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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
8:14 - 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
9:14 - 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
14:07 - 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
15:33 - 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.
Louise Smalley Walk 2009
21:55 - 15/06/2009
On Saturday 20th June, many members and supporters of the Whitwell Brass Band put their their best feet forward as they completed the 2009 Louise Smalley Walk.
The Louise Smalley Walk is an annual challenge walk, 40 miles in length, raising money to help local charities and good causes.
Louise was born in November 1992, the daughter of Trevor and Wendy Smalley. She was born with a serious heart defect, which, the doctors said, at the time, was inoperable.
Louise was given only a matter of days, maybe weeks, to live. Defying all odds, Louise lived for 13 months before passing away on Boxing Day 1993.
During her brief time with us, Louise actually contracted and beat the deadly disease Meningitis.
Whitwell Brass Band were the recipients of £8,500 raised from the 2008 walk which went towards new instruments. Many band members completed the 40 miles, but Principal Cornet player, Dave Wheatley completed 100 miles (2.5 laps of that year's route) in 23 hours and 59 minutes, a feat that had not been attempted in the history of the Louise Smalley Walk.
This year, the recipient is Stubbin Wood, a special school for pupils aged 2-16, where the majority of pupils have severe learning difficulties. Many of their pupils have associated physical or behavioural problems that can severely limit their access to community facilities, or their ability to act in a way that ensures their equal participation in activities that others take for granted – shopping, eating out, visiting public facilities like museums, beaches, etc. The funds raised by the Louise Smalley Walk will go into their new minibus fund. A new bus would enable more pupils with physical and cognitive difficulties to travel off site.
For more information about the Louise Smalley Walk, visit their website at www.louisesmalleywalk.co.uk.
All material on www.whitwellbrassband.org.uk, Copyright 2004 - 2010, Stephen Watkins and Whitwell Brass Band
- Rgd Charity: 1045881