Due to personal circumstances the news page cannot be updated at the present time- thank you - Terry.

 

 

 

 

8th July the band are enjoying the new leadership of Rob Deakin who recently took up the baton and thank you to Keith Buxton who took the band last Monday.

We are next appearing on the Welbeck Estate outside the Dukeries Garden Centre on Sunday 18th July 11.30am- 2pm. This is a no fee , donation only job. It will be fun to appear on the estate as the estates own band and hopefully make a name for ourselves in the area.

The intention if the weather holds up is for a BBQ afterwards.

 

29th June The band have appointed a new Conductor and MD. Rob Deakin is a very well respected musician in the local area and is undertaking a degree in music. Rob takes up the baton on Wednesday 30th June and the band are eager perform under his leadership.

 

 

26th June the band appeared at St Peter and St Pauls Church, Mansfield Friday 25th June. We were warmly welcomed and thanks to the Priest in Charge, Rev David Fudger and the social committee for looking after us and special thanks to Keith Woods of the band for organising the seating etc. We played to a packed church and the soloists Nic, Mhairi, Demi and Terry preformed well. Terry was asked for an encore at the end, playing 'The Lazy Trumpeter'. Special praise to the St Peters School Choir, who sang beautifully.

We hope to be invited to play there again.

 

 

25th June we had a rehearsal at St Peters Church on Wednesday 23rd, it was a little chaotic as we set up but we got there in the end. We are all set for this evenings concert.

 

12th June we played at the Scouts / Guides Carnival in Kings Park, Retford. What an amazing afternoon, the sun was so hot it was lovely. Thanks very much to the scouts who provided us with plenty of cool water and orange to drink, it was much needed and very welcome.

We enjoyed the afternoon and congratulations to Nick and Mhairi on playing their solo's.

 

 

27th May we have returned to facing the way we were before in the bandroom. Rehearsals are well under way for the St Peter and St Paul Church Concert in Mansfield on 25th June This is as part of the flower festival and also includes the St Peters School choir. We still have a vacancy for a soprano cornet and BBb bass. If you are a lapsed player at a loose end on Monday and Wednesday evenings , drop in and see us.

 

 

12th April Ken decided to alter the layout of the bandroom. We are now facing the opposite way to which we were. It feels different and means Terry can't reach the tea at half-time first...

 

1st March Rob Deakin brought the B Band along to our main rehearsal on Monday evening, they joined us for the first half and what a difference they made ! It was fun to have them sitting in with us and in the future we will be having a joint concert with them.

 

13th February  welcome to Keith Woods to the band, Keith has joined the band on Euphonium and has had a gap of a mere 30 years since he last played. Yet just like riding a bike he has still got it and his playing is improving all the time. It's good to have you with us Keith !

 

 

 

Sunday 27th September saw the band invited to Newstead Abbey Park the former home of the poet Lord Byron. This is a glorious setting to play in and the weather was good if a little overcast but it was billed as an autumn event. We had our very own flypast by a low flying Vulcan bomber (I think the only one still flying) as we played 'Those magnificent men in their flying machines'. Very apt ! We also had our very own clowns/stilt walkers as we played 'The Big Top' (see the picture), not many bands can boast that !

This concert has seen the bands summer engagements draw to a close and we now prepare for the winter engagements. We have a few pictures on the 'gallery' page.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 13th September,the band were at Tuxford windmill food and craft fair, the few days prior to this event had been lovely, sunny and warm but unfortunately this day was overcast and breezy.. ideal for the windmill but not so good for the stallholders and for the band. We had to use our full compliment of pegs to hold the music on the stands.

Nevertheless in true British Brass Band tradition we perform well in any weather and it was certainly a lovely location.

We would like to thank the organisers for providing us with a cob (a bread roll to non-locals) and a drink after we finished, it was much appreciated and we hope to be invited back again next year. Our own version of the Paperazzi were there in force and lots of pictures were taken which will soon be on the gallery pages.

 

 

  

The band has been getting to grips with some new pieces which Paul our MD has purchased and these mixed with what we call our 'brown pieces' (these are quite ancient) will give a varied concert to suit all tastes.  Someone even mentioned Christmas pieces the other day, so Mandy, our newly appointed librarian will have her work cut out.

 

After the summer holidays our members are all back to rehearsals and Christine continues to make the tea , along with Tracey, for us and we enjoy the chocolate fingers. The wasps nest in the roof of the bandroom hasn't caused us any problems and we're glad we didn't destroy the nest. That said, there's a resident spider which Demi seems a little bit wary of.

 

Christopher has changed from Tutti cornet to percussion and is making a real difference to the sound of the band.

 

There is a new link on the home page, to the Brass Podcast website. This is always worth a visit as you can listen to some of the best in brass bands from around the world for free. Give it a try.

 

A new addition to the website is a 'video clips' page which is accessable via the link on the home page. From here you will be redirected to the new page and there just click on the clip you wish to view, couldn't be simpler.. could it ?  At present there are only a few clips so far but more will surely follow. Enjoy !

 

 

Saturday 11th July we held our first slow melody competition at the Lady Margaret Hall on the Welbeck Estate.  This turned out to be a superb day with 9 entrants from the band adjudicated by Dave Clark.

The winners of the trophies were:-

 

Grace Higham  - Cornet (under 12's)

Nic McDonald  - Cornet  (12-18's)

Bob Kinsey  - EEb Bass (Over 18's)

 

The entrants were of all ages and for most it was the first time they had performed as a soloist in front of anyone, so well done to all of you !

 

The band then played and were given an adjudication by Dave which gave us plenty to think about our playing and rehearsal techniques. The day was not only about playing and being judged, it was also a social occasion and it is fitting to thank everyone who helped to bring it all together and also for the caterers for the wonderful spread. This will no doubt become an annual event. There are photographs now on the Gallery pages. 

  

 

Nigel Brinksworth (principal euphonium)is offering private tuition for players and the fee will be going towards band funds. If you would be interested in this please use the contact link to get in touch or see Nige at rehearsals.