Volume 2 Issue 1 - January 2005
In this issue
These are the main articles from this edition; a PDF (2.3Mb) of the complete newsletter is available on request from the Secretary
Hi all,
It’s been one o’ them busy years in the life of the Association. Next year’s calendar is
already looking fun packed. I hope one and all will enjoy the fun and fellowship we will
have together; it brings with it hopes and aspirations, visions and dreams for what we would
want for all in the association. Obviously there will be some good and bad. Together in
God’s faith we will plan and organise it to be one of the best. I certainly can speak for myself and say that the coming year will be a challenge and hope
all will contribute to my new appointment as Natbrass News Editor.
Looking back to the May Bank Holiday saw over 80 participants of all ages meet at Cosford
for a massed band training weekend. What can I say – it was a good experience and fantastic
fellowship, fun and learning – well it was for me anyhow – and hey guys, you did yourselves
proud as a massed band on the parade square. Well Done! We took over the bowling alley at the camp on the Saturday evening and had a great time
making mockery of ourselves – well the adults anyhow because, as usual, the young ones
showed us a thing or two. Thanks to all in the organising of Cosford and boy, we cant wait
until the next!
To those of you who didn’t attend, then you don’t know what you missed and hope you will
join us next time. More recently saw us meeting together in Derby for another busy weekend – boy that David
Carter kept us busy! I was out of air after a two and half hour practice on the Saturday
morning, then a concert in Derby Centre in the afternoon, they hey guess what? Yes you
guessed, ten pin bowling after!
It just leaves me to wish you all well and wish all, and the Association, every joy and
blessing for the challenges of the year ahead.
A very Happy New Year.
Grant
London District Central Band’s founder and bandmaster, Denis Morley, passed away in June. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Denis’s family at this sad time. We celebrate Denis’s dedication to both the Brigade and Association.
From Ray Lewis
I first met Denis in 1980, when a general call went out from London Field Officer, Peter
Bonnie, for brass players to prepare for the Brigade Centenary in 1983. At that time, I was
a 3rd Cornet player, somewhat of a novice, but willing to have a go and it was here that
Denis’ expertise helped to improve my playing, technique and musicianship and I am most
grateful for this.
In preparation for the Centenary, the London District Central Band visited Felden Lodge and
travelled around putting in practice, at one time the Royal Marines helped us with our
preparations, particularly in the movement of the Band. The National Brass Band was at this
time being formed and, leading up to the Centenary, the Eastleigh and London combined bands
got together to produce the first recording and on this, I remember Denis singing the Anchor
Song, with his fine tenor voice. When the time arrived we travelled by coach to Glasgow,
being put up at a church in Paisley and, it was there, during the devotional periods that I
got to appreciate Denis’ outstanding preaching abilities. The whole Centenary weekend was a
magnificent, fulfilling time, (which also included a visit to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo) that will be long remembered.
Over the years, through competitions, involved with National Brass Band Association and the
memorable annual District concerts held in the main at the Leysian Mission and latterly
Wesley’s Chapel, I got to know and appreciate the talents of Denis more and more, he was an
important man in my life.
Towards the end, I went with Alan Watts (Captain 5th London) to visit him when he was very
unwell at home, his enthusiasm for matters of the band was undimmed but, it was distressing
to see how much he had deteriorated physically.
I remember Denis as the vital, focussed musician that led the London District Central Band
in happy days ands that memory shall be the one that remains.
Ray Lewis
(ex Officer 16th Redbridge Company. Staff member London Central Band.)
From the Secretary
I would just like to some share fond memories of Denis Morley.
In 1979, I received an invitation from BB HQ to travel to Denmark, to the FDF Music ’79
Festival, to learn about how the FDF organise their brass bands. I was told that another BB
Officer would also be attending.
On arrival in Denmark I met that other Officer – Denis Morley. We became good friends very
quickly and when we had spent a fantastic 10 days working with our Danish counterparts, we
made a promise to each other. I said I would try to coordinate the work of BB brass bands
throughout the UK and Denis said he would form a London Central Band.
Happily both came about and it was great, 10 years later, to return to the 1989 FDF Music
Festival with a nationally represented group from the UK which included most of the London
Central Band.
Over the years, I worked closely with Denis. My own band recorded the Centenary LP with his
and we also joined forces for a Schoolboy international at Wembley Stadium, performing
during the interval. This in addition, of course, to our Brass Band Association events.
Denis was an enthusiastic ambassador for both the BB and brass bands. He always had a
tremendous sense of humour and no one could tell stories like Denis! He had great support
from his family. Barbara was always there to lend a hand and both his children, Richard and
Suzanne, had played in the London band.
I have two particular memories of Denis.
One was when he made an impromptu speech at my wedding reception - full of humour and
sincerity.
The other was at that music festival back in 1989 when he conducted the ‘Level 6’ band. To
see him work with young people and produce great music was an inspiration.
As a friend, musician and truly dedicated BB Officer, he will be greatly missed by us all.
David Carter
Association Secretary
We are also very sad to report the deaths, during the past year, of:
PAUL CASSWELL, Birmingham.
Paul was an Association member for many years.
CHARLIE EDWARDS, Liverpool.
Charlie was a long time supporter of our bands and was present last year when we performed
in Liverpool.
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.
Following 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.
Thanks to Roland Bottomley—7th Doncaster
On behalf of Natbrass News and the Association, we would just like to say a BIG THANK YOU to
Roland who has been a member of 7th Doncaster Priory Band and the Association for over 25
years.
Roland joined the Priory band in the late 1970s and played the Eb bass, where he encouraged
many youngsters to become members and helped to better their skills and talent in music.
He went to Denmark with the Association and played at many events such as the Boys’ Brigade
Centenary, and many of Priory’s own engagements and events.
Roland recently decided that it was time to hang up his hat and retire from the band due to
ill health and age (it all comes to us one day!).
Roland will be sadly missed from the Priory band. We wish him well in his retirement and
pray he will treasure his memories shared with all in the Association
Members of Priory Band receive their President’s Badge
Its not every day were we get to achieve the 2nd highest award in the Brigade, the
‘PRESIDENT’S BADGE’.
Well, congratulations to Ben Wainwright and Daniel Boyle of 7th Doncaster Company, also
members of Priory band.
Ben is 16 and a Corporal. He has been a long standing member for some years and shows
dedication to his squad and the band.
He has played various instruments in the band but of recent has taken a forefront in the
drum corps and percussion section.
Daniel is also 16 and has been a keen, loyal member for a number of years. Daniel has progressed through all various sections and has played several instruments in the
band.
Both Boys are now working hard towards their Queen’s Badge and hope and pray they will grow
in faith and wisdom and go on to become young officers.
Are there any brass players out there without bands?
If you are a brass player reading this copy of Natbrass News but do not have a band to play
in, or know of anyone, please do get in touch. We welcome all BB/GB brass players – this is a chance to play in a large brass band, meet
other brass musicians and have great fun! Contact the Secretary at the address above or get your Captain to pass on your details.
We look forward to meeting you!