A Champagne bottle wasn't smashed against the side of the CBSO's brand new purpose built, state-of-the-art instrument van, but Keltruck directors and CBSO musicians were there to wave it off as it departed on its maiden voyage to Santander in Spain, where the CBSO are performing at the Palacio de Festivales.
In December 2006, Keltruck generously donated #15,000 per year for three years for the purchase and upkeep of the new vehicle, which provides the Orchestra with the means to transport their instruments safely to the 120 concerts they perform each year.
Chris Kelly, chairman and managing director of Keltruck, said: "While it is always good to support local organisations the CBSO goes a little further than this in promoting the image of Birmingham, and the West Midlands generally, to a much wider audience.
"This is something that I personally feel very passionate about and I'm delighted that our association with the CBSO has helped to spread this message with the provision of the new Scania vehicle.
"I'm sure the truck will give many years of loyal service and it carries with it the quality Scania image and back up from Keltruck. The CBSO has an image of perfection, which is something we also strive for in the service we provide to all our customers. I'd also like to wish the CBSO every success with the tour."
Although the CBSO's old instrument van - an adapted coach, fondly nicknamed 'Big Bertha' - had provided 16 years of loyal service, Keltruck funding has enabled the purchase of a purpose-built Scania truck, equipped with living quarters for the drivers and a hi-tech interior to carry instruments. The instruments are held securely in place, and the trucks has humidity control so that it can be kept at a constant temperature.
