This week 3rd Cornet Lauren Hunt was rushed into hospital to have her appendix removed.... Successfully. Get well soon!!!!! She's hoping to be out of hospital and home for the weekend - and her birthday (shared with Helen) on Monday!

The Training Band will be held at the new venue in St Luke's Church in Huntingdon. A beginners session will start at 1800h, followed by the full TB. Coffee, tea, soft drinks available. Contact Tony Blain for more info.

News about Phil, Ian and Leanne can be found here - http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=146. Take a look!

As a result of Phil Mottershead taking over as Musical Director of the main band, the position of Training Band Conductor became vacant. Into the breach has stepped Ian Clowes, 2nd Euphonium with the main band, who will officially take up his new role on 31 Jan. Ian has been a staunch supporter of the Training Band and is well known and respected by the members. The City of Chester Band is confident that with Ian at the helm, guiding the youngsters, its future is in safe hands.

Congrats to TB Baritone player Aine Jackson from Mickle Trafford, who's just got a distinction in her grade 1 piano!

Congratulations to Kirsty Blain (TB/MB) & Leanne Wilshire (TB) for taking part in an impromptu concert by the Blacon High School Swing Band in the entrance of the Forum Shopping Precinct on Friday last week in aid of the Tsunami Appeal. Kirsty played her alternative instrument the Alto Sax while Leanne played Trumpet. They helped raise a grand total of £667.64 in just two hours. Well done girls.

Training Band 2nd Cornet player Leanne Wilsher has achieved another notable musical success at Blacon High School. Leanne recently won the Dean Dilly Memorial Trophy for the most improved player in the school. This is the second time that a City of Chester Band youngster has won this trophy - Kirsty Blain, main band star Solo Horn player, won it 2 years ago. Well done Leanne, we're all very proud of you!

Visitors to this web site will be aware that the Band’s long-serving MD, Derek Mitchell, retired at the end of November after 57 years service. The Band has been extremely busy since then and Derek’s successor, Phil Mottershead, has hardly had time to draw breath since he took over the hot seat (or should that be hot baton?). Below, in his own words, are Phil’s feelings about being the new MD: ‘I am delighted to take over as MD at Chester for lots of reasons but mainly because it’s an honour and a privilege to lead such a fine collection of instrumentalists and friends in our joint musical endeavours.' 'I joined Chester Bluecoat Band in 1963 on 3rd Cornet and so it has been a very important part of my life ever since. As a young player I was inspired by Derek Mitchell’s talent and flair on principal cornet. Eventually I worked my way up through the ranks and became his ‘bumper up’ – what a lot I learnt from him in that position which I put to good use when I in turn became principal cornet.' 'Now, once again I am delighted to be taking over the MD’s position from Derek who has handed on to me a band with full membership and in very good musical shape. I hope to build on this success as we move into our contest season. There are some very big challenges ahead but I feel sure that with such a dedicated team of musicians giving me their full support the only way is up!’

On Saturday January 8th, in a wonderful evening’s musical entertainment, a number of Chester’s musical groups and individuals came together under the banner ‘Music in Chester’ to raise money for the Tsunami Earthquake Disaster Appeal. The City of Chester Band is very proud to have been part of an event that raised an amazing £12000 on the night, with a potential final total of £14000! Four choirs, two brass bands, a samba drum band, as well as individual vocal soloists provided an evening of high quality entertainment, played out before a capacity audience in the Northgate Arena. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with all the artists enjoying and supporting each other’s performances. The Band chose the march Star Lake, an arrangement of Robbie Williams’ Angels, and Breezin’ Down Broadway for its solo contribution, the last item in particular producing a tremendous cheer from an appreciative audience. After some nifty chair rearranging, the Band joined with Farndon and District Band for Punchinello and The Best of Bond. The climax of the evening came when all the musicians joined together for World in Union and Abide With Me. A special mention must be made of Mike Heathcote of The City of Chester Male Voice Choir, whose idea it was for the concert, and all the people who gave freely of their time and effort to support such a worthwhile cause. It was a truly memorable evening. For the record, the artists taking part were: Karamba Samba The City of Chester Band A Handbag of Harmonies Kathleen O’Connor Farndon and District Brass Band Kelsborrow Choir The Chester Ladies’ Choir The City of Chester Male Voice Choir Valerie Watts