General Round-up
Having just supplied ourselves with new uniforms, the band are currently saving and raising funds again, this time we are planning a tour to Bruge during the summer bank holiday of 2002. Many events have been planned to help with the fund raising including a sponsored walk from Rye to Hastings, Quiz Evening and Millennium Quiz Sheet (on-sale at all concerts).
The band have completed a fairly hectic summer of concerts which saw us explore the new venue of Herne Bay bandstand along with old favouriutes, Hever Castle, Brenchley Gardens, The Pantiles, Deal bandstand and many others. In total the band have played in over 16 concerts during the summer season and are now looking forward to the coming weeks when the evening Christmas concerts begin.
The junior band continues to rehearse and there are some promising signs of juniors attending the main band on occasion.
Having lost the band President last year the band were delighted to appoint long time trombonist Albert Wallace to the position during the summer. Albert retired from “active service” with the band a couple of years ago after over 40 years with the band, but remained in close contact. While he has some fairly big shoes to fill we think he will do a great job (even for a trombonist).
Undoubtedly the highlight of the year from a playing point of view was the charity fundraising event held Ashford Church. Aptly named “Copper beats Brass” the concert included a number of favourites from our summer programme as well as two pieces each from guest Soloists Tabitha Hall and James Clegg. In addition Weald area Police Commander Supt. David Pryer conducted the band for a rousing version of Pomp and Circumstance. In all well over £700 was raised for the Hospice on the Hill.