Brisbane this time!! Hey Guys, Well, I can't remember what I wrote in my last e-mail so sorry if I repeat myself... We've been in Brisbane for 2 weeks now and the task of finding a job is becoming harder and harder. Spent most of our time asking in shops, cafes, bars, clubs, pubs.. anywhere we could. Must have distributed about 100 C.V's too. Most places won't employ backpackers up here. The city's not atall geared up to backpackers as is Sydney. Sarah & I have resorted to drastic measures.... You know those people.. the annoying ones who stand on the street with a clipboard after your money? The ones who you see up ahead and immediately you cross to the other side of the road to avoid? Well yep, that's gonna be me. (I can hear you all laughing right now, so don't think I can't!!) On Monday we start fundraising on the street. Basically, trying to get people to sign up to give money to charity each month. If anyone had told me I'd be doing this a few months ago, I would never have believed it. (The things we do for money hey!?). So yeah, we'll see how it goes. Hope All's Well, especially in Cold, Rainy, Snowy Old England, Lots of Love from, Sunny, Hot & Humid Old Brisbane xxxxxxx

Last year our favourite Vice President, David Else, presented the Training Band with a trophy. The trophy was to be awarded 6 monthly to the nost promising newcomer to the Training Band. Liam Jackson has been the proud 'owner' of the trophy since the solo competition last July.... but he's now had to pass the trophy on to Jessica Blain, a new cornet player in the Training Band. Jessica, who's 7 years old from Blacon, follows in the footsteps of her sister Kirsty - now playing the tenor horn with both the TB and Main Band - and was delighted with the trophy presented by Musical Director Derek Mitchell last Monday night, with David Else in attendance. In the true spirit of the band, it's a family affair, with Jessica's Dad, Tony, now looking after the TB finances and Mum Paula helping out with the TB.

Our intrepid traveller checks in! Hey Guys, Well we arrived in Surfers Paradise yesterday. Pretty commercialised, but I like it. The best way to describe it would be.. to think of Miami!Heaps of palm trees everywhere, a massive long beach & loads of appartment style buildings. The hostel is amazing. It's more like a hotel really but at backpacker prices. The room has an en-suite bathroom and T.V!!!.. absolute luxury!!!, Theres also a swimming pool, tennis courts & games room - we don't want to leave. Went for a moon-lit walk on the beach last night, I can't even begin to describe what that was like. There are 4 major theme parks here on the goldcoast, so we're gonna go and check out prices later on today. Not sure how long we'll stay here but Brisbane's the next stop. Hope all's well, Loads of Love, xxCxx

During a recent check it appears that there are 5 of the bands jackets missing! Have you got a fancy blue jacket with gold piping with the City of Chester bands badge on it, in your wardrobe, car boot or anywhere else for that matter? If so please contact us so we can arrange for it to be returned. Don’t worry we won’t name and shame!

Congrats to Lauren Hunt - Main Band 3rd cornet, TB solo cornet in achieving distinction in her recent cornet exam.... No excuse now for those twiddly bits!! Thanks to Peter Dalton the TB professional tutor for his expert support. Second congrats too on passing her grade 3 piano :) Wot a talented bunch we've got.... ps. if anyone else has passed an exam recently and would like to share it with the world, just drop me a line via the contacts area (Ian Clowe)

Rehearsals restart for both bands on Jan 5th (Monday), and Friday as normal.... Training Band at Mickle Trafford 6.30 Monday. Fancy joining us? Just drop by. OK - sorry, apologies. Due to illness the Training Band restart is back a week to Jan 12th!!! Allows a bit more time to practice :-)

For some time we've been struggling without a solo trombone player! But it can't go on. To enter contests over the next 3 months we'd love to have some company. In fact without one we're going to struggle to make it to the regionals. So why not give us a call......

Now's the time to drop Les an email and book the band for your special event in 2004..... go on you know it makes sense :-) The band would like to wish everyone a Very Happy New Year!

The last outing of the year to the 'Xmas-free zone' Alvaston Hall. Good sized audience enjoyed singalongs and Pancho whilst they tucking into some fine-smelling food... always best to eat first for this job! Not a full band, but thanks to those who could make it. Derek, Phil, Rob MacD, Davyd, Judy, Sylvia, Mandy, Chris, Aimee, Andy, Les, Doug, Rob F, Donna, Helen and Ian, with special guest appearance by Norm on solo trom.

Saughall Church - 6.30pm Sunday 28th Dec Great night, the last chance to sing a few carols this Xmas. Fantastic performance from the training band, conducted by Derek, and supported by main band members; Les, Andrew, Rob, Mandy and Ian. Tinsel away now until next Xmas!!!