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May 2005
Busy? The Band? Well the Cuckoo Fair certainly kept the adrenalin pumping and
the muscles flexing! From 9am Saturday it was all hands on deck, moving chairs
and instruments, preparing the band stall and finding enough empty wine bottles
to make our “Lucky Drip” game the success it was! (OK it was very easy to find
empties…)
Thanks to Jane Wright, Ali Silver and Band Mascot Charlotte Nash for the top
fund raising effort!
On the pitch the Training band proved star performers – “leaps and bounds” is
the phrase that leaps to mind. Magnificent in all respects – especially looking
great in their new green jumpers! Well played all.
Photos of the Cuckoo Fair here (thanks again to
Jane and Ali)
Despite late nights for some, a balanced band made it to “church parade” at the
Memorial Hall, and we thoroughly enjoyed the service. (Although our horn
player’s version of for “Stand up, stand up for Jesus” was a bit embarrassing…)
On Sunday night the Concert was again a sell out and great performances from our
guest master of ceremonies and solo artist, Paul Borrelli (MD), the band as a
unit and some of the bands principals made it a night to remember. If this is
the level of playing we are to expect during the coming summer then it will be a
top season! Again the junior band deserve special mention – their young
percussionist, Stuart Duggal, enhancing an already fine sounding group of
players.
The band were supported by many of the “band widows” – our grateful thanks go to
Linda Sainsbury and the refreshment team and Pat Hooper, and Squad for the
raffle; and of course our own Mike H. on the door and ticket sales. A big thanks
to Giles Vye & Sons for sponsoring the programmes, too.
Of course we’re busy – but not too busy to let our hair down as the summer
begins.
On Sunday 8th May a small section the band took part in a quiz at our “home”
venue the White Horse Inn and, although not recreating the Champagne winning
success of the Christmas quiz, were grateful for the continued support of Paul,
landlord and regular contributor – both financially and pastorally – to band
morale! Perhaps next time we won’t come 5th (out of 5...!)
See you at the Moot concert on Saturday June 4th.
Bottoms up,
Nobby Todd
April 2005
The band is pictured in the Torquay Herald Express (18 March). Click
to see the photo.
20 March 2005
The eagerly awaited report on the recent contest is
here. Thanks to Nobby.
Torquay Contest, 12 March 2005
The band was placed a respectable 10th place out of 16 bands in the 3rd
section. Everyone including Roland was pleased with the result in the first year
following promotion. Some photos are here and a full
report will follow soon.
March 2005
The New Year has kicked off with some
major changes around the band. Principal cornet, Richard Plaskett has opted for
a quieter life, leaving a gap, excellently filled by his former “safety man”
Matt Chiverton.
Already, during rehearsals for the
Torquay Regionals in March, his clear and focussed leadership has given us a
rejuvenated enthusiasm for our preparation. Despite him being “Yorkshire-ish”.
A couple of other senior players have
had to step away in this first few months too. Fred Faulkner, due to his
preparation for a spot of international alpine endeavour realised as long ago as
August that his full commitment to practices would be severely affected. And
Sop maestro Andy Whitlock, though bravely accepting the role of timpanist, had
to put the blowing aside to focus his attention on NHS statistics. His op went
well and now his left one is the same size…
So we have necessarily re-shuffled the
Downton pack. First we welcomed Lloyd Allen as stand in solo euphonium. From a
wind band background and so, relatively, inexperienced he has grown in
confidence during the past few weeks. Gary Robert has been drafted up the order
from second cornet and new face Louise Dugan has joined Emma Godfrey-Bawden,
also promoted up this year, on 2nd cornet. Another recent recruit is
flutter-tonguing legend John Owlet on to 3rd.
With a static and solid middle of the
band we hope to at least have a tuneful show in Torquay. We have no real
expectations beyond having every part covered (except maybe the side drum…), but
hope that recent form will be reversed after Weymouth. We won’t sound like
Cory’s do on the CD but we’ll finish together (probably).
