The Bandturned out in gale force winds, on a bright but freezing cold day, for the unveiling of Yankee Jack's statue. Despite pegging it down, it was quite amusing to see the Principal Cornets music take off and do a 'fly past' of the harbour. One piece was returned to the band a week later, having been found on Watchet Station. The wind whipped up the sand, (that had been brushed between the new paving), which 'sand-blasted' the Band as we played. The audience seemed to appreciate our efforts, but it's fair to say that it was probably the most unpleasant playing conditions we had ever encountered. Roll on the Summer.
Charity Concert
The Band's charity concert at the Tithe Barn, Dunster, was well received by the the small, but appreciative audience. A full band, with excellent guest player support, performed a medley of popular music. The concert was professionally recorded and early indications are that the sound quality in the hall was excellent. We look forward to hearing the finished CD. Some members of the audience complimented the Band afterwards, saying they never knew that Brass Bands were so versatile and asked to be notified of future concerts.
The Tithe Barn is definitely on our list of places to play again.
Band Aid
Some members of the Band helped Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band at the start of the Blenheim Gardens Concert season. The summer season of Brass Band Concerts kicked off on Sunday 1st of June with Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band playing a selection of music for their two concerts in the Gardens. Being holiday time, they were in need of some extra help, so we provided a Horn and Eb Bass to boost their ranks. Both players enjoyed the day with them.
Esplanade Concerts Begin
Friday the 6th. saw the start of the Esplanade concerts in Watchet. Although the concert started in warm sunshine the temperature dropped noticeably as the sun sank behind the buildings and the band were glad when it was time to finish with a rousing rendition of Rock Around the Croc.
Aller Farm Open Gardens
Despite a photo copied map, this was probably the hardest place to find we've played at. It was only luck that the full band actually found it, with some arriving minutes before the start. A hot and sunny day produced an interesting assortment of head wear amongst the band members. It was noticed that the only shade was exactly where the Band Secretary sat. Coincidence? I think not. A large turnout from the public seemed to enjoy the band's programme. A couple of photos are in the Gallery.
Minehead Fete Amazed by Stand-In Flugel Player.
That Headline may not actually be true. Due to the Band's Flugel Player, Heather, being unable to attend this engagement and that a Horn Dep. was helping out, a last minute change was made. 15 minutes before the start a Flugel was shoved into the hands of the Solo Horn player, who was told, ''give this a go!'' A note perfect performance then ensued from the coerced Flugel Player. (That part may not be true either, but it's my report and I'll type what I want). Well, in truth, some notes might have been perfect and some may have even been in the right place. The concert required a fair bit of 'valve waggling' by the stand in Flugelist and as long as the notes stayed within the stave, a vague approximation was attempted. So thanks go to the Horn Dep. who played the solo horn parts. And Heather, your job is safe, you are forbidden to miss any future engagements and your permission to actually have a life is hereby revoked. Oh, and well done to Rose Tranter (2nd Horn) who played her first full concert.
Daisy Binding's Wedding.
Watchet Town Band performed at the wedding of Daisy Binding, our Euphonium player's daughter. (Having now seen her, she must be adopted. Richard is far too ugly to have a daughter that pretty. Pictorial proof is available in the Gallery.) Guest players from Watchet Royal British Legion and Portishead boosted the numbers, as the band entertained the guests on their arrival. Richard left the celebrations to play a Euph solo with the band. Many congratulations to the happy couple.
Band Given Star Rating.
The Band played at the Luxborough Village Fete and was given a star rating! The fete was opened by the very delectable actress Susan George and during the afternoon she came over to the Band to compliment us on our wonderful sound. She was accompanied by her equally delectable husband (well, according to the ladies of the Band, I couldn't see it myself !), Simon MacCorkindale. Prior to the start the Band's gazebo was picked up by the wind, lifted over the band and blown into the stream. Fortunately, it missed all the players and instruments and after a bit of a struggle was put back in place and pegged down more firmly. With our M.D. away on holiday, the Band was conducted by Liz Manning and Barry Payne, who shared the conducting and 1st Horn spot. Thanks to them and the other guest players who performed so well on a pleasant afternoon.
Bicknoller Flower Show.
A hot and sunny day saw a good turn out for the Flower Show and the crowds were entertained with a selection of music by the Band. Conducted by Liz Manning in the absence of our holidaying M.D.
Private Party with Guest Players.
