Lets start with the excuse...................

You may have noticed that this month’s newsletter is a little belated! There is a very good reason (honestly). I was waiting until after Malton Brass so that I could include all the embarrassing stories (which there seem to be a lack of!) and recover from my hangover!

Andy’s Pint

On the 18^th of October many of Swinton and Stape joined Ruth and the rest of the Popham family in Suddaby’s for the “christening” of Andy’s Pint. The Pint was repeatedly filled with increasingly bizarre concoctions. It was a memorable night – or so some of us are assured! I’m sure Andy would have approved.  Thanks go to Neil and his Staff for their contribution to such a special occasion.

Congratulations go to Wetherby and District Silver for winning Andy’s Pint for Best Bass Section overall in Class B.  From comments afterwards it was clear that it was much appreciated by them.

Birthdays – ha ha, there is no escape from standing on your chair!

Thomas – 8^th November
Andrea – 13^th November
Will S – 28^th November

The usual applies – I hope you all have a very happy birthday and if I missed anyone – SORRY!

Can you help?

This headline seems to be becoming a permanent fixture. Help is still needed at learners – my plea is even more desperate than before, as I have agreed to fill the gap for the time being until a more permanent person can be found. As before, you need to be over 18 and although experience is preferred, it’s not necessary – and what better way to gain some!

Welcome Back!

It is with great relief that we welcome David back from Iraq. We are glad to see him back safe and sound and in one piece.

Attention all Learners

As you may have noticed in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section, in December we go out carolling. This is every Monday and Wednesday evening and most Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A detailed list will be available soon.  Any available players are always welcome – and this is a good way of getting to know the main band.  This does also mean that as of the 6^th of December there will be no Learners until January 10^th 2004.

We also need Adult collectors for all carolling jobs – any mums, dads, grandparents etc will be very welcome. Please let Dorothy know if and when you are available to help.

These jobs are among some of the most important we do all year – they provide around a third of the bands annual income. They are also among the most fun, but also the coldest! Hence there is no need for uniform, but as many pairs of socks and gloves, jumpers, hats and thermals as you can lay your hands on. The only thing to remember is you need to still be able to play and be vaguely mobile.

A Good Day Had by All.

It may have been a little bit of a disappointing result, but everyone was in agreement (including the adjudicator) that we played well and had a thoroughly good day. Even though Swinton and Stape didn’t take much in the way of silverware, we had the raffle sorted – the adjudicator must have misunderstood our bribes! As a result the trophy cupboard may be empty, but my fruit bowl is full!

Throughout the day people commented on how well they felt the band had prepared for the contest. Special thanks go to Robin on this. Congratulations also go to Jane (hopefully feeling better now). She played brilliantly especially considering she was feeling absolutely rotten. 

And so to the next contest........

Vizcaya has arrived! For those of you who don’t know this is the test piece for the areas. There seems to have been a problem with the printing however – there are far too many notes – it must have got blurred! While I think about it, the areas are 20^th March 2004 in Darlington. Book the day off work now! You have no excuse, you have been told!

Anna’s 75^th Pint!

No, Anna has not just won a drinking contest. Last month Anna was given an award in recognition of donating her 75^th pint of blood. Considering she should only have 8, this is a real achievement. The National Blood Service took Anna through to Leeds for dinner and the awards ceremony. 

Your chance to rival Anna is at hand. If you head in the general direction of the Milton Rooms on Tuesday the 18^th November, I’m sure they will be only too glad to take a pint (blood that is!).

Band Dinner update

The date has had to be changed, as many people were unavailable on the original date. The new date is the 17^th April (3 days before the editors birthday – all drinks will be gratefully received. Hint hint!) So remember to take that night and Sunday morning off now!

TIP OF THE MONTH......Wisdom (?) from YHBBA Workshops.

“Getting the Rhythm right is the most important thing. Then dynamics. Notes are an optional extra.”  However, be warned, it appears only Basses are allowed to get away with it.

Christmas Social

Another chance is coming up for us to get on our party dresses/suits and dance into the night. Stape have organised a Christmas Social to which they have invited members of all the Ryedale Bands. They have arranged for a Buffet and Disco at Norton Bowling Club for the 10^th of January at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 a head and there is a list at the back of the bandroom for you to write your name on if you want to go (need to know numbers in the next 2 weeks). Following on from Malton contest and how sociable that day was – this night promises to be one to remember.  

Be Prepared!

Christmas will soon by upon us, which means that it’s nearly time for Dorothy to turn into a Postie! The Christmas Card letter box will be open at Dorothy’s from the 1^st of December with final posting on the 21^st. The Christmas card letterbox is a way for you to send (and receive) all your Christmas cards for the band.