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Home , Godalming, Godalming United Church, Wonersh

BAND OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

Hi Everyone Hope you all really enjoyed the MD. Although there is an initial beautiful warm and sunny trial period for James and the weather that has blessed our Band, I am confident that the summer season this year. After a way in which we have settled in busy and very eventful 75th together over the past 2/3 months anniversary year in 2012, the is a sign of a long and fruitful Senior Band had planned to have partnership. slightly fewer summer David Loftus amazed us all by engagements this year. However the speed of his recovery from that was not to be. his amputation surgery and return Our annual Spring Concert with to the leadership of our Youth St. Hilary’s School, followed by Band. Such strength of character, the SCABA Spring contest, this determination and commitment year at , got us underway. has to be greatly admired and the Then we learned of David youngsters in the band were Wright’s decision to stand down delighted to have him back at the as our musical director in mid- helm in time for the Godalming May after 25 years with the Music Festival. We all greatly Band. appreciate David’s work with our Both of our bands owe a great young bandsmen and it was good debt of gratitude to David for all to see the recent arrival of ‘The of the work and commitment that Beast’, a specialized vehicle he gave to us during his tenure as which has greatly improved his MD and I’m sure that with us pattern of life and mobility. you would wish him well in his David comments on his new chosen path for the future. circumstances below. David’s resignation led the Band As we now move into the committee to go through the Autumn and Winter periods our process of advertising, bands will be preparing for auditioning and selecting a new various upcoming events, leader. I am pleased to say that including the usual busy this process was successfully Christmas period. Don’t forget to negotiated and in which all Band come along and support us at our members had the opportunity to concerts and public events. express their view, a clear choice emerged. In mid-July we -Ray Pont, Chairman, Godalming welcomed James Haigh as our Band new, young and very enthusiastic THANK YOU FROM DAVID LOFTUS

The last twelve months have associated pain it was causing been a bit of a challenge for me. me. Recurrent infection in my right Life has also become much easier leg, several stays in hospital and since taking delivery of our new of course the amputation of my vehicle (I have heard it was leg on 30th March this year meant referred to as “The Beast” by becoming a bilateral amputee some of the Youth Band!) which fully wheelchair dependent. enables me to drive from my electric wheelchair. This gives I express sincere appreciation to me so much more independence everyone for words of and avoids all the transfers I used encouragement or practical to have to perform between chair support during this time: in and car or vice versa, making life particular to David Wright for safer as well. standing in for me – often at short notice – to Andy who got So again a big Thank You to me to and from Youth Band when everyone concerned; it was a I was unable to drive and to great encouragement to receive everyone for their understanding. emails, texts, cards etc. when I was laid low but it is even better It may seem strange to say but to be back with the Youth Band. insofar as my health is concerned I am much better off without the -David E Loftus MBE leg and all the infection and the Youth Band MD THE YOUTH BAND

We started back for the new term make regular visits to them at the beginning of September during the year. At the end of and were soon getting to grips November we will be making our with some new, and challenging, annual sojourn to the Elmbridge music. With not only a new Retirement Village where we are term, but also a new academic always well looked after and able year, there are some members of to provide an afternoon’s the Youth Band who faced entertainment in their significant changes as they Community Hall. This venue has started at new schools or colleges a family feel as we have got to and needed to settle into the new know a number of residents of demands these changes raised. the village over the years whilst Some of these changes affected there are some relatives of Youth their role within the Youth Band Band members who live there. but they have all managed these On December 7th we will be transitions well and managed to sharing in the joint Christmas maintain their music making with Concert with the Senior Band in us. Godalming. This is always a great occasion as both Bands So what lies ahead? have a rare opportunity to share a stage. Then we will have our Some of the Youth Band will be usual session of Christmas Carols again attending the National outside of Waitrose before Brass Band Championships at the retiring inside to take over the Royal Albert Hall in October. cafe for our End of Term social This is an opportunity to hear with well-deserved hot chocolate. some of the premier brass bands in , Wales and Scotland, There is a possibility of an giving the youngsters something engagement at a Royal Residence to aspire to. but as this is still being worked on I cannot reveal anything The local Broadwater Care UK further at this point. Residential Home is our first Concert Venue at the end of Then what else is there to look October. The Manager was very forward to? positive about us going there and I’m sure we will be well received When we return in January we and hopefully we may be able to will be working towards the Godalming Music Festival both We are on the lookout for some as individuals and as a Band in new members so if you are various classes. This is always a reading this and know of any great occasion as we support our youngster who may be interested own local Music Festival. please do pass on contact details or bring them along to the We also had a brief discussion Bandroom on a Monday evening recently about having a between 6.00 – 7.50 pm just to “Continental Tour”. This is very have a look and listen as a taster! much in the embryonic stage at the moment but would certainly Whilst David Wright has stood be great fun as well as a great down from the Senior Band I am challenge!! delighted that he is willing to cover for me should I need to be Amongst our number we have absent from the Youth Band. had a number of successes in Hopefully I will not have to call various music examinations and on David too often but it is good everyone who has sat them is to to know there is someone able to be encouraged and congratulated stand in if the need arises. for their efforts. -David E Loftus MBE Youth Band MD

