It’s back to that time again...

...and its time for another newsletter!  I thought Mary might have done it over the weekend, but her visit was too fleeting for that!  Thanks to her and Susan for helping us out on Sunday though!

Jumble Sale

Well done to all those who made this event such a success.  As last time, you all came good and found masses of stuff to sell and did us proud. 

Thanks to all those who helped on the day in any way, and especially to Brian for getting the whole thing organised.

As a result of all the hard work we made the amazing sum of £1,521.27p!!  That will buy quite a few bricks for the bandroom wall!  Well done all!

Attention all learners (and others!)

There will be NO learners’ session on 7^th May as the main band is playing a concert at Pickering that evening.

On 14^th May there will be lessons as usual from 6.00.  But instead of the usual group session from 7.00, Steve will be doing his customary annual session on instrument cleaning and maintenance.  While this is of especial value to newcomers to brass instruments, it should be of value and interest to all band members (does your instrument qualify for “Sewerpipe of the Year”? – Come and find out!)

Get Well Soon

We were very sorry to hear that Michael L. had been hurt in a car accident over the weekend.  Hope you are better soon Michael – we need you! 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust wristbands

Lizzie has spotted that the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is marketing wristbands in a tasteful purple that will go nicely with band uniform.  They cost £1 and are available from http://www.cfwristbands.co.uk/  Alternatively, if you would like Lizzie to order them for you, I will be putting a list up in bandroom for you to put your name on!

Tracey's 40th Birthday Barbeque

Steve and Tracey are celebrating in traditional style with a Band Barbeque on 4^th June.  In order that they can buy enough sausages can you sign up on the noticeboard if you would like to come as soon as possible!

Attendance at engagements (or lack of it!) – a big nag.

I’m sure that everyone knows that ideally all members of band would attend all engagements!  Equally, everyone knows that this isn’t always possible, and that very occasionally illness or emergency means that members can’t make it at the last moment!

HOWEVER, usually band members know well in advance if they are not going to be able to make a job.  At the beginning of every season, Dorothy gives out lists of engagements and asks people to let her know if there are any jobs they cannot do.  This should mean that before the season starts she and Robin have an idea of who is available for each job and whether there are jobs where we will have to find some outside players to cover absences.

            It’s very easy to think “Well, there are other people on my part, it doesn’t really matter if I’m not there!  I’m not that important!”  Not true!  The band is just as much a team as any sporting side and every player is needed.  If you can’t be there we need to get cover for you and that player will need to rehearse with the band.  After all people PAY us to play for them – they have a right to get what they pay for; if they don’t they won’t ask us again, and their payment is what enables us to function without charging members subscriptions!

So, PLEASE, as soon as you know you won’t be available for a job , TELL DOROTHY.  Don’t wait till she asks you the week before the job.  As soon as you know your holiday dates put them on her list and tell her which jobs this will involve.

(Nag over!!!)

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

1^st May - Roger
22^nd May - Matthew L
28^th May - Susan



                                               
If I have missed you out, I'm really sorry and I hope you all enjoy(ed) your Birthdays.

Swinton Band Smartgroup

For some time people have asked whether we couldn’t have an area of the website that was private for band members.  I’m not sure that I can manage that but it seemed to me that a Smart group might fill the gap.  These are private internet groups which enable discussion, sharing of photographs, files, calendars etc among members.

I have set one up for the band.  Membership is open to all by invitation (private groups do not show up if you are not a member!), so if you would like to join this, let me have your email address and I’ll invite you to join!