Sorry.... We haven't got one.... yet.... it could be you :-) On Sat 27th September 2003, the band will revive an old tradition of walking the walls. Stopping at several places on the way around (Saturday afternoon), to play, this is a great sponsor opportunity. We're bound to get excellent media coverage; maybe even TV, so drop Ian C an email and get in first.

Sat 2nd August Dragged, by his wife Mandy, to the bandroom on a Saturday night to pick up some music.... a not very happy Rob MacDonald was surprised to find a party in full swing!!!!! It was a surprise 40th birthday party for Rob himself :-) Think he's got over it now..... A great night was had by all, as the saying goes, and Rob would like to thank all those who attended and all the prezzies. He'd just like to know what else we're keeping secret from him!!! See you next year Rob?

A promotional newsletter and posters advertising the Cathedral concert are now available. Email Ian via the contacts page if you can use one of either!!

We still need a few more volunteers to act as Stewards and assist with the smooth running of the 150th Anniversary Concert in Chester Cathedral on the 18th October 2003. Mandy MacDonald our Flugel Horn player, is collecting the names of volunteers who would like to become stewards (this will involve First Aid training). We have already had 5 people come forward but need a further 5. Mandy is a fully trained first aid instructor and you would have a first aid certificate to show as a result of your efforts. Also need for collectors for our Groves outing on SUnday 17th. Full training given! Come and spend an afternoon by the river and help us pay for our repaired roof at the same time.

It's been a while, but we've a nice piccy (Thanks Rob) in the Chronicle this week with story on our Solo Comp and BBQ. Check it out.

Mon Aug 11th - Main Band only, usual time/place, no TB Mon Aug 18th - TB rehearsal, but no main band rehearsal, but celebration and committee mtg at MT Scout Hut after Training Band. Mon Aug 25th - no rehearsals at all, bank holiday. Sep 1st, all back to normal :-) See earlier news item for the Training Band schedule and news.

Monday night from a car outside the band room, A Smith Watkins Cornet. If you see something advertised drop us an email or contact the police. This is not a beginners cornet, and custom built for the band, so easily identifiable..... If you stole it 'in error' please drop it in at any public building so we can get it back.

City of Chester Training Band update 21st July 2003 Solo Comp/BBQ Many thanks to all who helped make it three successful years in a row!!! Welcome To Alex on Cornet, and James on Horn. 2 new players to TB; fresh from the main band!! James is Grade 8, so we’re hoping to persuade him to do a bit of training himself J Dates TB dates over the summer: July 28th – TB as normal Aug 17th – Band at the Groves – plan is for TB to play too, fill form in at bottom and return Aug 18th – TB as normal Aug 25th – no, bank holiday Sep 1st – TB as normal Sep 8th – TB as normal We’ll also be looking to hold joint rehearsal with Main Band and organise visit to Championship Band rehearsal over the coming months. Other dates for the diary: Sep 20th – TB will play at the opening of the new park in Mickle Trafford. Sep 27th – TB is invited to join the main band walking the walls of Chester (1300h from Eastgate Clock, details to follow, but it’s hoped the TB will play somewhere on the way round – we’ll leave instruments at a strategic location) Oct 18th – TB in Cathedral Concert. Rehearsal(s) during the day possible. Tea and Coffee, soft drinks available in Band Room after concert for all, plus family as ‘wind down’! Musical Director We’ve already had some real interest in the vacancy. Interested parties are being invited to visit the TB, so don’t be surprised to see strangers around. Peter Dalton has agreed to conduct if we haven’t replaced Paula by the time she moves North! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Groves Outing – August 17th I can / cannot be at The Groves on Sunday 17th August (probably around 2.30ish). NAME: Return by Mon July 28th.

Town outing is cancelled..... sorry for late notice....

Without doubt the band held its wettest solo competition yet!! On Sunday (13th July), during a heat wave? Well it's certainly got to be the largest water fight in the history of the Training Band :-) Anyway, to business. Great afternoon, organised by Ian Clowes, with many highlights. Thanks to adjudicators Phil Mottershead and Andrew MacDonald (Wingates principle cornet), and to Sylvia and Denise for food - cooked in fine style by Rob Fletcher. Special thanks also to Andy for his musical performance on the garden hose!! Of course everyone was a winner, and we had players literally from 6 to 80 years old. Lauren Hunt, cornet, successfully defended her overall title, retaining the Margaret Blythin Trophy, just pipping Kirsty Blain on tenor Horn. Last year's TB-only winner, Chris Clowes, Euph, was squeezed out of the trophy this year by Aine Jackson on cornet. In fact the Jackson family had a good day out, with Liam Jackson, cornet, taking home the new Vice President's Award for the player most improved during their first year with the band. A new trophy donated and presented by longtime band supporter, and ex Training Band Trombone player, David Else. Normally this will be awarded each January, but we couldn't wait until next January! So Liam gets to keep it until then. The afternoon also marked the last official outing with MD Paula Bell at the helm. She took the band (and audience) through a range of numbers, including Hey Baby and The Ketchup Song, before being presented with chocolates, a choccy gold medal, and a framed photo of her time with the band, by members of the training band and TB Coordinator Ian Clowes, followed by a gift from the main band, presented by Phil Mottershead, Chairman. All players received a medal and certificate, presented by past Chairman Ian MacDonald. Each player will also receive their adjudication comments! Our 3rd competition was another fantastic success.... see you there next year. Full list of competitiors below: special mention being made to Donna and Andrew Jackson, who's duet performance really can't be described.... you've got to be there to believe it - they're already preparing for next year! So book your ticket now. Lauren Hunt TB/Main winner, Overall winner Lizzie Knight Helen Clowes Christopher Clowes TB runner-up Aine Jackson TB winner Donna Jackson Andrew Jackson Liam Jackson Vice President Award winner Harry Shepherd Elizabeth MacDonald Emily MacDonald Lisa Dodd Kirsty Blain TB/Main Band runner up Jessica Blain (let me know if I missed anyone!)