Long Service Awards
At the Christmas concert it gave Sheila Walton (Chairperson) great pleasure as Vice Chairman of the NWABBA to present not one but two long service awards to two members of the same family. These awards were given for all the hard work and effort they put into the Whaley Bridge Band. Initially they started as parents taking their two sons here there and everywhere for band rehearsals and engagements. Inevitably as their sons got older they both got involved in the running of the band, and are currently minute secretary and Treasurer, post they have occupied for numerous years. They were both very heavily involved in the band receiving Lottery funding. In later life the gentleman decided to take up playing trombone and is still playing today.
Mrs Jean & Mr Alwyn Beard
A special thanks also goes from the Whaley Bridge band and committee for all Jean and Alwyn’s tireless work.
Christmas, Christmas and more Christmas!
Christmas started in late November for Whaley Bridge Brass Band and are now proficient at Christmas tree lightings in Whaley Bridge itself, Chinley and Buxsworth. Thanks goes to everyone who attended to join in the festivities.
18th December saw our full Christmas concert at Whaley Bridge Bowling club. A very much fun filled evening with not a single person escaping participation (including unexpected choreography for the band!!) We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all our banding friends from other local bands that helped make the evening a success.
Saturday 20th December saw a very successful annual coffee morning at the Mechanics raising approximately £200 towards band funds. Again many thanks to all the locals who dared to brave another session of the 12 days of Christmas and believe you and me that Partridge does still live on for another year! Thanks also has to be expressed to those behind the scenes ensuring everyone was fed, watered and raffled. But that wasn’t the end for the band – off we went to The Swan at Kettleshulme for one final blast of the year. It surprising how many people sneak past when you’re sheltering from the rain under all the parasols – we nearly had to stay outside it got that full.
9th November 2008 - Last Post or Was It?
The band wish to thank principal cornet player Laurie Walton for his sterling efforts on Remembrance Sunday playing the Last Post and Reveille no fewer than 4 times during the course of the morning.
Performing their first engagement under its new Musical director, Marcus Jones, the band lead the service in church and the band’s presence was well received judging by the large number of positive comments from the local community.
The band also wishes to express thanks to Andy Griffiths for stepping into the breach on the bass section.
10th October 2008
The bands engagement list now has all the jobs listed until the end of the year. Please do come along to any of the events to support us or to see about joining!!
17th September 2008
The band would like to announce that they have appointed Marcus Jones as their Musical Director.
Starting at the tender age of 5, Marcus has over 30 years of banding experience within High Peak and other local bands.
The band look forward to a long and successful relationship with Marcus.