone's volunteering efforts, this equates to an impressive 7,865 hours in total. That doesn't include travelling time or other group commitments.
On a typical rehearsal weekend, the group practise from 10am until 6pm on a Saturday and again 9.30 until 12.30 on a Sunday.
The team has also started bringing music to the wider community, through the PlayOut! scheme. Community sessions are held wherever the group find themselves for their monthly meet up.
Steph added: "The BPSO is the most enormous family, with members travelling from all over the UK to join us from Plymouth, Doncaster to The Midlands. One double bass player even travelled down from Fife, Scotland to rehearse with us. The commitment for serving officers is massive, with people giving their time on top of other work and family commitments for free. All our concerts aim to support charities financially or to raise awareness for good causes, while some charities are national others are tiny.
"The group is ageing and we want younger officers to come through, the police force are so stretched they struggle to afford the time to spare. Many members take annual leave to attend our sessions, it's also not unusual for people to travel down after a long night shift or head off to work from rehearsal."
The BPSO said the award would not have been possible without the support of Jenny and Graham Wynn, former owners of TTC Telford, which has supported the group over recent years and helped put forward the award bid.
"There is no national award that recognises the specific work that we do. Three committee members and Jenny, talked bout putting the bid together. She is an amazing person, we are phenomenally grateful for her and her time, if we had not got their support this work would not have been able to carry on," said Steph.
Steph and fellow BPSO member, PC Danny, attended the Queen's Garden Party earlier this month describing the experience as "humbling and one of the best days."
The pair said it was an privilege to represent the orchestra and the police service.
The group will be heading to the Royal Albert hall on May 11 2019, in support of Care of Police Survivors. The BPSO will be joined by the National Foundation of Youth Music, with over 553 performers from all over the country set to attend.
The BPSO are hoping to drum up some fresh talent and new members, the orchestra are especially in need of new string players.
If you a member of the British Police Force, or have links to the service and some musical ability contact editor@bpso.net
