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www.non-time.co.uk
www.justgiving.com/loveofasoldier

Hello citizens of Non Time

Since from the beginning of the year we have been working tirelessly on a music video commemorating the anniversary of world war one and raising funds for The Royal British Legion. The challenge, however, was to complete the project on a zero budget. We had to find volunteers who were willing to give up their time and skills for this great cause, a task which we were told would be a near impossibility. Actually, the support we have had from people who were willing to give us their time, and expertise, to make this video happen has been overwhelming.

We have had the Staffordshire Regiment Museum allow us the use of their trench for filming, Rothley station (Great Central Railway) for the train scenes, we have had local farmers give us access to their land. We have had the use of picturesque scenes in my home town of Bourne in Lincolnshire. We have had the use of Chimes Creation Centre, a studio to record our music. We have had a variety of musicians, a school choir, actors, actresses, re-enactors all give up their time, even the legendary voice of Big Brother, Marcus Bentley. And not just time, may I add. A lot of the people travelled a great distance to be involved with the project knowing that we would not be able to reimburse their expenses. Yet they still wanted to be involved because on this project they ‘wanted’ to be involved, because they wanted to participate and give thanks to those who fought in the Great War 100 years ago. In fact, this 100 year commemoration has been a really great thing for a lot of communities because it has brought people together for a common cause. It’s truly wonderful; and this was what Project: Storm (as I ended up calling the project) was all about. Like-minded people coming together!

So what does this mean, on a zero budget?

Obviously, things have to be paid for. And what would normally happen is there would be funding for such a project and everyone who is involved will most likely have their expenses paid, even if they were giving their time for free. This basically means that the total funds raised is really minus the expenses which in most cases it would have been better off just to have donated the funds directly to the charity of choice.

However, we had no such funding, therefore, we had to rely on peoples good will to carry us through, to make this project a reality. And, actually, having no funding was more of a challenge, a challenge I would urge anyone to consider trying. It was also a blessing because it allows us to make sure that every penny raised goes directly to The Royal British Legion.

Again, because it is a music video, what would normally happen in a normal situation is that a small percentage would go to the charity and the rest on expenses and royalties and so on. Again, we wanted to challenge that. We want to give ALL funds donated to The Royal British Legion through my just giving page WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM/LOVEOFASOLDIER We don’t want to earn a single penny from this. We are saying ‘we remember you’ to all those who served and fought in the Great War.

This project has been no easy task. We have had highs and lows, knockback after knockback, obstacles to overcome, and even on occasions we have felt like our morale has been kicked to the ground…but each time we have gotten up, shook off the dirt and carried on. We have always found a way around any problems we have encountered. After what the soldiers went through 100 years ago, we could do no less to honour their memory.

However, what we want to achieve with this video, and with The Royal British Legion, goes beyond the commemoration of World War One. By promoting the video we want to show our appreciation for any soldier, past and present, who puts on the uniform and are willing to sacrifice their lives so that our lives can be safer. A lot of people I have spoken to, myself included, had a pre notion that The Royal British Legion was all about Remembrance Day. Let me tell you that this is not the case. They are so much more and I hope anyone who watches the video takes the time out to visit The Royal British Legion website and learn how they are helping veterans serving today.
I have enjoyed working on this project, which was a new year’s resolution, and I have enjoyed working with such diverse, good natured people.