After Bicknoller, the Band moved into Watchet for a Golden Wedding Party. We were very fortunate to have guest players from Chalgrove Band to help with numbers. We had asked for a couple of cornets to help us on the day, but, despite having already performed elsewhere in the afternoon, we got 5 cornets, a euphonium, a trombone, a horn and a Bb bass. And with the added advantage of their Conductor being coerced into taking the Band, which gave Liz a break and allowed her to return to playing for the evening. The standard of playing by the guests was first class and made for a fabulous sound by the whole band, which was much appreciated by the party guests. A big thank you to Mike and the players from Chalgrove for the support. We hope to perform with you again in the future.
Watchet Carnival
A glorious hot and sunny day provided the perfect back drop to the Carnival. The Band performed on the Esplanade prior to the start of the Carnival Procession, to a large appreciative crowd,. The more 'up tempo' pieces proving the most popular in the party atmosphere. The Band was filmed for the Carnival Video. A big thank you to all those who donated money to help support Watchet Town Band. Pictures are in the Gallery.
Puriton Flower Show
The Band played at the annual flower show and, as usual, the weather required us to play inside on the stage. A varied concert was performed, with help of a couple of guest players. Let's hope it is sunny next year.
Joint Esplanade Concert
The Band joined with the R.B.L. Band and performed an evening concert on the Esplanade. A reasonable crowd braved the chilly evening to listen and applauded at the right times. (They may have just been keeping warm.) Another joint concert is planned for next Friday evening, again on the Esplanade, Watchet.
Summer's Over
The Summer is officially over and ended on a high note (actually a middle D for me, not sure about the rest of the band). The final job of the Summer was a joint concert, on Watchet Esplanade, with the Royal British Legion Band. The start of the concert was slightly different. The conductor, John Sealey, raised the baton, looked round expectantly to check we were ready and brought the baton down for the first beat. He expected the first note of The New Colonial march, but instead got a rendition of Happy Birthday! The look of surprise on his face was priceless. Happy birthday John. A large crowd enjoyed the warm evening by the harbour listening to the band. Now it's time to start rehearsing the Christmas programmes.
New Flugel Mouthpiece Arrives.
Heather's new Alliance Mouthpiece has arrived and changed her playing overnight! Yes, sometimes, during quiet bits, I can actually hear her. And I sit next to her! If you read this Heather it's just a joke (however if you don't, then I mean it). Heather has joined the Alliance Appreciation Society, along with Eb Bass and Solo Horn, although she opted for the girly pink case.
Guest Conducts
When our MD couldn't make it to band because of a traffic problem on route, Perry Harris, from Woolverton Town Band, who was visiting whilst on holiday, took over the Baton, (unlike British Relay teams at the Olympics). Perry did a great job and seemed to enjoy taking the band for the evening.
Band Gets Sponsorship
The Band have been fortunate in obtaining sponsorship from The Bell Inn, Market Street, Watchet. Purveyors of fine food and a selection of real ales. This has come just at the right time, with rising fuel bills, for heating and lighting the band room, putting a strain on our finances. A huge thanks to them for the support.
The Band joined together with West Somerset Brass to perform a charity concert. Proceeds were split between The Phoenix Centre and Knights Templar School, where the concert was held. A large audience attended and were entertained by a varied programme from the Bands and the school choir. The conductors, John Sealey and Barry Payne shared the job during the evening, with John playing cornet and Barry helping on percussion when not in charge of the baton. Thanks to those that attended for making it an enjoyable evening.
Watchet Football Club
The Band played our yearly visit to the Football Club to play a Christmas Concert. The varied programme seemed to be enjoyed by the crowd. Thanks go to Davina and Sharon from Wellington for helping boost our numbers.
Final Job of the Year
The last job of 2008 was playing carols outside the White Horse, in Washford. The Band were well looked after by the Publican, with soup and burgers and the patrons seemed to enjoy singing along. With our solo cornets unavailable, the parts were covered by the Conductor and Solo Horn both playing cornets for the day. Proceeds went to the Air Ambulance.
2009
Guest Players for April's Concert
The Band are extremely pleased to announce that not one, but two guests have agreed to perform at our joint concert. Mr Steve Sykes and Mr Steve Sykes (junior), will perform solos on Bass and Trombone respectively. Steven Sykes (junior) recently won the Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year title. That players of such renown have agreed to attend is a wonderful addition to our concert for the RNLI. Almost makes me wish I could be in the audience. Tickets are on sale from the Regal Theatre Box Office, Tel. 01643 706430, only £7.