I hope that keeps you up to date with
recent Downton Band events. If you are interested in getting back to serious
socialising and play a brass instrument then do get over to the band hall in
Gravel Close at eight o’clock on a Wednesday!!
January 2005
Happy New Year! Apologies for the delay, but here now is the long-awaited
report and photos from the Wessex Context in December.
Report
Photos
December 2004
We have set up an online shop, click
here or on the link on
the home page. Anything bought through this page will generate valuable income
for the band, and will not cost you any more. Please use it for all your
Christmas Shopping! The retailers include M&S, John Lewis, Comet, Amazon and
many more.
Also for any brass band CDs from Doyen Online, click
here or on the link at the bottom of the home page. The band will earn £1
for each CD purchased.
July/August/September 2004 News
Firstly apologies for the absence of our usual monthly reports. I have spent
most of the summer in a tax avoidance exercise, travelling to the IOM, Isle of
Jersey and the Cayman Islands to “maximise” my portfolio, as they say. Nothing
illegal of course.* Just a few days owing the DVLC for the car licence. (and
you’re a lazy bugger too! Ed.)
Unlike our solo trombone, whose notoriety has developed through his errant
disregard of the green cross code – sacrificing a cycling proficiency test
certificate, and risking community service or worse. Lock him up for all our
sakes…
David’s incident was not the only highlight of this past summer for the band.
Our concert at the Moot was well attended and gave the junior band a good
work-out too. Our efforts at Lymington Bandstand were also much appreciated.
Three monumental day long stints at the New Forest Show – including the
traditional camp out at the Ringwood Brewery marquee – ensured the band’s lips
got a good work out, and a couple of fun-filled days at Breamore House, have
been the main highlights of our summer playing.
At Lymington top moment was the chance to see Gazza on the pull (again). He
timed the moment to unleash “Georgia” just as a group of nubile young lasses
passed our spot – the final obligato was greeted with whoops, cheers and
unsavoury sexual promises from his new found posse. Sadly as it dawned on the
girls that Big G was seriously considering accepting one (or two) of them, the
group made a desperate and successful dash for the IOW ferry. Phew!
At Breamore most memorable were the “off the pitch” shenanigans in the official
car parking area. Andy, admittedly after the lunchtime pub-break, thought that
the gaps in all the other parked vehicles would make a good rally cross course.
The idea might have worked if he’d had a smaller, more inconspicuous motor and
the parking attendant had been less self-important. Having finished the
Breamore-Dakar and returned to his original parking space Andy Knievel was
berated for his inconsiderate driving behaviour. Never one to miss the
opportunity for cerebral banter our esteemed sop player told him where to shove
his jobs-worth attitude. Other, more peaceful and responsible band members - and
one member of the musical direction team (eh Downlar? - real name changed)
naturally intervened to offer to “hold the ginger twat while you beat 8 shades
of crap out of him” – which seemed to end the affair. Ginger ran off and we
smuggled Andy in and out for the rest of the two day gig, avoiding the police
cordons.
We have also had small ensembles out at some smaller fetes and events. Thanks to
all the bandsmen and women who made such great efforts to be there – especially
that indispensable army of deps and guests we rely on through all seasons. Guest
conductors were especially welcome and our gratitude remains...blah, blah, blah.
Never able to turn down a social event, a good number of us trundled down to
Roland’s beach villa for an early evening barbecue and get together. The relaxed
atmosphere and fine selection of beverages (some mildly alcoholic) ensured a
good time was had by all. The weather was not blazing, but Roland’s triple
barbecue and Jane’s natural radiance kept spirits high, and we thank them for
their superb hospitality – I hope this turns in to an annual event!!
Contest Ahead, Danger, Danger
Roland, and Bournemouth Concert Brass, have returned with a fantastic win at the
Nationals in Harrogate (actually they came 9th but this was written on the
Friday before, Ed.) so now we are readying a contest piece for the annual winter
contest in Weymouth. This years piece (Plantagenet Suite, Gregson) is extremely
challenging and will examine the band’s abilities – not only in musicianship,
but in commitment to “home” practice and being available for extra preparation.
