Formed in April 2008 the Oakley Rangers emerged from the free guitar lessons offered by founder Paul Balmer. Paul wanted to offer some Youth Activities as part of the Oakley Vale Community Association. The idea was to help build a sense of community on the new Oakley Vale Development. Young people are often ignored in these new communities and as a teacher and trained Youth Worker Paul saw an opportunity to put something positive into changing that.
The free guitar and drum lessons grew into an emerging band and the young people started writing their own songs. They were Finalists In ‘Wickstead’s Got Talent’ 2009 at Ketterings Wickstead Park and Finalists in the 2010 ‘Spirit of Corby’Awards. They play at Corby Carnival and Oki Doki Day every year and have performed for ‘Help for Heroes’ and several other charities.
Recently the band were finalists in ‘Corby’s Got Talent’ at the Core Theatre – the completion was won by Oakley Ranger soloist Malachai Faulkner.
In return for the expert guidance of Paul ( a BAFTA nominee) and also Judy Caine (another Oakley Vale music teacher and GRAMOPHONE DVD of the year Winner) the young people give back to the Community by regular litter picks and in the Autumn a series of tree plantings around Oakley Vale.
The Oakley Rangers would like to thank their sponsors; Peavey, The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Cllr Sims and Cllr Jim McKellar for their generous contributions and also The Mayor of Corby for the unique opportunity of performing at the new and prestigious venue The Core at Corby Cube.
The Oakley Rangers meet every Saturday at the Connoughty Centre Corby 3.30 – 5pm school holidays excepted. All Oakley Vale youth 10-18 are welcome. All tutors are CRB accredited and professionally trained. The Rangers are affiliated to the National Association of Youth groups.