2009 has been quite a year for the band!
We have performed at over 32 engagements throughout Cheshire including school concerts, award evenings, services and parades, traditional concerts, competitions and carol services.
On the contest stage the band gained qualification for the National Finals for the first time in over 25 years and promotion to the third section in only our 2nd full year after returning to competition. That in itself is quite an acheivement.
At the annual Whit Friday March contests the Band and Corps of Drums acheived numerous playing and deportment prizes (all in the pouring rain). Our evening was capped by a tremendous third place at Denshaw ahead of some of the finest bands in the country.
We ended the year with 5 hugely successful carol concerts.
As with most bands there have been changes in personnel. In March we lost our long time principal Cornet Paul Martin. Paul was, and is, a fine player and he was a great loss to the band.
That said Paul's shoes have been well and truly filled by Dave Thomas, an extremely experienced cornet player who has stepped up to the mark and proven himself to be an inspirational and committed leader.
Our Corps of drums led by Tony Jackson have also been extremely busy. 2009 saw them take on many solo engagements in addition to performances with the band. We feel very fortunate to have such a committed and enthusiastic team working with us.
2009 also saw us say fairwell 3 long serving members of the band. It is always sad when long serving members of the band move on. ken Dale, Irvine Mckee and Dave Evans were all stalwarts of the band giving many years dedicated service to the band. We all wish them well for the future.
Of course as some players leave others inevitably join and we have been delighted to welcome Alison Andrews, Sarah Sanders, Jen Willis, Helen Capener and Rob Richardson.
The band has achieved so much this last year. To meet such a large number of engagements, of such a diverse nature, to such a high standard, (all on one rehearsal a week!), is testament to the commitment and professionalism of the band.
As 2009 ends we look forward to a busy but rewarding year ahead the highlight of which is likely to be our appearance at the European Brass Music Festival in Schlema ,Germany, next September.
At the year draws to a close I would like to personally thank all of the band, past and present for their commitment during the last year and also to the many people who have supported the band with your kind words of appreciation and encouragement.
Dave Woollam MD