Joint Concert a Success
The Joint Concert with West Somerset Brass was very successful. The financial details are still being worked out, but a decent sum will be handed over to the RNLI. The appearance of the Sykes family, Dad Steve (Eb Bass), young Steve (trombone) and the added bonus of Mum, Jo, playing cornet was the undoubted highlight for the audience and both bands alike. The Solos were truly outstanding and it was an honour to be on the same stage as these Masters of brass playing. So a huge thanks to them, and also to Barry Payne and John Sealey for the hard work that they put in getting both bands up to the task.
Cheque Presented
Thursday 7th. May, Peter Middleton from West Somerset Brass and David Tilley from Watchet Town Band, presented a cheque for £617.09p to Barry Lanham of the R.N.L.I. The sum was raised from the very successful joint band Concert at the Regal Theatre, Minehead. ( Picture in the Gallery.)
Summer Season Begins
The Band started the Summer Season with a free concert on the Esplanade, Watchet. We were fortunate to have a warm (that might not be true) evening and the members of the public supported the band through our performance.
New Players Join Band
We are very pleased to welcome Bruce, Alison, Siobhan and Zac Eyley into the ranks. Bruce (Trombone), Alison (Cornet), Siobhan (Cornet) and Zac (Euphonium) have recently moved into the area and have joined the band, giving a welcome boost to our numbers. Siobhan is at University, so only available outside term time but will be attending as often as she can.
West Somerset Railway - Rail Freight Train Naming
The Band played for the naming ceremony of two new Trains, The John Smith and the Charlotte at Minehead Railway Station. Some 300 people arrived on a special train all the way from Paddington. The acoustics were very good under the platform roof and the crowd seemed to appreciate the music performed. Pictures in the Gallery.
Luxborough Fete
The Luxborough Fete gave us the usual welcome, with torrential rain for most of the afternoon. Fortunately David Wilkins and been over the night before and erected his marquee for the band to play undercover. Despite the weather the large crowds seemed to enjoy our programme.
Visit by the Boat People
Mike and Liz from Chalgrove Band were welcome visitors to the Band Room this week. They are old friends of the Band and visit when they are staying on their boat in Watchet Marina during Chalgroves annual Minehead tour. They have foolishly agreed to play at our next engagement, which is the Puriton Flower Show, on Saturday.
Puriton Flower Show
The Sun decided to shine on us this year and allowed the Band to play outside for the first time in a few years. Almost too hot at times. A large crowd attended and seemed to appreciate the selection of music performed. The Band was aided by players from Wellington Silver Band, Chalgrove and West Somerset Brass. So thanks to Davina and Sharon, Mike and Lizzie, and Niall and Anna for their valued support.
Stogumber Beer Festival
The last job of the summer has been performed. A pleasant afternoon spent on stage, in a Marquee and with a large selection of real ales to sample, was a fitting end to the Summer season. Rumours that the beer had run out, due to the Band, were greatly exaggerated by local Radio DJ Drew Hadden. Although what happened after we'd played may be different. Time to put away the summer programme and dust off the Christmas music. Thanks to Davina, Sharon, Anna, Denis and Chris who came and played with us.
Last Engagement of the Year
Was a sad occasion for the Band. The Christmas concert, at Watchet Football Club, was the last with Musical Director John Sealey. John is standing down to pursue other interests and will be missed by the Band. His expertise has improved the playing abilities of the Band and he will be a hard man to replace. We wish him all the best and good luck for the future.
2010
Carols at Morrisons. (22nd December)
Last job of the year was playing carols at Morrisons Minehead. A very cold evening saw the more hardy members of the band attend and perform a selection of Christmas music to the evening shoppers. Well done to those that attended, the rest should hang their heads in shame.
Ding Dong Merrily. (19th December)
Final Concert of the year at Watchet Football Club. Very enjoyable event, with the audience in good voice. It was nice to have Matt back on Rep. He is back from Uni for Christmas. Sad night though, as Jodie is off to Aldershot for a teaching job. Good luck with it Jodie and thanks, come back anytime you can. The Band played the usual carols and Christmas songs, but the highlight (maybe too strong a word) of the evening had to be the choice of attire by Bruce, (the Conductor), for the final number he removed his jacket. To describe the shirt he was wearing is impossible with my limited vocabulary. Garish is the word that springs to mind. Well, other words do spring to mind, but this a family friendly site! Bruce, you need help. One last carolling session at Morrisons Minehead on Wednesday, if we can get there with all this snow!
Carol Train A Runaway Success. (14th December)
The annual Carol Train, run by West Somerset Railway, was a runaway success. The band played a selection of carols, while the passengers arrived to board the steam train, and then more carols at each station the train stopped at. The passengers were in good voice and sang along lustily, sometimes even when they weren't supposed to, but I put that down to the 'Christmas spirit', which some had consumed liberally. A fantastic display of festive head gear was also on show. The fairy lights attached to the solo trombone's slide was a nice touch.
