Weston-Super-Mare Own Choice Contest, 16 May 2004
Downton Band At The Seaside
With an invitation to compete at the Weston Super Mare Own Choice Contest in May
– which the band readily accepted – members of the band packed sunnies, trunks,
and factor 30 in the hope of a fine day out and maybe a donkey ride.
The day began well – 80% of the band gathered in good time for the charabanc,
departing at 7am from The White Horse (even the bleary eyed Big G hit the coach
steps in good time, if not good order). We had the rare privilege of a full
Saino Section in attendance (we hoped previous rowdiness would not be repeated
on this trip!).
The journey was uneventful despite Fred’s constant back seat driving and fears
that we had taken the wrong route. It was only Rachael cleverly threatening him
with a week at his mum’s that kept him from “popping up for a word with the
driver…”
Highlights of the journey included the site of Cheddar FC – greeted with cries
of “cheese” – and the fantastic piece of emergency braking leading to an
enormous rear of bus thud and groaning as Gary rolled off the back seat where he
had been sleeping off the effects of inferior ale and a late night pot noodle.
At Weston, Roland was in attendance at the draw, and with excellent
encouragement and necessary assistance from Pete, got us a decent mid table,
pre-luncheon playing slot. The general standard of bands was high – at least 3
bands placed higher than us at Torquay, a good selection of unknown quantities
and Sandleheath & Verwood.
Of course we made the usual reunions and acknowledgements. ‘Twas nice to see old
mates from by gone days - some we thought had passed on years ago! Special
mention should be made of our regular “bump into’s” with Maria Fricker - MD of
Bratton Silver. She didn’t moan about her nasty draws once! Still from a no. 1
play, we thought her band sounded v. good and should do well in Harrogate.
Playing the contest piece, “Partita” again (thought we had better play it right
once - and should have), was a welcome distraction from the terrible gassing
incident in the signing in room. We think we know who did it but at least three
candidates are still under suspicion – actually only two as Pete Jung was not
present that day…Women screamed, men hurled and two bass players were
hospitalised. Though no animals were harmed in the making of THAT PRODUCT, the
ozone layer was further irreparably damaged!
After our performance we all needed a bit of refreshment, and fresh air. While
Dave, Brian, Bob and Rich started a marathon session in the bar, the majority of
the band adjourned to Burger King and shared a meaty picnic in the adjoining
park. Even Emma killed and spit roasted a small hog in the traditional manner.
Lapsed Vegetarians, eh!?
Of course the post piece post-mortem was instigated. Too safe was Roland’s
verdict. The odd blip and missed entry stung some of us, so we were not overly
expectant. Which proved sensible. As long as we beat Verwood we would be
pleased!
As the afternoon wore on we got a bit “relaxed”, stationed strategically outside
the Pavilion Bar, and the obvious amenities therein. The sun shone and Rachael
began to sizzle gently in the warming rays. Charlotte did the mascot thing
(shopping) and Andy and “Geordie” Matt devised a new “web sport” – based on the
Band T-shirt photographed in a far flung location principle.
The challenge: to photograph a bandsman and/or woman (in our Green’s only) with
an UNSUSPECTING member of the public. The only rules are: be in a band uniform
or T-shirt and select a non banding sacrifice. We began well – the lads and Emma
using this as an opportunity to grab and grip pretty girls and dishy guys, the
photos bare out the fact that unsuspecting members of
the public are almost always “game on” if approached by an affiliated British
Bandsman. Even Roland pulled – even if one young lady patronisingly called him
“grandpa!” The standard has been set quite low so next time the band is out and
about the photos should “develop” in an interesting way. The chance to create
saucy postcard style pics remains the goal, eh chaps? Summer is here!
After a shed load of cigars were smoked, gallons of medium strength alcohol had
been consumed, and an invariably miserable and despondent stream of Third
Section players had trooped past our discreet al fresco vantage point, the
inevitable return to banding reality was upon us and we reassembled in the hall
for the results. Not expecting ever so much we got that (no mention in the
places: a credible, mid-table 6th, making only Marcus happy as he scooped £12 in
the sweep – he almost smiled!).
The worst thing was Verwood Concert Brass
getting second! Seriously, that was a fine achievement – those of us who heard
them knew they had played the piece well and, if the adjudicator enjoyed their
choice, we thought they would do well: He did and they did! Well done Emma,
Bobby and all!
We returned to our revelry, Marcus splashing out on some second hand rock for
Ethan, and Danny finally releasing his grip on a packet of 30 year old Castellas
(saving them for a special occasion ma derriere!).
By four we were all ready to board the bus and
wend our way back through Somerset. Farewells were said and, despite a few tears
as we said cheerio to our classy MD, and his wife, and Matt and Claire, no real
trauma was felt. We even got Kirsty back on the bus in one piece. Or was it a
bikini (!).
The journey back included the familiar “tutting” from Fred at the lights and
junctions, the consumption by 8 bandsmen of 4 bottles of warm Becks, a corporate
munch on selection of kiddies sweets and the reprise call of “cheese”, and
Gary’s continued attempts to get photos of our lasses’ legs.
The bus seemed more subdued than usual and final conclusions were that Pete
“Officer” Jung’s absence had a calming effect! That debate was overwhelmingly
won by those believing it was a bad thing. A tear was shed at Wells for our
absent friend…
Back home a swifty was called for at the White Horse and plans were made for a
series of band reunions throughout the coming months. These would begin on
Wednesday evenings at the White Horse – initially on a weekly basis, around
10pm. So anyone in the area wishing to reunite or, indeed, unite for the first
time with one of our bandsmen or women (or both), you know when and where! We
know how.
We would like to pay special tribute to our guest cornet player for the day,
Tina, of Shrewton Band who really settled herself on the front bench – another
player off to Harrogate – good luck at the Finals! And thanks.
Nobby
May 2004