12th May 2006

Mid-Counties Co-op

The Midcounties Co-operative has been drumming up support for a Walsall community group as part of its ‘Real Benefits to Real Lives’ campaign.

The Walsall-based Society has given a £500 Co-operative Community Dividend grant to allow Sporting Khalsa to buy ten dohl drums, an instrument which originated in 15th century Punjab.

The group was formed as a football club in 1994 – now including ten youth and adult teams – and launched a musical class working with youngsters last year.

Inder Grewal, treasurer for Sporting Khalsa, said: “We started teaching the dhol to offer something different to children who would prefer something like this to playing football.

“It also gives them a flavour of the culture behind music, as the dhol is linked to Sikh history and Punjabi folklore. The dhol is played with two sticks but it is difficult to learn the art and find the correct rhythm.

“We are very grateful for this money from the Co-op, which will help us double the class capacity by buying ten new drums.”

The weekly group is taught by qualified instructors and includes about a dozen youngsters aged five to 17, welcoming children of all ages and backgrounds from Walsall or further afield.

Malcolm Smyth, community manager for The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Sporting Khalsa is a fantastic group that has diversified to offer non-sporting activities as well as football teams. Learning the dhol is another wonderful opportunity to provide children in Walsall with an enjoyable leisure activity.

“Our Co-operative Community Dividend is a great way of supporting groups such as this. As a co-operative organisation this is an ideal example of local people working together to benefit the local community.”

Anybody interested in joining Sporting Khalsa’s activities can get more information by logging onto www.sportingkhalsa.com.

· Up until 14 May the 149 Midcounties Co-operative stores are running a new in-store promotional campaign called ‘Real Benefits to Real Lives’, highlighting how the Society continues to support a wide range of local community group and initiatives.

It is now a simple process for local groups to apply for up to £1,000 from the Co-operative Community Dividend. Applications can be made by filling-in a simple form which is available from all Midcounties Co-operative stores.

Groups can also approach each location manager for smaller amounts of funding through the Co-operative Community Cheque Book scheme.