20 December 2003
Last night, the band played in a 'sold out' concert at the Oakfield Club in Sale. The night saw an impeccable maiden performance of ‘Bass in the Ballroom’ by Noel Lysons on Eb Bass. Also the rapturous audience was treated to the end of the Bass Trombone epic trilogy of ‘Frosty the Snowman’ by Mathew Shaw. To misquote a certain adjudicator at a contest held in the Manchester area ‘That was too long to be a contest piece.’ ;-)
18 December 2003
Last night a select group, played in the entrance atrium of the Hanford Dean Shopping Centre. The two hours of carols was well received by the frantic Christmas shoppers.
15 December 2003
Last night the band played to a packed audience at the Sale Conservative Club for their annual Christmas concert. The concert comprised of carols, solo's and seasonal concert pieces. In Ruth's absence David took the top chair for a long and hard night.
13 December 2003
Last night the band played in a joint concert with the Sale Choral Society, conducted by Russell Medley, at the Larkhill Community Centre in Timperley. The concert was a mixture of Christmas and seasonal music and was greatly appreciated by the large attendance.
6 December 2003
Yesterday, the band played in the Courtyard of Walton Hall, Walton Park. We played three 45minutes stints during the afternoon. We had a very good feedback from the audience including the audition of a budding future conductor.
There were many other events taking place during the afternoon with regular visits to the coffee shop to keep warm.
5 December 2003
On Friday 5th December, an ensemble group from the band visited Piper Hill Special Needs School in Northern Moor to play for the children. This was our second visit to the school this year (apparently the children talked about our last concert for months after the event) and once again we had a most enthusiastic audience, with almost the whole school present.
We performed a selection of carols, Christmas music and traditional tunes. We played Jingle Bells four times and the 'Can Can' twice by popular request! Both band and children all gained immensely from the experience and it is sure to become a regular and really worthwhile event in the band jobs calendar. (Report from Soo).
22 November 2003
Fifteen intrepid members last night braved the effects of the Manchester ‘curry-mile’ and Hydes dirty beer, for the good name of Sale Brass. Dreadfully thing to have to do, but someone has to do it!
All joking aside we had a great time and thanks go to David for arranging the event and suggestions please for what you want to do for the next social event.
8 November 2003
It is with great sadness that yesterday we learnt of Lynn Grants' death. This morning I received an email from Geoff, which I have taken the liberty of posting part of its contents:
‘Unfortunately I have to tell you the sad news that Lynn died on Thurs. Nov. 6th after a 4-month fight against cancer. Being the private person she was, she didn't want her troubles publicised and I obviously respected her wishes.’
Her cremation is to be held in Macclesfield on Friday 14 November at 3pm. I am sure we all agree that our thoughts and wishes are with Geoff, Helen and Caroline.
4 November 2003
Sale Remembrance Day - Armistice Parade and Service
Just a quick reminder from last night. In order to get to the start point, which is at the back of the new Sale Waterside complex, you will have to be there by 9:45 as after that the roads will be closed. If you are getting there by foot you can arrive slightly later.
25 October 2003
Pontin's Championships - Prestatyn
For our rehearsal room we used the scout hut (the old church hall) on Bastion Road, Prestatyn from 7-00 to 8-30am. Again thanks go to Steve Hoyle for arranging the rehearsal room.
Having been pre-drawn to be the forth band to play we had a gruelling journey from Sale, to be at the rehearsal room in Prestatyn for 7-00. At that time in the morning the scout hut was cold and dark but we had a good rehearsal.
We then arrived in Pontin’s where we were shown into an area where we had to leave our cases, coats etc., and were lead around, in the rain, all the way around the hall building and up the stairs to use a room on the top floor as a warm-up room, even though no music stands were provided. Then back to the rain again to then wait in a cold entrance building.
Eighteen band played the contest piece which was ‘The Seasons’ by Philip Wilby, with David Read and David Horsfield as the Adjudicators.
We finally came twelve, but after the first six it is always a lottery. I sure everyone would agree, with a dryer warmer day, and a later draw we would have had a much better result.
However, we all had a good time which is the main thing. Thanks go to Steve for his efforts in getting us ready for the contest.
23 October 2003
Sorry for the lack of updates, but two weeks in Finland has produced a lapse in information flow.
October 2003
Steve Hoyle has arranged a rehearsal room for us in Prestatyn close to Pontin's.