Roadwater Concert. (27th November)
Theconcert, at Roadwater Village Hall was well attended, despite the bitterly cold weather. The audience were in good voice too, singing along with selections from Oliver, ABBA, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and various other songs from the shows. One Voice was so enjoyed that it was requested as an encore near the end of the evening. Players from Wellington Silver Band, Davina, Cathy and Sharon and from West Somerset Brass, Jodie, Niall, Anna and Bob boosted our numbers for the concert. Time now to sort out the Christmas music.
Goodbye and thanks Tom. (November).
It's time for Tom Gurnett to leave our sunny shores and head back to the cold depressing country that is his home, Australia. ( I may have that the wrong way round ). Anyway, thanks Tom it was great to have you with us over the summer and you are welcome back any time. The sweets were very nice, although I'm sure Tescos would have given you a discount if you'd bought us a tin each. Good luck and best wishes for the future from all in the Band. ( And I didn't even mention the England v Australia rugby score. How nice am I? ).
Sad news for the Band. (22nd October)
It is with regret that I have to announce the death of our long term President and supporter Helen Allen, who passed away after a short illness. Helen has been a supporter of the band for many years and purchased an Eb Bass for the band in memory of her husband Paul, who played in the band for many years. Another sad event was the death of Ruth Austin's mother, the same day. Our thoughts and best wishes go to both families at this time.
Hot, Hot, Hot, Again. (30th August)
Well not quite as hot as the Beer Festival, as we were outside, but hot enough. Glorious sunshine on a Bank Holiday (yes, really) greeted the Wembdon Village fete and the band played to a well attended event. The down side to the event was that it was the last appearance of Matthew, Zac and Siobhan. Mat and Zac are off to Uni and Siobhan is moving away for her new job. Thanks and good luck to all three. See you for the Christmas jobs. Thanks also to Lee, Bob, Anna and Dave who played for the band on the day. Summer is now officially over, as it was our last job of the Summer. Then a concert programme will need to be selected for our Roadwater Concert in November.
Hot, Hot, Hot. (21st August)
The concert at the Stogumber Beer Festival was like playing in a sauna (not that I've actually played in a sauna, but creative writing is allowed). The temperature and humidity inside the marquee was intense and made for a very damp performance. However the band carried manfully on (and womanfully, have to be PC or Heather will complain) and played well. Two good solos, by Mark Tranter and Chris Crockford, rounded off a well balanced programme. Although the Conductor was not impressed by the swaying (or lack of) during the 'drinking' songs, but it was hard enough to play in the heat without moving as well. Thanks go to Niall, Anna and Bob who assisted the band on cornet, euphonium and bass, respectively.
Rain Stopped Play (13th August)
Our concert on the Esplanade, Watchet, was cut short by sudden torrential rain! After just 30 minutes into our programme the heavens opened, forcing the band to run for cover. Unfortunately several music parts were ruined by the rain. The solo horn parts for Beyond the Sea, Sex Bomb and everything by Barnaerts (even those still in the band room) were totally destroyed. (or will be after running them under the tap). Still never mind, at least nothing important was damaged and we still have lots of decent music left.
Playing with the Very Best
Two of the Band have just returned from attending the International Brass Band Summer School, Swansea. There they had the opportunity to play alongside the very best brass musicians in the world. To sit and play with the likes of Richard Marshal, David Childs, Owen Farr, Brett Baker, David Thornton and Joe Cook was an experience to be relished. Being conducted by two of the best in the business was the icing on the cake. Dr Robert Childs and Dr Nick Childs ( conductors with Cory and Black Dyke) make you play to your best in a challenging but entertaining way. The final concert, finishing with a piece for band and organ, played to a packed hall. Already booked our places for next year!
Band Booked for Stogumber Beer Festival (21st August)
The Band have been engaged to play at the second Stogumber Beer Festival. The event, being held at Stogumber Cricket Ground, is worth attending for the beer alone, but what could be better than having a brass band to listen to at the same time? And the more you drink the better we sound.
Watchet Carnival (25th July)
The annual Watchet Carnival was fortunate to be on a warm and sunny day. The Band performed for 2 sets. One, with us supported by West Somerset Brass and then another with us supporting WSB. Each set was taken by the conductor of the respective bands and also played the music of the particular band. As Bruce is still away, we were taken by John Sealey. Quite a large crowd seemed to enjoy the performances, before moving off to watch the Carnival Procession. Thanks, as always, to Davina and Sharon who guested with us for our performance.
