Autumn/Winter Recap!

It’s been a while since we’ve spoken on our blog, so we thought we’d have a catch up about the last few months!!

The band had a few weeks off over Summer after all the hard work at the beginning of the year, but we were back at the end of August ready for a very busy end of the year, including two competitions and of course the busiest time of the year - Christmas!!

We started off back after our summer break preparing for the Bolsover Festival of Brass where we performed our 20 minute entertainment programme to the crowds. The band opened with the Lionel Richie classic “All Night Long” followed by an outstanding performance of “Brillante” played by our chosen soloist Charlotte Burton. The band then played the beautiful Lake of Tenderness, and closed the programme with music from “The Incredibles”

The band had a wonderful day out, and earned a credible 9th place out of a strong field of 18, on our first contest under new MD Gary.

On the 21st October the band headed to the North Notts Arena in Worksop, to play at the incredible “Festival Of Remembrance” hosted by the Royal British Legion - Worksop Branch. The band played alongside several other groups including singers and the “Seaforth Highlanders” playing bagpipes. An emotional and wonderful evening was had by all.

The 6th November we had a slight disaster in the band-room, as we arrived for our Front Row Cornet sectional we found the band room flooded - luckily none of our equipment, music or percussion was damaged however we had to find an alternate venue for the evening and are very grateful to Pleasley Colliery Band for lending us there band-room for the evening!

Of course on the 12th November the band were once again on Parade for Armistice Day in Sutton-in-Ashfield. An incredible turnout by the local community as always, and of course a stunning performance of the Last Post by our repiano cornet player Sarah.

The band then attended the Leicestershire Brass Band Association competition on the 19th November. The band chose to play the demanding but enjoyable Isiah 40, where we gave a brilliant performance, with exceptional solos from John, Sandra, Charlotte and Dawn.

By the 25th November, Christmas had arrived. The band performed our first Christmas job at the Blidworth Christmas Lights Switch on, hosted by the Parish Council at Blidworth Library.

The 2nd December the band played at the Wilford Hill Memorial Service, hosted by our sponsors A.W.Lymn Funeral Services.

More Christmas concerts were completed, first at Doncaster Royal Infirmary at their “Winter Wonderland” event, and at Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough.

On the 16th December the band performed at our Christmas Concert in conjunction with Radcliffe Male Voice Choir at St Mary’s Church, Radcliffe-on-Trent. Also performing at the concert were the Radcliffe Junior School. We would like to once again send our thanks to Leigh Baker who conducted this concert whilst MD Gary was away with prior engagements.

More (yes more!)Christmas events at the Greyhound and Bird in Hand pub just before Christmas, but it was also time for our favourite event of the year - our very own Christmas Concert held at the Blidworth Miners Welfare.

The concert is always something we look forward to every year, with such great support from the welfare and an amazing turn out we always have a great time!

We played a fantastic programme with a mix of Christmas and Non-Christmas music, with solos from Sandra who played “you’ll be there” John who played “The First Noel” and a wonderful duet from Charlotte and Sam who played “babe in a manger”

The concert always signifies the end of the year for Blidworth, and what a wonderful end it was. There wasn't an empty seat in the house and the feedback we have had has been nothing short of incredible.

The band have welcome many new faces over the course of 2023, including MD Gary. From the start of the year the band have rebuilt in strength and numbers, and are pleased to say we go into the new year with only two vacancies - for a Bb Bass and Tenor Trombone.

This is such an achievement for the band as we have worked so hard on our rebuild, we are now looking forward to 2024 to solidify our championship section position at the Midlands Areas Contest.

We would like to send our thanks, firstly to MD Gary and to all of our players and our wonderful soloists; thank you for your commitment and hard work in 2023.

We would also like to send our very best wishes to all of our followers, near and far. Without your continued support the band would not be able to survive, and we are forever grateful to you all.

Happy New Year, from all at Blidworth Welfare Band. See you in 2024!