Now we are into the thick of the summer events and looking forward to playing outdoors in the warm sunshine.
Many of you turned out on a lovely evening to support us and the Choir for the fundraising concert in the beautiful garden of Jane and David Hey. Although it had looked like rain the weather was kind and the level of support surprised everyone. Many people took advantage of the opportunity to picnic prior to the music in the lovely surroundings. Although this was originally our (delayed) annual Spring Concert in the Village Hall, I think it may now become a regular outdoor event on the calendar instead.
We recently played in Montpellier Park, Cheltenham on the refurbished bandstand. Having been booked to play on a Saturday afternoon we wondered how many people would have the time to sit in the park on a busy shopping day. The answer - lots!! Much money has been spent on the park recently and it was certainly very popular with many people enjoying picnics. We would like to think that there were loads of extra people just to listen to us ? but perhaps not..!! Congratulations to Cheltenham for keeping the band concerts and other entertainment going in the parks.
Our next home outings will be at the Frampton Feast Service in August and then of course the Frampton Country Fair in September.
On Sunday 27th September we will be playing in Gloucester Park for the Bandstand Marathon. On this day bands will be taking to bandstands throughout the South West to play between 2pm and 4pm. This was a successful event last year and apparently this year there will be a full programme of events and the Salvation Army will be holding a picnic event to coincide with our concert.
Later in the year we hope to do some competition work and we now need to register all our players with the Brass Band Association. This involves everyone having their photos taken to provide a driving-licence type I.D card to be shown before taking to the stage at any competition. I remember the good old days when you just wandered on with no proof of who was playing - that's progress..!!
Finally, when turning the calendar to July I noticed an entry that said - "apply to supermarkets for dates for Christmas playing"...!! Well it won't be long.... Check out our website www.framptonband.co.uk for our full summer (and Christmas) programme..hit the keys and hear the notes...
Looking forward to seeing you hearing us....
Brian Ireland,
Bandmaster