Summer is here!

The weather doesn’t know what do next, so do remember to take waterproofs, sunglasses, thermoses, water and possibly skis to all jobs!

Uniforms

Please can you check whether your jacket still fits for the rest of this season!  If you or your jacket appear to have shrunk, please tell Dorothy who will try to get things sorted out.  We have to order one or two new jackets so it is essential she knows who needs what!

As well as ensuring you have a well-fitting jacket, a tie and a waterproof, please make sure that you have a suitable lyre and know where it is (preferably with your instrument!!)

Easingwold Contest

We are not competing at this contest, but assuming that the weather is good, it is a good night out.  It takes place on Saturday 28^th June starting at 6.00 p.m. and whether you like brass bands, beer or just a sociable evening, it is well worth going to!  If people are interested in going we can perhaps share transport – either lifts, or a minibus.  So if you’d like to go please sign up with numbers on the list in the Bandroom !

Poster Competition.

YHBBA are offering a £20 prize in a competition to design a new poster for Malton Brass. Dorothy has details of exactly what information needs to go on the A4 poster and when designs need to be submitted.  Meanwhile, all you budding graphic artists, get thinking!

Band Summer Barbeque

This year’s barbeque will be on Saturday 5^th July from 6.30 p.m.  at Steve and Tracey’s, 7 The Chase, Norton. All band members, learners and families are invited.  Just put your names on the list in the Bandroom along with number attending so that we know how many burgers and sausages to get in!  (P.S. Please bring a Bottle!)

Learners’ Group

Our Learners’ session is now very busy, and Steve and Tracey are struggling to give everyone an individual lesson and to run the group session.  We are looking for people to give us a hand, either teaching while the group is playing, or conducting the group while we teach.  If a few people are able and willing to help out, then the commitment will only need to be once every three to four weeks.  Obviously, before you can start you will have to undergo a CRB check.  If you are interested please have a word with Steve.

The Learners will have their first playing job for some years in July when they are playing in Malton Market place on the morning of Saturday July 19^th.  Any members of main band who can join them for this will be very welcome!  For learners who have not got band uniforms, please can you wear black trousers and shoes and a white shirt, together with a black jumper or jacket if you have one.

Spiralling Fuel Prices!

Given the increased cost of fuel, it would seem a good idea to try and economise by taking as few cars as possible to band jobs.  So it would make sense to share cars as much as possible – please be prepared to offer lifts, and if you are given a lift, please try and make a contribution towards the driver’s costs!

Sad News

Sadly Tommy Dykes, one of the notable characters in the band, died on May 25^th.  Tommy played trombone and Bb bass and was an active member of the band from the age of 13 until early 1994. 

Born in 1940, Tommy started work on a farm at Swinton Grange at the age of 15, but after a spell at Ainsty’s where he met his wife Hazel, he became a postman until he retired. Tommy always had a cheery smile and a joke with young and old alike; on his round he made many a lonely person’s day.

In band, Tommy was great with the youngsters, recruiting them, helping them with their music and taking them to Band engagements, and was a great ambassador for Swinton Band. Tommy was always the life and soul of the party and there are many band stories told about him. 

Once while marching in Malton carnival, Tommy dropped his music.  He bent down to pick it up and split his trousers completely!  Dorothy had to catch up with him, and pin his trousers together to maintain some decency! Tommy, being Tommy, was not going to drop out, so the pinning operation had to be performed on the move.  Nobody could keep a straight face, and the band succumbed to fits of laughter.  Thereafter it was a band rule that music dropped on the march stays dropped, and is picked up by Dorothy at the back!

At Leeds area contest, they were drawn to play 18^th so, faced with a long wait, Tommy and a number of other bandsmen headed straight for the pub!  After a while and some beer, they sent Tommy back to check on progress. “It’s only Band no.4 at the moment!”  So after more time and more beer, back went Tommy; “Band no. 9!”  A further round or so later, Tommy was sent to check again.  He came rushing back, exclaiming “Come on, it’s us next!”  The band dived straight out of the pub and onto the stage to play.  They did not win!

At Tommy’s funeral, the band attended to play some of his favourite pieces.  It was a great occasion – thanks to all those who turned out!  It was good to see the return of some old friends from the past to help us – you’re always welcome!

Birthdays

                                                     

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

Happy Birthday to: 

                                Tracey               4^th June
                                Andrew             8^th June
                                Steve                 9^th June
                                Jane                 24^th June
                                Donna             29^th June 
      
 
As usual to anyone else I have missed – 

                             Happy Birthday!  

Collectors needed…

… for our next two jobs!  We need collectors for Castle Howard on the afternoon of 15^th June, and for Eden Camp on 22^nd June.  If you and/or a member of your family can help, please contact Dorothy.  There’s not much point in doing these jobs if we haven’t anyone to part the public from their pennies!

Vacancies

If you know or hear of any experienced cornet (or trumpet even!) players looking for a band please try and point them in our direction – the more the merrier!

Of course players on any brass band instrument are always welcome!