Social events
Great social weekend in Doncaster
Saturday and Sunday 13/14 October 2012
Another great weekend of fun and fellowship! Over 40 members ranging from 9 years to maturity attended this annual gathering. This year Doncaster was the chosen destination at Priory Place Methodist Church; home to the 7th Doncaster Company.
The meeting started with a rehearsal on Saturday morning covering the music that was required for the weekend. Most members had already received an itinery of pieces prior to the event so this session was more of a tidy up than learning new music. The members also had time to make new friends and reacquaint previous acquaintances.
The band was remarkable well balanced with members travelling from various quarters of the Country (Bristol, Chandlers Ford, Accrington, Hull, Derby, as local members from Doncaster) to make a good sound.
The band played out in Doncaster High Street in the afternoon and managed to miss the damp patches. As well as advertise the Association, the concert which took place that evening it also acted as a recruitment platform for the Company. We were also accompanied by members of the community as part of the “illuminate Doncaster” project.
The evening concert was well attended with about 80 members in the audience. They were treated to a mixture of brass and other musical talents from within the band entertaining those present. The programme was a mix of light film and TV music alongside traditional marches and a couple of pop numbers to give a light and relaxed programme.
The audience were treated to additional musical items. A ukulele group from Chandlers Ford performed three songs from the 1960s; traditional brass quintet from Accrington played a mix of hymns and songs; vocal excerpts from Sondheim’s ‘Try a Little Priest’ from Don and Aimee Ogilvie. In the second half, Harry Greatorex mesmerised the audience with his guitar playing and ‘box of tricks’ and, to complete, the newest group to join the Association (5th Hull) played a mixture of woodwind, vocal and brass solos accompanied by piano.
The evening was brought to a close with music representing a highlight of some of the memories of this year (Olympics and Diamond Jubilee) and the decision, sadly, that the 7th Doncaster Band was closing due to lack of numbers, but with a note of optimism that music may still play a part in the future and they will remain part of the Association.
The Sunday Church service was accompanied by members of the Association Band and the Church organist to give a very full and impressive sound.
The members had a variety of free time slots and some took opportunity to explore Doncaster. The group also had time to fit in an archery session at the local Rugby ground and try their hand at a bit of target practice. There was also time for a mini photo shoot for the local paper.
The audience were treated to additional musical items. A ukulele group from Chandlers Ford performed three songs from the 1960s; traditional brass quintet from Accrington played a mix of hymns and songs; vocal excerpts from Sondheim’s ‘Try a Little Priest’ from Don and Aimee Ogilvie. In the second half, Harry Greatorex mesmerised the audience with his guitar playing and ‘box of tricks’ and, to complete, the newest group to join the Association (5th Hull) played a mixture of woodwind, vocal and brass solos accompanied by piano.
The evening was brought to a close with music representing a highlight of some of the memories of this year (Olympics and Diamond Jubilee) and the decision, sadly, that the 7th Doncaster Band was closing due to lack of numbers, but with a note of optimism that music may still play a part in the future and they will remain part of the Association.
2009 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 10/11 October 2009 at Sawston Free Church, Sawston near Cambridge.
Over 30 members of the Association met in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, for their annual weekend.
Saturday began with a full band rehearsal followed, in the afternoon, by the AGM of the Association. Then another rehearsal before the band walked down the road to St Mary's Church to give an evening concert.
In an excellent example of current, and former members, of the BB and GB working together in harmony, the band, whose members ranged in age from 11 years to 70 years, gave a concert of music including such varied items as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, selections from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Sister Act, four Vera Lynn classics, a Square Dance, some Sacred music and some Marches. There were also ‘surprise items which included a very talented young pianist/vocalist, a young cornet soloist and a mixed age trombone trio. The concert raised funds for St Mary’s Church and was played before an appreciative audience who, at the close, were ‘rocking’ in the aisles to some dance moves performed by three of the younger band members!
The following morning the band played outside at the the Imperial War Museum site at Duxford Aerodrome in Cambridgeshire, giving a programme similar to the previous evening but adding, appropriately, 633 Squadron, the RAF March , I Believe I Can Fly and Out of the Blue, before ending with the ABBA piece ‘Thank you for the Music’. The band played twice and was extremely well received. In the afternoon was the final Air Show of the year and, following the band’s morning performances, there was an excellent programme of dramatic and daring aerial displays, and, thankfully, the rain stayed away!
2008 Get-together
The 2008 weekend took place in Bristol on Saturday and Sunday 18/19th October.
2007 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 20/21 October at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Slough
Our annual weekend successfully took place over this weekend.
Around 50 participants took part in the weekend. The morning was spent rehearsing for the evening concert and, whilst the AGM was taking place in the afternoon, band members went 10-pin bowling in Bracknell.
At the AGM, David Carter, Secretary, John McIntyre, Assistant Secretary and Don West, President, all retired and were thanked for their many years in office - they were all appointed Hon Vice-Presidents of the Association. Mr Terry Roper was appointed the Association's new Administrator, Mr Simon Farrenden, Musical Director and the roles of Treasurer and Website Editor will remain with David Carter in an acting role until a replacement can be found. Mr Brian Chambers is the new President. Mr Ian Caldwell stays as Vice President.