3 October 2003
I spoke to Steve Hoyle tonight, who used to play with the band a few years ago. He also hit the website and sent me a return email. He is well and still living in Rhyl and will be catching up with us at the Pontin's contest. Steve wants to give his regards to the 'crew.'
28 September 2003
Andrew moved down to Exeter today. We wish him all the best for the future. No doubt will will see him at Christmas.
27 September 2003
Clare Croft's Wedding - Tabley Hall
'What a great day for a white wedding'. A warm day, with hardly a cloud in the sky, with the fabulous backdrop and interior of Tabley House..
We played before, during and after the ceremony at Tabley House. The entry piece was composed and arranged by Clare. After the ceremony the band played various pieces until 2.00pm when the wedding guests left for the reception.
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22 September 2003
Tonight we will be getting the music together for Clair's Wedding on Saturday and looking at the Pontin's piece for the third time.
Can I ask all members to submit a small amount of text for the meet the band page. Also, will you kindly submit any additional photographs so our collection can be enhanced.
14 September 2003
St. Alban's Church, Salisbury Field (by the canal), Broadheath
Round the Ring - A canal Mission. 11am to 2pm.
It was a fabulous hot sunny day when the band played for two stints on the Salisbury Field for this well attended event. The idea of the Round the Ring festival is a series of Christian events circumnavigating the Cheshire Ring. The Bridgewater Canal is the part of the Cheshire Ring that runs through Sale.
Playing times were very specific, scheduled to fit in with other events. Our two sessions were between 11.50am to 12.10pm and 1.00pm to 1.45pm.
11 September 2003
Additional information for the job on Sunday - If fine, park at St Albans Church - via Lindsell Road off Manchester Road, Broadheath or on either Hartington Road (next to Cheshire Portable Buildings (Behind Quicks) or Balfour Road via Salisbury Road. The Salisbury Playing fields lead to the Bridgewater Canal directly.
If wet the Church Hall is by St Albans Church on Dawson Road.
9 September 2003
Marlene Mitton when to the hospital for her operation today, but the doctors found out after an ECG that she didn't need surgery, but has to keep on 'taking the tablets.' She went through the mill because they prepped her for the operation. Marlene thanks all members of the band for the 'beautiful flowers.'
8 September 2003
Tonight no doubt we will be getting the material together for next Sunday's concert and looking at the Pontin's piece for a second time.
7 September 2003
St. Anthony's, Fifth Avenue, Trafford Park
Concert for Band in the Park. 4 to 6pm.
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This was a delightful venue, a 99-year-old church in the midst of Trafford Park, like a little oasis. They are working up to their centenary next year so invited us to play in the lovely old church garden for approximately 120 people.
The organizers served tea and coffee, and the audience brought picnics while the band played. The inside of the church, the only classified industrial church in the country, was magnificent and nothing like you would expect from the outside.
2 September 2003
Update
It was great to last night welcome Jo Mason back after her spell in hospital and we all wish her a speedy recovery. Also welcome back to Pat and John who will be playing with us at Pontin’s.
1 September 2003
Rehearsal
Normal rehearsal tonight as Steve returns refreshed from holiday. We have also now received the music for the Pontin's Contest. Hopefully, we will be having a quick run-through this and the music for the concert next Sunday - time permitting that is.
25 August 2003
Bank Holiday
No rehearsal tonight due to the Bank Holiday.
18 August 2003
Holiday Rehearsals
The band wishes to say a big 'Thank You' to Joanne O'Brien for taking the band for the last two rehearsals, during Steve's holiday.
A level results
Congratulations to Andrew Clark, for his 3/A's and a B. A great set of results and for his acceptance at his first choice of Exeter University where he will be reading Information Technology. The band wishes him all the best for the future.
21 August 2003
Website goes live
After a break of just over a year, the website is now back online. The band would like to thank Complete Computer Services (tel: 0161 428 2088, fax: 0161 428 2772) for hosting the site. Kindly contact them directly for details of the range of services that they offer
Premises Update
Back in the seventies, the band was invited to make use of the room at Sale Town Hall Annex, by the then Sale Borough Council. The facilities included a rehearsal room, storage room and kitchen, all accessible and lockable twenty - four hours a day 365 days a year. Earlier last year the band moved into a temporary rehearsal room at the Sale Grammar School, as the old Town Hall Annex was knocked down to make way for the new Arts Complex.
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council has invited the band to share a rehearsal room in the new Arts Complex - an event that the band is looking forward too.
