I have taken time out of my busy packing schedule to make sure that I get this done before I go away (wey hey)! It’s a full one this month – a whole 2 pages!

The Areas

This year saw us come 6^th with Vizcaya which ensures that we keep our place in the 3^rd section. The day was enjoyable and we played well, even if the gods were against us. We overcame traffic, weather and even fire to get on stage!

Congratulations Kirkby!

Kirkby won the first section at Darlington and as a result have won themselves a place at Harrogate, thus ensuring that Ryedale is represented at the nationals for the 3^rd year in 4! Well done Kirkby from all at Swinton.

As a result many at Swinton are planning to head to Harrogate to support them on 11^th September. If you would like to join them let Dorothy know so she can book a bus/minibus.

A Big Thank you!

Big thanks go out to Susan, Tom and John who all helped out at the Areas, they filled in the gaps where we needed them and were of great help. Thanks also goes to our big group of followers we managed to drag from their beds – a good day had by all!

 Birthdays – ha ha, there is no escape from standing on your chair!
                                                                      
    3^rd April – Mike 
  12^th April – Pete
  20^th April – Me!!!!!!!!!!!
        27^th April – Becky (sorry if I’ve spelt it wrong!)

The usual applies – If I have missed anyone I apologise and I hope you all have a very Happy Birthday

Band Dinner

Just a quick reminder (in case you could forget) that the band dinner is on Saturday April 17^th at the Lodge Old Malton. As usual there will be the raffle and for this we rely on your ever present generosity. Any prizes you can donate however big or small would be welcomed!

This year also sees the introduction of a new and exciting award! An incredibly cheesy tie-pin has been donated to the band to be presented to the person wearing the silliest tie at the band dinner. So gentlemen (and ladies too) get shopping and find yourselves (or your partners) the ultimate silly tie.

Thank you!

As you may remember we got Dorothy a box of chocolates and a big bunch of flowers for Mothering Sunday. ‘Mummy Band’ has asked me to pass on her thanks to you all for your generosity. So thank you!

AGM

As you should be aware last month saw the AGM. This was the evening where the band made several important decisions. One of the most important parts of the evening was the election of the committee and officers for the coming year. Anna after a number of years decided to stand down as treasurer, and Roger was elected in her place. Everybody who stood for committee was duly elected – these being: Anna, Becky, Catherine, Claire, Fran, Hedley, Jane, Mike, Tim and Valerie. 

It was also announced that due to ill health Col. Tetley has sadly had to retire as band president.

Over the past few months a sub-committee has been putting a new band constitution. It was decided that this new constitution should be adopted subject to approval from the Charities Commission.

If you want to know further details talk to Dorothy.

Well Done

And thank you to Kath for organising the Skating trip to Hull. She managed to raise over £70 for band funds! Fun was had by all and there were no broken bones!

TIP OF THE MONTH......

Now most of us have realised we can’t triple tongue, now would be a good time to learn!

How true!

I read this just before settling down and felt it rang a bell! Taken from “A Practical Guide to the Arrangement of Band Music” by George F. Patton in 1885.

How to Organise a Brass Band

1.    Having selected the men for your band, pick out the most intelligent and ambitious of the lot for the cornet players.

2.    The next most important place to be filled is that of the tuba players. Besides having plenty of good sense, their supply of patience should be inexhaustible, for a tuba player who has not got the qualities of patience and good humour is likely to get disgusted and men of profane habits are apt to swear in a disagreeable way at stupid blunders made by their companions, which in turn makes them very angry and the disgust and swearing may become mutual.

3.    As for the other instruments and drums, it doesn’t make much difference who they are!

I must say I agree whole heartedly with point 1!

Holidays!

Now to a subject very close to my heart right now! Holidays. Holidays mean you will be away, this means that if we have an engagement we need to cover your position. Therefore so that we can cover this, Dorothy AND Robin BOTH need to be informed. Don’t assume that because one knows, both do! The earlier they know the earlier they can sort things out and can make informed decisions about engagements. There is a sheet on the notice board for you to write down your holidays to help in this process, please use it!

Spring Cleaning! 

It’s that time of the year again to get your sleeves rolled up and find yourself a feather duster! Every year (you may not know it) but the elves visit the band room and give it a good clean inside and out – well actually a small group of dedicated members of band do! This year as always they would like your help, especially that of the strong male variety! This year we hope to clear a lot of the greenery from around the windows as well as the usual house keeping. 

Let Dorothy know if you can help – remember many hands make light work, and I am reliably informed there is a high likelihood of finishing in a pub! (for a change)