Yes, I’m just – subtly? – explaining to my wife and kids that I won’t see them
much in the coming months. Of course at the moment it sounds...um...disagreeable
in parts (mostly the solo horn part!) but with time and a small field of bands
on the day we hope to do very very well this time…um…yeah.
If you’re a Bb bass player with a few months free do apply to Greg or Carol at
the site addresses. Please.
Nobby Todd
June News
Despite having a busy month, contesting at Weston Super Mare, and enjoying a
successful concert at the Moot, we would like to make a special mention of the
late evening D-Day Celebration and outdoor Service of Remembrance held on June
5th. Like our annual march and involvement in the Armistice service in St
Lawrence’s, this evening reinforced our position in and commitment to the
village and it’s history.
This splendid event at the Beacon was a tribute to the skills of the organisers
in accommodating a great range of needs and requirements for such an important
gathering. We as a Band, were much moved and grateful to be involved in showing
our respect for those who gave themselves for our freedoms. For many members and
guests of Downton Band, our small musical tribute made the understanding of June
1944 clearer, and for this alone we would say:
“Thank YOU Downton.”
Nobby Todd
May 2004
On 16th May, the band entered the Weston-Super-Mare own choice contest for
the first time. Due to lack of rehearsal time, we played the test piece from the
Regional, Partita by Edward Gregson. Everyone enjoyed the day and the weather
was excellent. The result was quite good too, coming 6th out of 12 bands.
Photos here. Full report
here (Thanks to Nobby)
March/April/May News
The annual Area Contest in Torquay in March, was our foremost priority early
in 2004. The twin goals of Finals qualification and promotion to the 3rd Section
were realistic targets. The piece, “Partita” was tough but enjoyable, and the
band got the hang of it pretty well. On the day we were pipped for the top spots
by better bands and, though disappointed, considered the result very fair. We
were most delighted with our promotion up the rankings. This is a well deserved
reward for the hard work and consistent improvement shown by the Band over the
past few years. Well done players, past and current, and especially to Roland
Wright at the helm; thanks also to regular supporters and our families!
Report and Photos from
the Torquay contest.
The Cuckoo Fair has reached a significant milestone this year, and the “25th
party” was extremely well attended by locals and visitors. We are sure this was
due to the increasing high regard the Fair is attracting regionally, and not
just because the “telly” was there!? Still, we all look forward to seeing the
Village depicted through the camera lens in the coming months. The Band was
recorded, creating much amusement - we shall see if any of us make it to the
final cut! A most pleasing aspect of the day was the very fine playing of the
junior band on the Borough green. Missing a few key players their performance
was still excellent and drew a large and very complimentary audience. Well done
guys!!
It’s not often you get to hear a Bishop preach, so it was with pleasure that the
band led worship at the Downton Churches Together service the next morning. The
service was fun and very upbeat. Former Salvationists in the band particularly
enjoyed the clapping, and playing “Onward Christian Soldiers”! Hallelujah!
The Band always enjoys a good concert. It is a chance to showcase our playing,
validate the hours of practice put in, and bring some pleasure to music lovers,
especially band enthusiasts. It also keeps our horn section out of the pub…This
years Cuckoo Fair Concert in the Memorial Hall was one of the best yet. The Hall
was packed (We RAN OUT of chairs), the programme had something for everyone –
traditional marches and classic band pieces, solo items from the band, and new
works including James Bond themes and favourite Disney Songs! Our MD reminded
many of us that we had lived and relived many of the Disney moments through our
children and/or grandchildren. Memories were kindled of his daughters watching
“Beauty and the Beast” regularly on his TV at home. Some wondered whether he was
talking about a Disney Movie or his wedding video? But I digress.
