Welcome back to Swinton Post!

I hope you all had a good summer and are now ready to start working hard for the autumn engagements!  Welcome back, too to Dorothy – we look forward to hearing all about your time down under!

Band Practices.

As you know, during the autumn it is likely that band practices may vary from normal times and there may well be extra practices as we move towards Malton Brass. Please can band members do everything they can to ensure good attendance and support for the man in the middle.

Coming back from holiday when I had attended other bands’ practices I was really struck by the amount of noise in our Bandroom which made it really difficult to hear Steve.  Part of it was the new fan but a lot of it was not!  Let’s try and keep the noise down so we can actually hear the conductor’s words of wisdom!

Birthdays
                                           
Ha ha – There is no escape from standing on your chair! 

 Happy Birthday to: 

Lizzie                4^th September
Rachel             11^th September
Jessica           16^th September
Kath                17^th September
Hedley            19^th September
Will H.              27^th September
Josh                28^th September

As usual to anyone else I have missed – Happy Birthday!  

Calling all Sewer-pipes!

Is your instrument clogged up?  Could you grow a crop of carrots in your mouthpiece?  All is not lost.  By popular request Lizzie is once again offering her amazing value instrument cleaning services at the bargain price of £5.00 per instrument (£10.00 for basses) in aid of Band funds.  So if you want a nice clean instrument for Malton Brass – now is the time to speak nicely to Lizzie!

Do remember, too, that valve oil is usually available from Dorothy at the Bandroom - make sure you have some!

Farewell

To Jane R. who has upped sticks and moved down to Cornwall.  We’ll certainly miss her but it will make a great excuse for us all to holiday down there!  We wish her and Max all the best in their new life on the right side of the Tamar!

Attention all Learners (and Main Band!)

Now that the holidays are over and we are all more or less back to normal, Learners’ sessions are back to normal – for at least a week or so!

However, on 30^th September and 7^th October, the Main Band has concerts on.  On those days Learners will be at 2.30 p.m.   Dan Hunt will be the guest soloist for the 7^th October and will be teaching at Learners that afternoon.  If any members of Main Band (especially euphs and baris!) would like a lesson with Dan, they are very welcome, but it would help if you can let Lizzie, Steve or me know in advance!

It’s that time of year again! 

As you may recall, last Christmas, I produced a calendar of photos from the year in aid of band funds costing £5.00.  It would make production easier if I have some idea of the number required.

It also occurred to me that band members might like to buy Christmas cards similar to the greetings cards that Dorothy sells from her shop.  These are banding photos and the greetings cards sell at £1.40 each.  I would suggest that I could do them in packets of six for £5.00 for the band.  Please let me know if people might be interested.

On the subject of fundraising, longstanding band members may remember that we used to buy cards, wrapping paper etc. through Webb Ivory in aid of band funds.  Would people be interested in doing this again?  If so, Dorothy is happy to organise something of this kind, and would be glad to know who would be interested in getting a catalogue.

Jumpers, Jackets etc.

I don’t know about anyone else, but my jumper is coming towards the end of its life – it’s been through the wash one time too many.  If you are interested in buying a new jumper (or getting one for the first time) please let Dorothy know – she is finding out prices and how many we need to order.

Dorothy is also the proud possessor of a smart new reversible band waterproof/fleece from Handley’s.  These cost £19.95 and look very practical for jobs like Remembrance Day and carolling.  If you would like one – let her know.

As we have now reached the end of the summer season, band jackets are also starting to look a little tired and in need of a dry-clean.  Dorothy is finding out whether we can get a discount rate if we get them all done together.  Please can you let her know if you would be interested in taking up a cheap offer if there is one, so that she can negotiate a deal.

Moving on!

I gather Matt L. is moving up in the world!  As from September he is leaving Emley Band and joining Holme Silver – 1^st section!  It’s been great to see him playing for us over the summer.

Details about upcoming jobs
 
Thornton Dale.  This concert is in the Village Hall.  There is limited parking actually at the Hall but finding alternative parking spots isn’t usually a problem.

Stamford Bridge.  This is at the Village Hall and there is plenty of parking round the back of the hall.  We are lucky enough to have Dan Hunt coming as guest soloist (for those who don’t know Dan, he plays euphonium for Brighouse and Rastrick Band and is sure to be well worth hearing) so bring loads of audience!