Backworth Colliery Band News

The band gave another fine performance on the parade through Forest Hall and at the memorial and have received the following letter commenting on the performance:

On behalf of The Royal British Legion Forest Hall Branch thank you for providing the music for the Longbenton District Remembrance Parade on Sunday 14th November 2010 and leading the Parade with wonderful Marching tunes and the playing at the War Memorial during laying of wreaths and tributes. The weather was very “kind” and we had representatives from HM Forces who had served in Afghanistan, the attendance from members of the public was exceptional.
The Salute this year was acknowledged by the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Duncan Mclellan, Member of Parliament for North Tyneside Mary Glindon MP and the Ward Councillors. They were impressed by all the parade participants with representatives for the Police, Fire Brigade, Cadets, Scouts and Guides and representatives from community groups.
The playing of the “Last Post” and “Reveille” was excellent and I have received wonderful comments from those present at the War Memorial on the music played in such an emotional atmosphere, as one family laid their tribute in memory of their son who lost his life on active duty in Afghanistan.
It is very much appreciated the support of the Band every year that has been a tradition for a number of years, and hope you will join us again on Remembrance Sunday 13th November 2011. The Band is an outstanding participant for the Longbenton District Remembrance Ceremony and a wonderful tribute to the men and women who made the “Supreme Sacrifice”.
We wish you all Best Wishes, Good Health and Prosperity for the coming Festive Season.
Yours sincerely
Major (Retd) E W Campbell TD. FCILT
President
The Royal British Legion – Forest Hall Branch

After a reasonably successful year, Backworth Colliery Band has bid farewell to musical director Tony Griffiths. We would like to thank Tony for all his help in improving the band and wish him well for the future.
The band would now like to welcome back Callum Harrison as our new musical director. Callum, who previously played Solo Cornet for the band, has excellent musical knowledge and we are all sure the band will continue to improve whilst under his baton!

The band had a very enjoyable afternoon helping to celebrate 30 years of Tyne and Wear’s Metro. The selection of music performed seemed to be much appreciated and the band would like to thank the players who assisted the band on this day.
Short extracts of the band’s performance can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rNGrw7NHEg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_q_Djfxkqw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIrYstQcm_8

The band had a very enjoyable day marching through Durham with numerous other bands on the 126th miner’s gala through the city. The band began the day marching through Eppleton, which can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgGj2O2__tY
The band’s performances seemed to be greatly appreciated and, overall, a good day was had by all.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 9th May 2010 and the new Committee elected as follows.

• Chairman - Aubrey Crowe
• Secretary - Natalie McLean
• Treasurer - Teresa Harris
• Librarian - Catherine McKenzie
• Committee Member - Sam Kirwan
• Committee Member - Julie Anderson

New committee members Sam Kirwan and Julie Anderson are welcomed, replacing Nicola Ternant and Nicole Ponton-Brown who are standing down.

The outgoing Chairman thanks the band and committee members for their support over a very enjoyable two years in the position, and wishes Aubrey the very best for the year ahead.

Band Secretary, Natalie McLean may be contacted by email at backworthcollieryband@hotmail.co.uk.

Please note that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 9th May 2010, at 10.30am.

The rehearsal will start immediately after the AGM concludes.

Please forward any nominations for Committee positions, or AOB motions, to Natalie.

Happy New Year from all at Backworth Colliery Band.

Thanks to those who braved the winter weather and made it through to Burradon for last night’s rehearsal.

The rehearsal saw the new seating plan unveiled; one that strengthens the sections and will carry us through to the Regionals in March.

Welcome back to Natalie McLean after her successful maternity leave; as well as taking on flugelhorn, Natalie returns to her duties as Band Secretary. Also, we welcome back Chris Travis who will swap his valves for a slide, joining the trombone section.

We’ve pretty much a full line-up to take us forward, although we do have vacancies to fill on BBb bass and Eb bass. Any experienced bass players interested in joining us, please get in touch.