This Thursday, Town hall Square 5pm. Switching on of the Xmas lights, together with a festive band.......

Early breaking news.... The band has agreed a partnering arrangement with The Hospice of The Good Shepherd (based in Backford, Chester). During our 150th year (2003), we will partner with the charity, supporting their events, raising funds and promoting the charity through our publications, display boards, website etc. This is a pre-press release note... you heard it here first. Karen Urmston, Fund Raising Mgr of the hospice, will be at Mickle Trafford Scout Hut on Nov 27th, to talk of the work of the Hospice... for more info contact Ian on [email protected] Many more details to follow, once we launch the partnership officially. We'll introduce you to the work of the hospice and events. in the meantime you can find them on the web: http://freespace.virgin.net/graham.leng/hospice/welcome.htm

Congrats to Euph player Christine. Not only did she play in her first contest (on cymbal!), but she also passed her driving test - the first TB'er to do so.... Also congrats to the Tb on their first run through some new music... including the recent hit 'Hey Baby!'... can't wait to see that performed out and about.

We can confirm the band will be going for the contest at Wardle High in November. It won't be doing the earlier NWBBA contest at the RNCM unfortunately.

Starting this Monday (28th Oct 2002) we welcome Peter Dalton to Training Band. A very experienced local brass expert, Peter will be providing tuition for training band members not currently taking lessons elsewhere. Peter will be supported by Derek Mitchell, who will continue working with the very beginners, and will begin a series of 5 week sessions. We'll review the progress over the coming months, but this is a very exciting step for the Band, and should see the TB charge forwards, giving TB Musical Director Paula Bell a really solid team to work with.

Saturday 26th October 2002 Pontins Championships Third Section Chester placed 17th of 20 bands playing. We'll get more from MD Derek, but the band worked hard, and maybe deserved better! But I guess everyone can say that! A good warm-up for Middleton in November.... well done to all the players; especially to Ruth and Christine, last minute newcomers on percussion! With those 2, that brings to 7 players in the contest band that are training band players. I'm starting to get nervous.... better go and practice some more. A good turnout at Pontins, with good support from training band parents, families and friends.

After a summer season of interesting engagements culminating in a ‘Victorian experience’ at Blists Hill Museum the senior band is now practicing to become contest fit. If we could only play some of those old favourites at the contests I’m sure we would win a first prize for something! The Training Band has also had a good summer and the highlight for me was listening to so many brave members stand up and play at the Solo Competition in July. Lots of talent and potential was in evidence – well done! The senior band’s first contest is at Pontins in October and the test piece is the very tuneful ‘Land of the Mountain and the Flood.’ After that we begin the wind up to Christmas and 150 renditions of ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’! Talking of 150, the Year 2003 sees us celebrate the Band’s 150th Anniversary. Lot’s of special things will be happening culminating in a concert in Chester Cathedral on Saturday September 18th that will involve both bands, a well-known brass virtuoso soloist and a local choir. Watch this space for more details! As ever a big thanks must go to everyone associated with the band for the hard work and commitment you all give to it. With people like you the next 150 years is safe! Phil Mottershead

Welcome to October! Time flies when you’re having fun…. Or rehearsing hard for a contest.It’s only a few weeks away from the Pontin’s weekend contest, and Leon Renilson has done us proud leading the rehearsals whilst Derek has been away. Thanks Leon. So what’s been happening in the world of Chesterbrass? We have a report from our Chairman, Phil Mottershead, and updates on our 150 years celebration planning, together with feeedback on the latest from the bandroom.

We’re still looking for a solo Trombone to sit alongside Donna! And a bass player or two would be most welcome….

Phil has mentioned the Blist Hill outing; but the Training Band has also been out and about, playing at Naylor Court Residential home in Ellesmere Port. Once again they did us proud, with a full hours programme conducted by MD Paula Bell. Thanks to driver-parents and supporting players Les, Doug, Leon, and Ian. Our next outing is the town centre on Saturday October 12th. We’ll be playing in the afternoon outside Browns. We are in desperate need of adult collectors. Please contact Ian if you can help, even if it’s just for half an hour (07766 087 243). Then it’s off to Pontins. The band will be playing on Saturday 26th October. You can get a day ticket if you want to come and support. For those staying over the weekend, don’t forget your money is now due. £30 for adults £10 for skoolies to Paula asap!