The Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund – What’s it all about?

The key people directly involved in this Tribute Fund share three things in common, They appreciated Sid’s contributions to Bedford’s music scene and wanna keep that going, they have dedicated their all to putting the fund together and getting it off the ground, and they live for the love live music.

The general feeling was that an annual event should take place to keep the memory of Sid alive, but what better way to celebrate someone’s life, by not just having a party but to carry on what the person we are celebrating did. So, We held a ‘12hr live-music marathon’ memorial gig on 28^th September’03, Which was also a launch pad for the fund. All those involved and that played knew Sid 

At this stage the trust had raised funds totalling just under £1000.00

Why raise money and where will it go ?

The idea to raise money is based on the realisation that there are many musicians of all levels, ages and styles gagging to gig but can’t due to lack of equipment and funds, and without Sid there to hold their hand or lend equipment many may give up hope of being able to follow their dream.

The Tribute Fund is linked to other great causes including C.A.L.M (Supporting World Mental Health Day) The Youth Matters (Princes Trust scheme) Connexions (Bed’s B.C youth scheme) etc.

This forms a SOLID FOUNDATION for the purpose. 

The committee collaborated a *‘Statement of Purpose’ to inform you briefly of what the fund is, incorporating the popular logo of Sid and the guitar, as seen in the press and other publications used to promote the cause.

*( see front cover of SWMTF Minimag)

The Statement of Purpose

in more detail

The Tribute Fund aims fill the gap left behind now Sid has gone.

There is a need for a committee to ensure organisation and non-bias views, and as always when dealing with money, there can be NO room for doubt.

The committee core is made up of 13 people, all with the same charitable vision.

These people are (with a brief description): Liz (The x-Lizard), Paul Prescod (DJ Pappa), Rob & Sandra Vernon (“Relayer”, Bedford’s band web site organiser & band reviews), Rick & Pauline King (The band “Rubberneck” and organiser of Lazy Sunday), John Carr (support worker, mental health), Marc Patching (county music teacher) Andy Childs (The Band “Full Circle”) Phillipa Fleming (Singer/Songwriter) Neil Barber of Saguaro Records, Jason Kinns – DJ and of course Alex Worth 

Additions to this are Ray Lloyd (livewire studio’s) Matt Robberts (singer songwriter), Jan Bingham (super star bar person at the Lizard)

Anyone who wishes to be involved in any aspect of what we are doing are welcome to contact the Tribute Fund. 

Any money to be spent must be agreed by the whole committee.

Who can the Tribute Fund help

Bands that feel they need the help of the fund, whether it be tuition, support, advice or facilities can apply to the Tribute Fund. these will be considered at meetings held monthly. Any other areas will be addressed when we have a web-site on line.

The committee has discussed 6 areas where the fund money would be best divided into.

1.  Equipment to loan and equipment to hire out (for a return)

The committee are in the process of concluding a decision to purchase equipment to loan to those in need, to get their first gig and get earning. It will be based solely on a gig basis and not for home use.

We would like to know if any venue would be happy to stock these items with around the clock access and also required is a venue that would for free or for a reduced rate allow these musicians in need a place to rehearse through the fund. (again without the Lizard we have had to re-think these plans)

This equipment will be based in a convenient place so anyone wishing to hire equipment can also do this.

We figured it would be nice to have a back up for bands already established and earning from their gigs to know there is somewhere they can get a mic, or amp when things go wrong, as they have been known to.

Items include              Maximum cost limit

Electric guitar               £120.00

Bass Guitar                 £120.00

Guitar Amp                  £ 75.00 – already purchased

Bass Amp                   £to discuss – had the use of the lizard but now gone

Mic’s & Stands             £150.00 to include leads

Speakers & Stands      £180.00 to include leads already purchased speakers @ £100

Extra’s to stock

Guitar strings, Drum sticks, Tape, Spare leads, Plectrums. 

To do this with an arrangement with a supplier as sale or return basis & Possibly credit terms.

2.   Rehearsal time

Several bands have already enjoyed the benefits of free rehearsal time and free use of equipment at the club but as it’s gone we can suggest the following

Band members must contribute a minimum of £2.00 each. This goes towards the power used when rehearsing, regardless of the deal we can obtain for rehearsal space.

This time will only be considered for those rehearsing for a gig, not just for a jam.

This facility is not permitted to established bands already earning from gigs.

3.    Teaching

If we can achieve turning the Tribute Fund into a registered charity then we will be in a position to apply for grants and government funding, we can then expand the project to work on music lessons, percussion workshops and working with schools etc. We also hope to work alongside organisations like connexions etc

4.    Advertising

The cause needs to be advertised to promote not just the trusts existence but the fund raising events also.

This will result in expenditures for the following examples: printing of minimag, press, posters & websites

5.    Recording

It was briefly discussed that a recording facility be made available to offer an affordable way for new bands to produce a demo to help their self promotion.

6.  Future events

Unfortunately now the Lizard’s gone there’s no free venues any more so we have to pay deposits and hire fee’s and that also means we have to charge entry to gigs.