News
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Coach to the Areas
21:44 - 07/03/2010
Whitwell Brass Band will be taking a coach to the Midlands Regional competition in Bedworth on Sunday 14th March. There are limited spaces available for non-players.
If you wish to join us, the coach will be leaving Whitwell Community Centre in the morning, returning after the Fourth Section results have been announced. The cost will be £5 per person.
For more information or to reserve your place please fill out the Contact form with all of your details.
Christmas Wishes from Whitwell Brass Band
22:47 - 25/12/2009
Whitwell Brass Band would like to wish all of it supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2009 was another busy year for the band. Over 1000 miles has been covered performing in concerts and contests in places as far afield as Skegness, Matlock, Bedworth, and for the first time in over half a century, the National Finals in Harrogate.
The first few months of 2010 will be busy for Whitwell Brass Band. No sooner will the New Year hangover be cured, they will be preparing for the lucrative Butlins competition in Skegness. After then, the band will concentrate on trying to regain the Midlands Fourth Section Regional Trophy in Bedworth in March.
Next summer will be busy with concerts all over the local area. Keep an eye on the website to see where the band will be playing when.
Dennis Wheatley
7:14 - 28/09/2009
It is with deep regret that Whitwell Brass Band have to announce the death of former conductor Dennis Wheatley.
Dennis passed away at dawn on Sunday 27th September, just hours after the band left the stage of the British National Brass Band Competition at Harrogate.
He had been Musical Director for some 27 years, guiding the band through its most difficult period during the pit closures of the late 1980's.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, particularly his son David who played solo cornet with the band at Harrogate but who was able to be at his father's side when he passed away.
Band Finish 16th At Nationals
8:14 - 27/09/2009
Following a disappointing performance, Whitwell Brass Band, conducted by David Fretwell finished 16th out the 19 bands competing at the Fourth Section National Finals in Harrogate.
In their remarks, adjudicators gave praise to the band's Solo Horn player, Lauren Stacey whilst www.4barsrest.com gave their 'star player' award to Principal Cornet player, David Wheatley.
Despite the result, the band enjoyed the experience of playing in the Auditorium at the Harrogate International Conference Centre.
Whitwell Brass Band would like to thank Creswell Band for allowing the band to borrow their practice room and also Harworth Band for loaning their tubular bells in the run up to the contest.
The contest was the last for the time being for some of the band's players. Eb Bass player, Tony Draper and percussionist Danny Hardwick have moved to colleges in London and Nottingham respectively whilst Holly Bonsall returns to Bradford University for the second year of her Masters Optometry course having helped the band through the summer months. Also leaving is percussionist Michael Churm who has started his studies at the University of Derby. The band wishes them all the best for the future and will welcome them back at any time.
Despite players leaving for pastures new, there will be some players returning to the ranks. Cornet player Jo Wiseall will be back after wrist surgery and Trombonist Bronwen Buttery returns after taking time out for studies and the birth of her daughter. James Gamble who joined the band in August will return to playing cornet after being persuaded to play the Timps for the contest.
The band's next concert is Saturday 10th October at Wirksworth Church near Matlock. The concert starts at 7:30pm and tickets will be available on the door.
Nationals Draw
13:07 - 26/09/2009
Whitwell Brass Band have been drawn to play third out of the 19 competing bands in the Fourth Section National Finals at the Harrogate International Conference Centre.
More to follow.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
14:33 - 09/09/2009
The next AGM of the Whitwell Brass Band will be held on Monday 5th October 2009 in the Whitwell Community Centre at 8:30pm.
Any items for discussion must be given, in writing, to a committee member prior to the meeting. Only items included on the published agenda can be discussed at Annual General Meetings. They should, preferably, be written in the form of a motion which can be voted upon, rather than in the form of a general discussion point.
Nominations for Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 5 other committee members must be received in writing by Monday 21st September.
All members are welcome to attend. The rules of the constitution do not permit members under 18 years of age from standing as committee members or voting, but they are welcome to attend and voice any opinion.
Membership qualifications relate to those who pay the necessary weekly subscription as players, or non playing members who have paid the annual subscription of £1. Non player payments must be made to Sue Draper.