GODALMING BAND SELECTS NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR James Haigh has been appointed conducting continued to grow, as the new Musical Director of and led him to study for a degree Godalming Band. James has an in music from Bournemouth extensive background in brass University and Plymouth music, both as a player and a University, earning his degree in conductor. His musical career 2010. While at university James began at age seven, and after a formed a connection with brief flirtation with strings, took Verwood Concert Brass, up the cornet with progressing from Soprano Cornet Citadel Senior Band, at age ten. to Principal Cornet, and soon At thirteen James moved to becoming MD of the newly soprano cornet, and in his late formed Verwood “B” band. teens discovered his passion for James then returned to the conducting. Godalming area, working as IT In addition to conducting the Network Guildford Citadel and playing Manager at King Edward’s with a variety of brass groups, School in , as well as James assumed the post of MD at Assistant Housemaster. James is . James’s interest in also conducting at Guildford Citadel Salvation Army Band, a is already showing signs of a position he has resumed recently. healthy musical interest. James has a long connection with James says, “I am really excited Godalming Band as a player, and to be able to take the position of met his future wife, Jennifer, Musical director here at while on a Godalming Band trip Godalming Band and continue to Herpen, the Netherlands. They the long tradition this band holds are the parents of Nicholas, who in the community.”

SPRING CONCERT, GODALMING UNITED

Godalming Band and St Hilary’s pleaser was Best of ABBA School presented their annual Selections with wall- projected joint concert at Godalming lyrics, giving the audience, and United Church last Saturday especially the school choirs, a evening, March 2. Once again St chance to belt out some tunes Hilary’s students displayed a which predated them by decades. remarkable range of talent as Several girls from St Hilary’s soloists and in ensembles. featured as soloists on piano, David Wright, Music Director of cello and violin, while old girl Godalming Band, personally Ameilia Hinton-Carroll gave a started the evening by playing wonderful rendition of Moffat’s one of three trumpet parts of violin solo, Intrada. The Senior Benjamin Britten’s Fanfare for St Choir sang two songs, Before Edmundsbury, accompanied by You and Phantom of Pan, Principal Cornet David Sargeant composed and conducted by and band member Simon Isabelle Michalakis, St Hilary’s Brennan. Commemoration Head of Music. Finally the Flute marked some of David‘s musical and Hand Chime Ensemble and choices Saturday, as 2013 is the the Flute and Recorder Group centenary of Britten’s birth. Two presented brief but entertaining other pieces, Verdi’s Prelude to works. La Traviata and Niebelungen The finale brought the Band and March, based on Wagner’s music, School Choir together for paid homage to these composers Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious born two hundred years ago. An and So Long, Goodbye from the Olympic Fanfare by John Sound of Music, a fitting way to Williams and The Champions end a very entertaining evening. both gave a nod to the great events of last summer. A crowd

