It’s that time of the month again where I have to get my brain in gear and settle down to write a newsletter.................here goes.....................

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

Would you believe it? 

It would appear that nobody in Swinton Band was born in March! Sorry if I am wrong!

Band Dinner News

The band dinner is fast approaching and so to ensure your place and that you have the food you want, could you all make sure that Steve or Dorothy has your form and your money (£14.95 pp) back by April the 1^st (seriously, it’s not a fool!).

The night promises to be good. The Lodge is a fantastic venue with excellent food, and you would be mad to miss the opportunity to dance the night away with Matthew H on the decks! 

As usual the event is open to all, young and old, playing and non-playing members, so make sure you invite anyone who might want to come, remember the more the merrier!

It draws nearer....March 20^th is looming!!

The contest is nearly upon us and as a result we are having to work harder and harder. As a result Robin has requested that we hold an extra band practice every Friday leading up to the contest. He appreciates that not everyone will be able to make it, but if you could all make the effort to attend he would be grateful. If you are unable to attend any of the upcoming band practices make sure to let either Dorothy or Robin know.

On the day of the contest we have a bus booked to takes us and bring us back. The coach is booked to collect us all from Dorothy’s at 10.30am sharp. We would appreciate as big a fan club as possible (to cheer loudly and get the first round in at the Pennyweight), so any non-playing friends or family are very welcome. However seats on the bus will be limited (unless you have a pair of roller skates and are prepared to tag along behind!) so if you could let Dorothy know anybody who requires a seat it would be helpful and may avoid disappointment! 

PS. No learners that night!

Congratulations!

The roads are no longer safe (although whether they are ever safe with me around is debatable). Heather and Donna have both passed their driving tests! Congratulations to you both and I’m sure the rest of the band joins me in wishing both of you happy and safe driving.

St Georges Day Parade (23^rd April)

This year we have been asked to the St Georges day parade. It is a local event and the band will be at the head of the parade. It is therefore important that we have as good a show as possible. The parade starts off from Norton College at 6pm and finishes at St Peters Church. The whole event should take around an hour and a half so you’ll still be able to make your usual Friday night plans. If as many people as possible could keep this evening free, the band would be very grateful.

Ice Skating Trip to Hull

Kath has very kindly organised another Ice Skating trip to Hull after the success of the last one. The bus will be leaving St Nicolas Street car park promptly at 5.45pm on Thursday 25^th March. There are still plenty of places available, however in order to finalise plans and ensure places Kath needs to have names and money by Monday March 8^th at the latest. So if you fancy going and watching me make a complete fool of myself, make sure you see Kath in the next week.

AGM

Can all playing & non-playing members who want to be on committee let Dorothy know by the 15^th March. The AGM is open to all members of the band, including interested parents and partners. It is important and all should try and attend.

TIP (or should I say feature?) OF THE MONTH...... Unpacking and packing up Band Equipment (SAFELY!)

Most of the gear we take to Band jobs is either heavy or awkward to lift and carry - and in some cases both. However, none of it is impossible and if you follow these simple guidelines you should avoid doing yourself (or others) any damage!

General

·       Many hands make light work – the more people help, the quicker we’re done!

·       Don’t get in people’s way or leave cases where they obstruct a fire exit.

·       Check the route you have to cover before you start carrying things over it.

·       If you don’t know how the percussion sets up or takes apart – ASK!

 Before you lift anything:

·       Check how heavy it is!

·       Are there bits that could fall off?

·       Can you wheel it?  E.g. Basses and Timps

·       Has it got handles? If so use them, not any other straps etc.

·       Do you need help to carry it?  Never be ashamed to ask for help!

·       If more than one of you is lifting it, establish who will be in charge, to ensure that you work as a team.

The percussionists’ “Trap Box” (full of all the kitchen-sink department) is a special case. It’s designed for one man to lift and is VERY heavy.  Either carry it between two people or leave it to someone big and strong!

Lifting and carrying:

·           Follow the correct lifting technique – keep the back straight and bend the knees. Keep feet well apart and with one slightly forward of the other.

·           Lift in stages.  First take the load up to the knees and then lift up to the carrying position.  The middle of the load should be just above your waist.

·           Hold the item close to your body

·           Make sure the load does not obstruct your view. When you set it down, lower it first to the knees and then to the floor.

The Trailer:

• The big problem with moving the trailer is that if you are pushing it, you can’t see over it!  So, ensure that the person at the front, who is steering it, also gives clear instructions and warnings to the team who are doing the pushing.

• When the trailer is at its destination, make sure the legs are down and firmly tightened before unloading begins.

• The actual loading of the trailer should usually be left to the person who is going to drive it, so that he can get the weight distribution right.  Bring things in the order he asks for them!

• Offers to return to the Bandroom to help unpack will usually be very welcome!