It’s been a really good summer for us and I can’t believe it is already the autumn. Soon be time get out our Christmas music.
In June we took part in the Jubilee Celebrations in Candy’s Field and enjoyed being part of the village celebrations. It was lovely to be out in the open and helping to set the party mood. In August, I retired from 30 years working in the parcel delivery business. Little did I know that on my last day, my firm had asked the band to be there at my celebration lunch. Imagine my surprise, as I walked towards the canteen to find them all there playing. I was literally speechless. So many current and past players found time to be there and made my last day special. Yet another proud moment for me as their conductor.
We are a training band who bring on young players to move on to bigger and better things and this year I have been delighted to see Isaac, our principal cornet player, join the SW Comms band and Charlie, our solo horn player be selected to play for the National Youth Brass Band. These are exceptional achievements. Both have been featured soloists in our concerts this year so some of you may have had a chance to hear them.
I am writing this as we have just had a joint concert with our friends the Exeter Male Voice Choir in the Parish Church. It is over 2 years since we last shared a concert and we are so grateful for their kind support. Thanks also to the PCC who let us perform in the church. We had a fantastic audience who literally danced in the aisles as we played. The concert was to raise funds for a trip to Derby the year after next to attend a brass band workshop with a youth band in Derby. We are looking forwards to doing more concerts in the months to come.
So thank you once again to everyone who supports us. We love playing for you and if you ever have 10 minutes to spare on a Saturday morning, pop in to listen to us in the band room on Chapel Road. You are always welcome.
Roger Riggs, Music Director