MD DAVID WRIGHT RETIRES FROM GODALMING BAND

Note: this article originally appeared in The Advertiser this Spring

Godalming Band will be entering a new era with the retirement of its long- serving Music Director, David Wright. David first took up the Godalming baton in 1988, his directorship spanning one third of the Band’s seventy – five year existence. During his tenure, the Band has enjoyed numerous successes, including several first place prizes in Southern Counties Brass Band Association competitions, as well as local contests, and an appearance in the National Brass Band finals. Several musical works were also commissioned by the Band. More importantly, however, Godalming Band has expanded its presence throughout the Waverley area, playing at local fetes, community events, special musical occasions, concerts, and making regular appearances at Godalming bandstand. Over the years the Band also took part in many fund-raising events for local and national charities, often in collaboration with figures from television, theatre, and the music world. Last year was particularly busy for the Band. David organised a special musical tribute for the Jubilee, deftly coordinated with the gala evening fireworks. A few weeks later saw the Band’s 75th anniversary celebrations, which brought to Godalming bands from Godalming’s twinning towns, , Germany, and , France, for a series of musical events, including two concerts, appearances on the High Street, a march, and several informal occasions for socialising. While under David’s direction Godalming Band has also paid visits to Mayen and Joigny, as well as Herpen, Holland. David migrated, as it were, from Glasgow to Charterhouse where he took up a position as a music master in 1988, and soon after came to the Band. David did not leave behind his Scots roots, however, humorously describing himself as a missionary of Scottish culture. True to his intention, David’s last appearance at Godalming bandstand in mid-May was practically a Scottish festival. On this occasion the Band presented David with several gifts acknowledging his long service to the Band. Godalming Mayor Tom Martin also warmly thanked David on behalf of the town for his efforts over the last twenty-five years. David was always at ease with an audience, and revelled in his role as compere. His humour, wit, and stage presence materially raised the enjoyment of audiences, and his presence will be missed. The Band is deeply grateful for all of David’s work with us, and we wish him continued happiness.

SAINT JOHN’S FETE, THE BURYS, SATURDAY, 4 MAY Both Bands enjoyed a sunny and community event, with all the windy afternoon at this staple of traditional features: vintage cars, our playing schedule. Of all our stalls by community groups and engagements, this may very well local charities, the ice cream van, be the oldest of all, dating back children’s games, maypole many years. The fete is a real dancing, et. al. For the Bands, it marked the beginning of summer.

CHURCH CROOKHAM FETE, SATURDAY, 1 JUNE Saturday 1 June saw the band the fete is always very well undertaking one of its most attended by the local community regular and long standing & raises a good sum for charity. engagements, the Christ Church This year was no different, even Crookham fete. This is an if there seemed to be a few less engagement that the band has people in attendance at the undertaken for as long as most of official opening. However the us can remember. It is a good old sun came out and so did the fashioned, traditional fete, whose crowds, and I am assured that it format hasn’t changed one iota was another successful fete for over the years, with the exactly the organisers. the same stalls and arena events each and every year. Nonetheless -Wendy Ball

SHAMLEY GREEN FETE, SATURDAY, 8 JUNE The ‘fete’ season was well and the afternoon. There was also a truly upon us and Saturday 8 healthy crowd of people in June saw the Band attending the attendance who all were very annual fete at Shamley Green. willing to participate in This is something of a new event everything on offer. for the Band, having only been The fete organisers had very invited to play here for the first kindly provided the band with time last year. their own little tent to play in, We were greeted by a village which offered us protection from green festooned in stalls and side the elements, which on this shows together with a small occasion was the sun, but it so queue of dogs waiting patiently easily could have been rain, wind to enter their own dog show, or hail (am I beginning to sound scheduled to take place later in a little weather obsessed?). The band played two forty-five been invited back again next minute sessions, which seemed to year! -Wendy Ball be very well received by our passing audience. So well received in fact that we have

WONERSH SONGS OF PRAISE, SUNDAY, 7 JULY

It had been a good day. The sun the members of the congregation, was still out, which it had been who had come from a wide all day (something of a rarity in variety of churches in the recent months), and Andy surrounding area. Murray had just won the Wimbledon championships in Across the road a match three straight sets, which was was well underway and between something of a relief for us all, the hymns and readings we heard avoiding the necessity of us the gentle thud of ball on bat and having to sit through the the occasional cry of ‘out!’ agonising emotional rollercoaster What could be more traditional of one of his five-set matches. than this – brass band, cricket on So we all arrived in in the green and the first men’s pretty good spirits and feeling Wimbledon champion in 77 just a tad patriotic and proud to years? be British. A very big thank you to the This theme continued as we United Church for inviting the settled ourselves on the lawn in Band to be part this joyous front of the United Reformed occasion – hopefully we’ll be Church in Wonersh in readiness invited back again next year. for an evening of popular hymns - Wendy Ball that had been chosen by some of

