Bushfire Disasters Strike Victorian Band Fraternity

It is with great sadness that we are hearing about people we all know in the banding fraternity who have been greatly affected by the Victorian bushfires.

In particular we have received the following message from Allen Woodham, Executive Officer of the NBCA:-

Dear colleagues
 
Our sympathy, thoughts and heart felt prayers today are with all those who have been affected by the disastrous fires in Victoria.
 
We were especially shocked to hear the devastating news that Major Graham Lloyd and his wife Angie have suffered the complete loss of their dream property, but more so that Graham's son Greg, his son's girlfriend and her brother (I understand) also perished in the fire that swept through the area.

Being close friends of Graham and Angie, my wife Sandra and myself are shattered by this news and we encourage all people of good will in the band community and elsewhere to think about those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Our hearts are indeed with them and everyone else at this very sad time.

Later messages advise that Angie and Graham appreciate the support of everyone and have advised that they wish to not be contacted for the next few days at least while they gather themselves together. Please be assured they have a great support base around them.

We also know that VBL Vice-President Peter Wiltshire and his wife Felicity have lost their home, and that Peter has suffered severe burns to his arm, necessitating an operation in hospital. We have later heard that Peter has had breathing problems resulting from the effects of smoke inhalation, followed by the operation. Our thoughts are with him and his family.

We also understand that Eric Anderson has also lost his home.

We are concerned about other banding colleagues about whom we so far have not received confirmation of their being OK, and are uneasy that we will soon be reporting others who have been affected also.

We echo Allen's sympathy and concern for all who are affected.

If you are aware of other members of the Banding fraternity affected by the fires, please email the VBL office with the details at vbl@vbl.org.au.