The concert was enhanced by the top guest performances of Jane Wright (Soprano)
and Dr Paul Borrelli (Saxophone) accompanied superbly by horn player Rachael
Faulkner (Bontempi). Their sensitive, amusing and thoroughly entertaining
contributions added beautifully to a most enjoyable and satisfying musical
evening.
December News
Carolling! Just the thought will warm most of our hearts – and give lie to
the assumption that we are only in (and around) the band for the cosy comfort of
the White Horse, The Bull or Ings Arms (get your sign fixed, man!), or for the
glory of the concert and contesting stages…
Downton Band – and though new to this, I’m very much in favour of it – has a
fantastic (and these days rare) policy of street carolling, encompassing every
cranny of the village. At least once (and for most twice) each street of Downton
is visited by the band. Our festive greetings audibly enticing even the most
miserly to acknowledge the season – all but a few generously rewarding us with
friendly greetings and many valuable coins of the realm! Some went much further,
and our grateful thanks go to our hosts at The Moot House, Christmas morning.
Photos here.
Of course the playing was central to our carolling effort and the band made
light work of the Salvation Army carol books – even the hard ones…The balance
remained “Christmas Consistent” – 1 lead cornet, 3 junior band 2nds, a cornet
player on horn, a horn player on sop, a euphonium, a (loud) trombone and no
basses (well on the bad nights…).
We were well supported by an able troop of collectors and parent supervisors
(Bob kept an eye on Richard, as ever – and quite right!!).
We were also pleased to play our regular concert at Charlton All Saints, leading
worship at the St Lawrence’s carol service and two extremely rewarding sessions
at Hedge End. Well done all who took part over the carolling period. We expect
to get in more crannies’ next year.
6 Dec 2003 - Weymouth Contest. Report and
Photos.
November News
A fine few weeks have passed for the band: A
great week end in Dundee, was followed by frenetic but enjoyable preparation
for two public performances in the village. The first saw a packed memorial
hall entertained by the band, and special guests, for Downton’s answer to
the “October Fest” – with oompah music, sausage and rowdy behaviour of a
Bavarian nature. Well done to all who took part – and raised much needed
funds for the band.
We also were pleased to welcome, and be entertained by the Cwm Cawr Male
Voice Choir at St Lawrence’s early in November. The choirs’ varied and high
quality programme was a real joy for the band and the enthusiastic sell out
audience. We were glad to share musically in the programme – and after at a
very relaxed evening reception…
It will soon be Christmas (sorry!) so watch out for the band’s annual stint
of carolling throughout the village – and we hope to greet you, in our
traditional way, Christmas Day. Be warned.
Click here for photos from the recent events.
25 September 2003
The band have now almost fully recovered from
the trip to Dundee for the National Finals. The band were placed 14th out of
21 bands which most of us were reasonably happy with. Everyone will agree
that it was a very enjoyable weekend, musically as well as socially, and a
chance to visit a part of the country many had not been to before.
"Nobby" has kindly provided us with his now traditional report.
Photos are here.
August News
Despite the usual toll that summer holidays take on our numbers, a full
programme of events and concerts is still being undertaken. Our annual three-day
stint at the New Forest show, including an appearance on Radio Solent, was most
enjoyable, despite the wet weather, and regular guest players agreed with us
that this particular gig remains a high spot in our band calendar. Thanks to all
who made it there that week!
We are especially pleased to announce that tenor horn player (and very popular
assistant Head at Downton Big School) Rachel Walter has (finally!) managed to
get our solo euphonium player, Fred Faulkner, to make an honest woman of her.
The ceremony was at St Lawrence’s on Saturday 9th August (hottest day of the
year so far!), and the reception at New House, Redlynch. Congratulations from
the Band. For a review and photos click here.
A diverse selection of concerts is planned for this autumn. As well as our
eagerly awaited appearance at the National Brass Band Championships, in Dundee
on September the 20th, we would invite you to two special concerts to be held in
the village. At the Memorial Hall, on Saturday 18th October is a “German
Evening” complete with associated music, food, drink and atmosphere. The other
sees the visit of Cwm Carw Male Voice Choir for weekend of 1st/2nd November.
