Christmas 2003

Well another year has come to an end and we have come to the end of yet another Christmas period.  As normal we played at all our usual Festive venues and once again we were well received.  A new venue this year was the Durham Indoor Bowls Club.  We had the chance to take all of our percussion kit (Timpanis, Tubular Bells, Xylophones, the lot...) to this concert thanks to Dalkea (and John Moody) for sponsoring the Band with the use of a van for our concerts.  Also thanks to Brian Tait, Bob Temple and Alan Catherall from Ever Ready, and Nigel Brown from Gateshead Brass for helping us out at this concert.

We must also thank Karen and Colin from Gateshead Brass, Doug Cairns and David 'Steady' Patterson, for their help during this period, we know it was busy for you too and the band does appreciate your help.

A huge thanks to our Principal Cornet, Michael Evans, who during the year, but especially during Christmas, has led the band from the front, literally, playing, conducting and more importantly putting together a good Christmas music programme, I would like to thank Michael personally as most of the music this year were new arrangements by me (at least it kept me from moaning about playing Carols all the time), we know its been hard for you Michael and you miss playing, but the band do appreciate your efforts.

During this period we welcomed Kathryn Cairns to the Band, Kathryn will take up the vacant 2nd cornet seat, and also Alf Scrafton who has returned on Bass Trombone.

Anyway onwards we go.  The new year is coming and so is the contest season.  For the League contest in February we have appointed Naomi Cornish from the Leyland Band to conduct us, good luck Naomi, we will try and be gentle with you . . . be afraid, be very afraid - ha ha ha ha