Latest News
Band Trip to Whitby - 1/2 August 2009
Despite torrential rain for most of the journey from Banbury to Whitby all the band members managed to make it in time for our 2.30pm slot at the bandstand on the harbour front. It was encouraging to see that the rain had also not deterred everyone else from getting out and about.
We played a varied mix of music including some items that are very familiar to the band and also some of our newer items. Golden oldies included the march Sons of the Brave, film favourite Born Free and a medley of Robbie Williams’ songs. One of our recent additions, The Ashokan Farewell features our flugel player Dawn Jennings who played it beautifully and along with other items such as The James Bond Collection the music brought a smile to the Whitby locals and visitors.
After our concert from the bandstand we had free time until we were to meet again for dinner at Mister Chips. It was certainly a treat to sample the local fish and chips and many were extremely hungry having not had time to grab lunch earlier in the day.
After dinner many of the band went on to have a few drinks in the town and this was a good chance for the band to spend time together socially and have some fun.
Breakfast at the hotel was served until 9am however this was not early enough for some people. Martin Quartermain was determined to get the most out of the weekend and is a keen walker. He was up early enough to see the sun rise having set off to fit in a walk before breakfast! Special thanks go to Martin for stepping in to play solo euphonium on the trip since he is usually our solo cornet player. Some say that he didn’t take much persuading as he has previously played euphonium with the band in days gone by.
The band would also like to thank a number of deputy players who came to help us out and also the support team who offered child minding, collecting tin and photography services over the weekend.
Sunday boasted a beautiful clear blue sky and lovely bright sunshine. A number of the band, in true Ashes fashion showed off their skills with a game of cricket down on the beach followed by a bit of a paddle in the sea. Others took the opportunity to explore the town or visit the abbey.
Our second concert was enjoyed by a great many more people than the previous days owing to the much improved weather. There was a festive atmosphere with the bustling of people passing by, the steam powered tour bus passing by every half hour or so and kids running around and playing. The crowds were kept entertained with a similar programme to the previous day after which the band rose to take the applause and assembled for a group photograph in front of the band stand.
Our tour has been a particularly special trip for our horn player Bill Randal who has wanted to visit the seaside town ever since as a school boy he completed a project on the lifeboat stationed in Whitby. Not only did he manage to visit Whitby but he also saw the very lifeboat on which his project had been based some years ago.
A thoroughly successful and enjoyable trip which hopefully can be repeated in the future. A final word of thanks must go to Jenny, our Conductor, for coming up with the idea and making it happen.
Copyright © 2006-10 Hook Norton Brass Band
Web design (Midlands) by Ferrer Consulting Ltd