A MUSIC facility in Darlington where the public can donate instruments, learn how to play, and learn how to service them, is in the works.

Inspired by Ronnie Scott’s Instrument Amnesty, one music teacher from Darlington is determined to develop a facility where the public can donate instruments to be used rather than have them sitting unwanted in attics and garages.

Andrew Meadowcroft is a music teacher at Beaumont Hill Academy and since pitching the idea to Tracy Freeman, who runs First Stop, a charity providing support for issues including homelessness, they both decided Music Stop was needed in Darlington.

Read more: 'We mean everything to each other': A special Valentine's Day for 'perfect' North East couple

Bike Stop is a Social Enterprise by First Stop which services, repairs and upcycles bicycles for the community, and has been based on Skinnergate in the town centre since 2012.

Tracy said: “Although Music Stop isn’t an extension of First Stop, we will be working with and supporting Andrew.

“There’s nothing much in Darlington for music, there are no shops selling instruments anymore so there is definitely a gap in the market.

“Funding is needed and also a space in the town centre.”

Read more: The story behind popular BBC presenter as he celebrates 30 years on region's airwaves

Andrew said: “We also want Music Stop to be a place where people, especially young people, can come and learn how to play and learn how to service and maintain their instruments, it would be great for training and work experience too.

“Music is so important for instilling confidence in young people and although there is always the option of private tuition, that’s not accessible for a lot of people.

“There needs to be a facility in the town centre where people can pop in, donate/collect an instrument, learn how to play it and have the knowledge to maintain and repair it. So far that service doesn’t exist in this town.

“There are too many people with instruments sat at home not being played because they’re basically waiting to be taught. This scheme should give people some motivation and encouragement to play their instruments.

“Bike Stop has been a huge success so why not do the same thing with instruments?”

Read more: 'A sentence to match the crime': North East MPs back new animal bill

Andrew’s aim is for instruments to be either free or available to buy at a low and accessible price.

An experienced musician and music teacher, Andrew taught at School of Rock and Pop at Hummersknott School in Darlington.

Andrew and Tracy envisage the project to be up and running within the next 12 months, but the first obstacle is securing funding.

Last week, young people from YMCA Tees Valley visited Beaumont Hill Academy music centre. They were enthusiastic about the project and said they would use the scheme when it gets going.

Although the scheme has not started yet, you can donate instruments by taking them into Bike Stop. Please call the shop first on 01325 788857 to arrange a time to drop them off. Tracy added that due to space at Bike Stop they are unable to take large instruments for the time being.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054