Luxborough Fete (17th July)
Our annual trip out to Luxborough, for the Village Fete, was greeted by warm sunshine. It was not looking too hopeful first thing in the morning, but you know the 'sun shines on the righteous', so it was lucky that Lee (a vicar) was helping us out. As did Davina, Anna and Sharon. Thank you. As Bruce (our M.D.) was off on a well earned holiday, well a holiday at any rate, he asked our old M.D. to stand in for him. So thanks go to John Sealey, who is also helping with the next couple of engagements.
Esplanade (16th July)
A large crowd enjoying the sunshine and harbour views, were entertained by the Band. Our varied repart...... riperto....... repatw.......... programme, went down well especially the more up tempo numbers.
Bossington (11th July) The Band performed at the Annual Songs Of Praise service. We were fortunate to have a warm and sunny day on which to perform before the congregation, a hang glider and a buzzard. All of whom seemed to enjoy the day.
Training Band Perform. (25th June)
Members of the Training Band (recruited on the Come and Try It Day) performed, for the first time in public, at the Bands Concert on the Esplanade, Watchet, Friday evening. Friends and family, as well as members of the public and the Band, applauded their efforts. A warm and sunny evening provided the perfect environment in which to listen, as the full Band performed such modern hits as Angels and Just Haven't Met You Yet, along with the traditional marches etc. Dave Wilkins missed his first concert with the Band in about a hundred years, due to a tooth abscess! So, get well soon Dave.
Minehead Concert. (22nd June).
Despite it being a warm and sunny evening, the hall at Minehead Rugby Club was packed. The band performed a varied programme, with the sing-a-long numbers being well supported by the audience, who were in good voice. The second half started with Zulu and the performance got a standing ovation! Well, a couple of people stood up to applaud, but it may just have been cramp. Several of the audience enquired about our next performance on the Esplanade in Watchet (this Friday) saying they would come along. I'd like to thank Niall, Jodie, Lee, Bob and Anna playing so well for us, without rehearsals. Well done.
First Esplanade Concert of the Year. (4th June)
A warm evening in the sunshine and the pleasant marina backdrop, provided the perfect start to our Esplanade Concert programmes. A large crowd enjoyed both the sunshine and our music. We enjoyed the company of Paul, a friend of the Conductor down on holiday, who played bass with us for the evening.
Latest Band Newsletter now available.
Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of our latest Newsletter is welcome to contact the band.
Come and Try It Day a Huge Success. (April 17th.)
Glorious sunshine greeted the Band on the Esplanade and the passing crowds showed a lot of interest in the Band. The concerts we performed were well received and a quite a few passers-by tried blowing the various instruments on display. Several wanted details of the Training Band practise nights and expressed the intention of coming along. We look forward to seeing them all. Band members all enjoyed the day, even those that spent the whole day there! (Pictures of the day will be in the gallery, as soon as they are sent to me).
Advertising Event. (April)
Saturday 10th April saw most of the Band sitting in Minehead playing to the passing crowds. Leaflets were handed out to attract people to our ''Come and Try It Dy'' being held in Watchet on the 17th. It was a glorious day weather wise and the public enjoyed out performance. Our thanks go to Subway, for the use of their space and chairs.
Come and Try It Day. (April)
The Band are holding a 'Come and Try It' Day on Saturday the 17th. April on the Esplanade, Watchet (if wet, in the Band Room). Anyone and everyone is invited to come and try all brass instruments. If people like the idea of learning more, we will provide FREE Lessons and FREE use of a band instrument.
Basses Sweep the Awards. (March)
Yes, it's true. At the Band's Awards Dinner (well the Christmas Dinner that we eventually got to have in March), the Bass section walked away with the trophies! David Wilkins won the Arthur Pye Memorial Cup for Bands Person of the Year. A well deserved award for all the hours he spends sorting out the band room, music, engagements and anything else that needs attention. The Arthur Pye Memorial Trophy for the most Improved Player, decided by the Musical Director, went to Adrian Harris. Not to be outdone, the Chairman's Cup for the 'Bestest Solo Horn Player' went to the Chairman, (as it will every year, unless I change instruments and then I'll need to re-engrave it with my Dremmel)!
Picture of the Winners available in the Gallery.
New Man in the Middle. (January)
The Band are very pleased to announce that Mr Bruce Eyley has agreed to accept the position of Musical Director. This is great news for the Band and the start of a new period for us all. We look forward to the Summer season and to the rehearsals under his baton and thank him for agreeing to take on the challenge.