BANDSTAND CONCERT, SUNDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER Although legend has it that respectably sized audience for a Godalming Band never gets pleasant afternoon of entertaining rained off at Sunday in the Park music. James Haigh, our recently concerts, the myth dissolved in a appointed MD, did well filling steady rainfall on the day, which the role of David Wright. James forced us into the church. had clearly prepared for the Somewhat surprisingly, we had a afternoon, providing detailed commentary on almost all the our listeners. This was an pieces we played. One advantage excellent way to end our summer of playing in the church was an Godalming appearances. improved acoustical quality, which added to the enjoyment of

DAVID WRIGHT’S LEAVING DO

Godalming Community Centre in noting the exceptional length of Broadwater Park was the setting David’s tenure with Godalming. for a final farewell to David Norman Every, on behalf of Wright after twenty-five years as SCABBA, also noted David’s Godalming Music Director. continuous service of forty years Members of the Band and their to the brass band movement. families, former members, and David Sargent then outlined the other guests were on hand on many achievements of the Band Sunday afternoon, 22 September, under David’s leadership. for this bittersweet event. Band Perhaps the highlight of David’s members who played under career with the Band was the David’s leadership were invited Jubilee concert of 2012, in which to join in the farewell. We were the Band coordinated a medley of delighted that Bryony Dyer stirring music arranged by David (Cooper) and her brother with a spectacular fireworks Damian, together with Greg display before an audience of Lowes and his family were able several thousand. to join us on the day. Greetings Finally the honoured guest spoke and messages of goodwill for of his affection for the Band and David were also received from the great pleasure he received Roy and Bryony Hancock, David from leading us for a quarter and Liz Lancaster, David and century. David was presented Claire Pitt, Darren Killick, Jo and with a large photograph of the Jenny Martin and Christine three bands who gathered for Caple. Godalming Band’s seventy-fifth Band Chairman Ray Pont anniversary celebration last year expressed the Band’s gratitude to as a farewell present. David for his service to the Band,

AUTUMN ROTARY CONFERENCE, EASTBOURNE

Godalming Band travelled to our Band president, as president Eastbourne on Sunday, 29 of Southeast Rotary. Michael has September, to play at the been a great friend of the Band, induction of Michael Goodridge, and this was something we felt we could do to express our bandstand. After an hour and a gratitude to him. half of more music to an The Band left by coach at 7 AM, appreciative and varied audience, arriving in Eastbourne at 9. The it was back to the Winter Garden Rotary proceedings were at to provide the Rotary with music Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens, for their Sunday lunch. The and the Band was called upon to Band played until a little after 2 provide appropriate music for the PM, then had an hour to explore opening, which was religious in the delights of Eastbourne. At flavour. The Band had a welcome 3:15 it was back on the coach, encounter with breakfast post and so to Godalming, where we service, of coffee, tea, and bacon arrived at 5:30. This was a very butties, fortifying us for the next busy and fulfilling day of music, event, an open-air concert on the ably managed by our new MD, seafront, in the very impressive James Haigh.

HARVEST CELEBRATION Our most recent engagement was a traditional Harvest Supper. It on Saturday 6th October when we proved to be a most enjoyable were invited by the informal evening with quite Methodist Church to assist them a few of the band also enjoying a with their harvest celebrations. delicious three course supper A smaller band undertook this before getting down to the engagement which was to give playing. some musical entertainment after A TRIBUTE TO STAN WILLIS, FORMER MD Stan Willis was with the band for rehearsal, but what we learned a relatively short time, we think 2 stuck! Stan had played trombone to 3 years, but his dedication to with many top bands, including the band could not be faulted. He travelled twice a week from his Munn & Feltons, which later home in Dorset, and was never became GUS Footwear Band. late for a rehearsal. He also never Even though we were only a missed an engagement. One of Fourth Section Band, Stan gave the things he taught the band was his all and was every happy with how to get a rhythm into their us. After he left we got an heads, "have a cup of tea" for a occasional telephone call, saying certain march, and this phrase has how happy his time with stuck in the minds of several Godalming Band had been, and players for some time. Rehearsals was always interested in what on test pieces were very precise, was happening. and we would probably rarely Together with his son, Barry, he play right through the piece at a formed a trombone quartet, and several times competed in the complained he could no longer scaba Quartet and Ensemble play his beloved instrument. Contest. In recent years his health - Ivy & Ron Gray had deteriorated badly, and he