Full details of these events – and how to join the band in Dundee (Eb Bass and
Euphonium players take note) - are available from Chairman Bob Plaskett 01725
511258.
14th June 2003
Another engagment in the busy summer season, this time the annual concert at
The Moot, Downton. There was a good turnout and the rain just about stayed away. Bob and
Marlene did a great job with the barbecue, raising funds for the band. Some
photos here. Thanks to Steve's Dad for taking the photos.
7th June 2003
The band played in the Whiteparish Carnival and Fete. This included a new
experience - playing on a trailer behind a tractor. Another highlight of the
afternoon was a demostration of their dancing skills by John and Win! Click
here for the photos. Special thanks to the deps who
helped us out - Paul, Karl, Dan, Martin and Ian.
4th May 2003
Some photos of the Cuckoo Fair concert held in the
Memorial hall. Spot the guest principal cornet player!
5th April 2003
The band took part in the West of England regional contest at the Riviera
Centre in Torquay, and we were thrilled to be awarded 2nd place in the Fourth
Section out of 25 bands. The test piece was Lydian Pictures by Simon Dobson.
Due to illness, Bb Bass player Jo Wray was unable to play at the contest, and
we are eternally grateful to Steve Davies of Pillowell Silver Band who very
kindly agreed to stand in for her at short notice.
We look forward now to making the long journey to Dundee for the National
Finals in September. This will be the first time the band has been to the finals
for over a decade and will be a new experience for many of the band members.
Click here to see the photos. A full report is
here. Thanks to "Nobby" for his words of wisdom.
7th December 2002
The band competed in First Section of the Wessex Contest at the Lighthouse
Arts Centre, Poole playing the test piece, Purcell Variations by Kenneth Downie.
This was a very challenging piece and we came a respectable 4th place out of
seven bands. Thanks especially to guest players Michael and Felicity on
Percussion and Rachel and Adrian on Cornet.
Click here for the photos and
here for a report. Thanks to the author who wishes
to remain anonymous!
10th November 2002
Photos from the Remembrance Sunday parade are here.
6th October 2002
Yesterday, the band played at a reception at the Moot House in Downton,
one of the grandest old houses in the village. Despite a slightly under strength
band, the music was much appreciated by the hosts and the unusually warm weather
made for a pleasant afternoon. Thanks especially to the
guest players who helped out the band.
To see photos, click here
5th September 2002
The Band feature in the Salisbury Journal:
Musicians show their mettle in tug o' war
Musicians from Downton Band rolled up their sleeves and took part in a tug
o' war after playing at the village's White Horse pub on Saturday. The band
arrived after the official tug o' war competition at a family fun day in the
pub's field had been completed. But to add to the day's fun, they sportingly
took up a challenge to pull against the two finalists - White Horse landlord
Kevin Goulding's team and a side from the village's King's Arms pub - and won.
"I think the two pub sides were just glad the band were not present when the
real contest was going on." said Kevin's wife Samantha.
The fun day also included stalls, face-painting and tombola - raising £80, which
was donated to the band.
Kevin and Samantha, who have been at the White Horse just 13 months, plan to
make the fun day an annual event for local charities. "It was something of a
spur-of-the moment thing this year but we shall plan next year's event much
earlier and make it bigger and better." said Samantha
2nd September 2002
Last Saturday, 31st August, the band played at the White Horse Pub for their
Family Fun Day. One of the highlights of the afternoon was a
tug-of-war match between several members of the band (and guest players) and the
winners and runners up from the tournament held earlier that afternoon. The band
won 2-1, thanks especially to the strength and voice of anchorman, Gary.
Following the event several members of the band and guest players marked the
end of the busy summer season of engagements by visiting several pubs in Downton
and Woodfalls, starting at the White Horse and finishing at the Old Inn,
Woodfalls.
To see photos from this day, click here.
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