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2011
Band News has been off for a while but I've finally got around to updating it...
December
Last job of the year
Our last engagement of the year saw us playing at the Hood Arms in Kilve. There were only a handful of us there but any more and we'd have been playing outside! There was lots of singing and it was a good way to round off our festive season. Roll on 2012.
Busy weekend!
We've just finished the busiest weekend of our christmas season. 4 engagements in 2 days (some of the band did an extra one but only as there was beer involved).
We started at Morrisons in Minehead on saturday with some caroling (it was cold), then followed that in the evening playing at Porlock late night shopping. There were a lot of people about and the band was well received. Some of the band then went on to the Royal Oak for some more carols (and beer).
Sunday started with a small group of us visiting Croft House nursing home to play some carols for the residents. They had a good time and the mince pies were excellent. Then to finish off, we played at the annual Rotary Club carol service in the evening.
Hope the weather clears up by Tuesday for the Carol Train!
Carols at Morrisons
The band played on a very wet and windy night at Morrisons in Minehead. The shoppers and staff were treated to a wide mix of carols throughout the evening and well done to our collectors for braving the weather to wield the buckets. Thanks also go to Tom and Anna for helping with their trumpet and euphonium. We'll be back there on saturday morning for some more festive merryment.
Dunster by Candlelight
Our Christmas season got off to a great start with Dunster by Candlelight. We haven't played there for a few years and it was great to be back. The Christmas music got it's first airing this year to a very appreciative audience who were singing along and even conducting! All in all a nice start to the festive season.
November
Bridging the gap
Our last job in November was to play for the opening of the new foot bridge over the railway. We welcomed a couple of players from our training band who sat in with us to experience the main band sound and they both did really well. Well done James and Joshua.
Lots of people turned out to see the cutting of the ribbon and, of course, listen to the band. We even feature on a YouTube video of the event and we sound pretty good (even if I do say so myself). On to Christmas now...
Concert success
The 11th of November saw the band join forces with West Somerset Brass (and a few friends from Wellington Silver band) to put on a huge concert at the Regal Theatre in Minehead in aid of the Royal British Legion in their 90th anniversary year.
We had a brass concert in the first half and the second half was a rememberance service with a parade of standards from local organisations and poppies dropping from the ceiling.
Many thanks to all those invloved behind the scenes and to our President Martyn Snell who did a wonderful job as MC for the evening. It was enjoyed by a packed house and both bands worked really hard to make it a success.
Summer Season
A very busy summer season saw the band visit far flung corners of the globle (well far flung corners of West Somerset anyway). We played at Luxborough fete, Watchet Carnival and got our passports out and played at Timberscome. We were even went back (and not just to appologise for last time!) to play for a tea and music afternoon and the whole band enjoyed a fantastic cream tea.
First Esplanade Concert of the Year. (3rd June)
A beautiful, warm, sunny evening was a perfect start to the summer programme. The concert was well received by the large numbers enjoying the sunshine. With Richard Binding away, we had John Davenport join us to play euphonium for the evening. Thanks John.
Cornet Star Returns.
Elizabeth Manning has returned to the cornet section! After years on Tenor Horn Liz has agreed to play Repiano cornet, to help the band fill this important position. Well done Liz.
Concert Went Well. (6th May)
Last nights concert went well, and the audience were in good voice for the 'sing-a-long' numbers. Although we were sad not to see John Sealey amongst them. We understand that John is unwell again, and the Band all wish him well. Thanks go to Davina, Sharon and Anna for there help on cornet, trombone and baritone.
New Cornet Player.
We welcome Jan Speed to the cornet bench, on her return to banding after a nine year break. Hope the lip withstands all the hours of practice!
Workshop a Success. (30th April)
Brett Baker and Chris Howley did a fabulous job at the Workshop. Some 70+ musicians (and 5 drummers) had a great day of banding. They rehearsed a concert programme that they then performed in an evening concert. The concert was well attended. Pictures will possibly be on here eventually, but the band are hopeless at sending any to me for inclusion.
The Band has it's Very Own March.
The Band has taken delivery of it's very own march, called, surprisingly, The Watchet Town Band March. The march was donated to the band by the composer, Mr. Barry Brookes. We are very grateful to him for this kind gesture and look forward to including 'our tune' in the summer programmes.
Workshop Plans in Full Swing.
The Joint workshop with Martlesham Band, is going ahead at full speed. Brett baker and Chris Howley have sent us music they intend to play . The Bands will need to put in a fair bit of practice to do them justice.
New President.
The Band are very pleased to announce that Mr Martyn Snell has accepted the position of Band President and look forward to his association with the Band.
Awards Dinner.
The Band Awards Dinner was held on Saturday 22nd. January, at the Spice Merchant in Watchet. The awards were duly presented and a pleasant evening enjoyed by those that attended. Pictures will be in the gallery, when people can be bullied into sending them to me.
Band AGM.
The Band AGM was held on Friday 21st. January. The Committee was re-elected and the Band Awards announced. The Arthur Pye Memorial Cup,
for Band Person of the Year, went to Bruce Eyley for his hard work and enthusiasm as Conductor. The Arthur Pye Memorial Trophy, for Most Improved Player, went to Rose Tranter. A well deserved award. She will soon be vying for the prestigious Chairman's Cup, for Bestest Solo Horn, which this year went (as usual) to the Chairman and Solo Horn. The awards will be presented at the Band's Awards Dinner.
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