SPRING 08

A small number of new players have joined us recently, and we are keen to expand further, so contact us if you may be interested in joining. Instruments can be provided. Whatever your ability and whichever instrument you play or wish to play, you will be welcome.!

THE DAY OUT THAT NEVER WAS

Following an invitation from Channel Five, 4 members of the Band set off to travel to Trafalgar Square to join in a publicity event for "Neighbours" moving from BBC to Channel Five. Transport was provided in a minibus shared by 7 members of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band. There was an air of eager anticipation having been promised performing in a 300 strong band led by "Harold Bishop", with free lunch and T- shirt!

Unfortunately severe traffic congestion due to motorway closure stranded our minibus, and we were forced to turn back as we had missed the event! We have however been given consolatory T-shirts, and a signed score of "Neighbours".

The Event was apparently very successful.

We shall be on the look out for another chance to play in a massed Band!

WINTER 07/08

Christmas 07 saw our usual run of frequent performances, including a  Carol Service at Wapley Church (Dodington's Parish Church), carols at the Rattlebone Inn in Sherston, and the more formal Frome Vale Masonic Carol Service in Chipping Sodbury. We were delighted to join in the very enjoyable and busy Victorian Evening in Iron Acton this year.

We always enjoy this time of year with the variety of venues and types of performance. Unexpected chores this year included polishing soap bubbles from the instruments,  (artificial snow!) after Chipping Sodbury Victorian Evening!

SPRING/SUMMER 2007

After the usual enthusiastic Christmas spell, the Band settled into some new pieces and a lottery grant application. We joined the Avonbelles, some Mummers and George and the Dragon in celebrating St George's Day at the Yate Heritage Centre. Another local venture was performing alongside Yate Choral Society at St John's church as part of the Chipping Sodbury Festival, followed by accompanying Boules under a blazing sun at Sherston.

We are fortunate in being successful in our recent application for a lottery grant. This will enable us to expand, and extend our connections with the local community. We are now actively seeking new members, especially people who may have lapsed playing for a time or school leavers. Non-playing members would also be very welcome to help with supporting tasks!

10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

This was held at Dodington Parish Hall on Saturday 21st October 2006 at 7.30 pm.  It proved to be a rousing and enjoyable evening! We performed a wide variety of music, including some pieces that have been important to the Band over our first 10 years of history such as Young Amadeus and Aces High. Many other pieces were new to the Band such as Summertime, Nessum Dorma, Phantom Trumpeter and Basin Street Blues

The climax of the Evening was Hymn to the Fallen, which certainly gripped the Band and hopefully also the audience, prior to an enthusiastic rendition of another old favourite, Instant Concert!

Percy expertly led the players all evening, interspersed with jokes and stories, and whilst indulging in a little flag waving at the very end, suffered a broken flag stick, causing the Union Jack to narrowly miss the first trombonist!

We are very grateful to those who attended, especially local councillors who once again offered us their support, and also some kind words of encouragement as to how the Band has progressed during the decade.

This was a free concert for Charity. Donations will be given to the local branch of The Princess Royal Carers Trust.

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