On the Saturday evening an excellent concert was given in St Andrew's Methodist Church to a good audience. Our thanks to Ralph Chaplin and his team in Slough for making us so welcome and looking after us so well.
On Sunday, members of the Association joined the London Stedfast Brass Band on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral to perform for a parade service which coincided with Founders Day. After the Service the band gave a short concert at St Bride's Institute in honour of the London BB Bugle Band's 25th Anniversary.
2006 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 28/29th October at Boothtown Methodist Church, Halifax
Around 45 members attended on the Saturday which began with a massed band rehearsal.
Following lunch, band members made their way into Bradford city centre for an hour's 10-pin bowling. The Association AGM also took place during the afternoon.
Following the evening meal at Boothtown Methodist Church, the band gave an excellent concert.
Many members stayed overnight and joined in the morning service, playing for the hymns.
All in all, a hectic but successful weekend enjoyed by all those taking part.
2004 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 16/17th October 2004 at Mackworth United Reformed Church, Enfield Road, Derby
Our annual weekend took place at Mackworth United Reformed Church, Derby who kindly offered accommodation in their church hall. We were very grateful to Revd Brian Norris, David Greatorex and members of the church for making all the arrangements and looking after us so well.
Around 45 members attended on the Saturday which began with a massed band rehearsal.
Click here for an enlargementFollowing lunch, we all made our way into Derby city centre (temporarily losing a few members on the way - but who eventually reached it OK!). Here we gave a concert in a marquee on the Market Place to a good audience.
After this, it was on to the Megabowl for an hour's 10-pin bowling. The Association AGM also took place here – in a cafe accompanied by pop music and a children's birthday party!!
Following the evening meal at Mackworth URC, the band gave a short concert to church members before the majority left for home.
Members of the 2nd Eastleigh band stayed overnight and joined in the morning service, along with David Greatorex and Iain McIntyre, playing for the hymns. With the conductor playing an instrument, the minister, Brian Norris conducted both the service and the band!
All in all, a hectic but successful weekend enjoyed by all those taking part.
Our thanks are also due to McDonalds, Derby for their support during the weekend.
2003 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 18/19th October 2003 at Court Hey Methodist Church, Liverpool
Around 40 members of the Association gathered at Court Hey Methodist Church for another Get-together weekend. They were well looked after by members of the church and a good time was had by all.
The Saturday morning was spent rehearsing for the evening concert and the band had a chance to try out three new pieces to play in the concert, in addition to the more familiar tunes.
After lunch most members went ten-pin bowling whilst the staff held the 2003 annual general meeting of the Association.
Another short rehearsal followed tea and then the concert began at 7:30pm. An good audience of around 80 enjoyed a good selection of pieces, played exceptionally well by the band.
Although some members had to return home after the concert, around 20 were present to play hymns for the Sunday morning Service in Court Hey Methodist. As it was the enrolment service for the 56th Liverpool Company, the band was a particularly welcome addition to the service.
2002 Get-together
Saturday 20th October at Central Methodist Church, Hucknall
Around 40 Association members met in Hucknall and spent the morning rehearsing for the evening concert. After lunch, whilst the bands' staff me for the annual general meeting, other visited the neaby 10-pin bowling alley for a fun-packed afternoon.
The evening concert in Hucknall Central Methodist Church attracted a large audience and the following report appeared in the local paper, the Hucknall Dispatch, written by reporter Denis Robertson:
Sheer dedication
CONCERT - Boys Brigade (BB) National Brass Band, Hucknall Central Methodist Church
During this concert, a comment was made that young people are more likely to get publicity by throwing a brick through a shop window than performing in a band. Utter nonsense, of course, as the Dispatch's pages constantly testify. And this review should also go some way towards dismissing such perceptions.
The youngsters in the band - girls as well as boys, incidentally - certainly merit full marks for their-sheer dedication. Members of the 40-strong band, which also included adult officers, had travelled from as far afield as Glasgow and Southampton.
Illustrating the band's faith in youth, one of the players, Amy Smith, of Nottingham, was celebrating her tenth birthday on the day of the concert.
It was also gratifying to see a near-full house for the event, which comprised -a satisfying blend of lively marches and tranquil religious items. The programme ranged from 'Anchors Aweigh', the signature tune of the US Navy, to Bach's 'Anna Magdalena', dedicated to the composer's wife. The concert opened with 'Slaidburn', a march named after a Lancashire village with which the composer, William Rimmer, formed a close rapport. The tune was featured in the film, 'The Full Monty, but the programme notes humorously stressed: 'I have been assured that no-one from the band is going to do that tonight!'
With a shortage of rehearsal time, the performance could not avoid occasional rough edges. But conductor David Carter, who is secretary of the National BB Band Association, elicited some admirably expressive playing.
Musical and poetic interludes were provided by Marjorie Bloomfield and Margaret Craig, who also proved an engaging comedy duo.
The joint comperes were the association president, Don West, of Hucknall, and its assistant secretary, John McIntyre.
2001 Get-together
Saturday 20th October, in Halesowen
This year's event was a one-day event and, in addition to some of the usual activities, it included the final rehearsal for the CD band.
2000 Get-together
Saturday and Sunday 14/15th October, in Doncaster
The 2000 weekend included a very successful public concert at Priory Place Methodist Church on the Saturday evening.