COMINGS AND GOINGS

During the last few months On the good news side we have Russell Burton (bass trombone) some new arrivals in the band. has decided to stand down from Sam Honeysett (baritone) has the Band. The lure of the sea and been able to stay with us and is his boat has eventually won joined by his university friend against the band. Chris Melling (soprano cornet) Linda Wagner (soprano cornet) who has now finished his has also found it necessary to university studies. Allister Dow take a temporary break from (front row cornet) and David playing due to family and work Powell (tenor horn) have joined commitments. us, both having recently moved Both will be greatly missed, but into the area. we wish them well and hope to We welcome them all and hope see them back with us sometime that they will enjoy their banding in the not too distant future. and friendship with us for some time to come.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW – AN UPDATE

Johnny Bloomfield Many of you left hospital and we were know our friend Johnny, a delighted to see him, be it in a member of and wheelchair, at our final summer Farnham bands, who regularly concert in the parish church. helped us out on tenor horn or Because of his current incapacity baritone. Earlier this year during Johnny and his wife Joyce have his usual winter break in Spain, moved to more suitable he suffered a severe stroke and accommodation in Woking. We was admitted to hospital. wish him well in his efforts to Following time in a Spanish make a successful recovery and hospital and the many difficulties I’m sure he would appreciate a of returning to England, he spent phone call or a visit if you could a long period in the Royal Surrey find the time. I have his contact Hospital and latterly at the details. recovery unit in Milford In the last few days we have Hospital. Although not fully learned of the death of Diana recovered, Johnny has recently Marshall, wife of Graham and mother of Roland, Neil and Remembrance parade. Will he be Claire. As a family they were all joining us this year playing his very active with our Band during trombone in full mayoral regalia the late 1970’s and 1980’s and at the front of the parade? Now Neil (percussion) has helped us at that really would be a first!! various events over the years. Jo Beresford, another product of Our thoughts are with the family our Youth Band, has obtained her at this difficult time. university place and will be Tom Martin, trombone, part of following in the footsteps of her the Martin family who together father, studying chemical with mother Rachel and sisters engineering at Imperial College. Jenny and Jo were deeply involved with both our Youth Tom Archer, our former Band and our Senior Band, has percussionist, left us to undertake moved onto higher things. This studies at the ACM in Guildford. year Tom has the honour of being We remember him as the little lad the Mayor of Godalming, who progressed through the probably one of the youngest on Youth Band into the Senior Band. record, and following in the path Now a strapping six feet plus, previously trodden by father Tom has just gone off to start life Peter. In recent years Tom has at university, studying in the helped us out on occasions music field. including the annual -Ray Pont

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS, SENIOR AND YOUTH BANDS Sunday, 10 November Remembrance Sunday, Godalming Parish Church

Friday, 22 November Youth Band,

Saturday, 30 November Christmas Lights Switch-on - play 4-4.45pm plus possibly accompanying carols afterwards

Wednesday, 4 December Carols, Masonic lodge, Godalming (small band) Saturday, 7 December Christmas concert, , Bridge Street, Senior and Youth Bands

Thursday, 12 December Christmas lunch, Day Centre

Thursday, 12 December Ladies’ Christmas Dinner - Windlesham Golf Club (small band)

Thursday, 19 December Waitrose carols, Youth and Senior Bands Friday 20 December Little Tangley, Christmas carols

GODALMING BAND MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

Remember you can always join contact Ann Heward at the band lottery, at one pound [email protected] for per month. The chances of more information. Half the winning are presently one in money raised goes to Band thirty, a big improvement on support. the National Lottery’s one in fourteen million! Simply December: Greta Edgington, John Waugh January: Cathy Gordon-Smith, David Daniels March: Julie Rowling, John Waugh April: Kevin Mulgrew, Dana Daniels May: Ivy Gray, Ray Pont June: Greta Edgington, David Daniels July: Ros Loftus, Phil Haigh August: Dominic Cleal, Louise Steele