LATEST NEWS

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2007

Open Rehearsal

Dr. Nicholas Childs will be in Woodfalls from Monday 5th March for the final week of rehearsals before the band embarks on its regional challenge at the Riviera Centre, Torquay on Sun. 11 March.   There will be an Open Rehearsal at Boscombe Citadel of the Salvation Army on Wednesday 7th March at 8:00p.m..

2006

The South West Trains Woodfalls Band believes that it has pulled off a major coup to engage the services of Dr. Nicholas Childs (MD - Black Dyke Band) to conduct it at the Regional Contest in Torquay on Sunday 11th March 2007. 

Dr. Childs recently made a two day visit to Woodfalls to meet the band and to do the early preparation on the set work, Isaiah 40 by Robert Redhead.   The band last played Isaiah 40 under Melvin's baton at the Royal Albert Hall in 1998.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE - 01722-321744

O' Glorious Christmas - Saturday 15^th December 7.30

TICKET DEAL

If you are lucky enough to purchase all four concerts for £20 and then discover that you can’t attend one of the concerts, don’t worry, you can pass the ticket to a friend or alternatively, just telephone the box office and it will be put back on sale and the money donated to charity.

New Controller for SWT Woodfalls

The South West Trains Woodfalls Band would like to confirm that it has parted company with Musical Director, Dave Barringer.

South West Trains Woodfalls Band would like to publicly thank Dave Barringer for all of his hard work with the band in his three years as Musical Director. The band has made considerable progress under his direction throughout this period and achieved some notable results. South West Trains Woodfalls Band wish Dave every success in his new position and also send the very best of wishes to him and his recently extended family. We understand that Dave’s new baby daughter and her mother are both happy and healthy.

This situation has provided the SWT Woodfalls Band with the opportunity to reunite with a former musical director.   Melvin White was previously the MD of SWT Woodfalls Band between 1994 and 1998. Under Melvin’s direction, SWT Woodfalls qualified for the National Finals twice, once as the Champion band from the West of England, and also achieved a top 4 finish in the Grand Shield in 1998. Throughout this period, SWT Woodfalls not only secured the current sponsorship deal but also secured a regular invitation to the All England Masters Championships. This period marked SWT Woodfalls out as one of the most successful bands in the West of England.

SWT Woodfalls are very much looking forward to welcoming Melvin White back into the bandroom for all rehearsals and engagements. Both Melvin and SWT Woodfalls intend to make use of his wealth of experience to ensure that the band maintain the standards and improve on the successes of his previous tenure. There is certainly a feeling of optimism growing in the New Forrest.

SWT Woodfalls Band would also like to publicly thank Justin Matthews for all of his assistance throughout the summer period. Justin is the current Bandmaster of the Light Division based at Worthy Down, Winchester and has made himself available for many rehearsals and engagements throughout the summer to deputise for Dave Barringer during his paternity leave.

Conductor appointments

We hope that 2006 will commence in the same way that 2005 ended with success on the contest stage.  Many will be wondering, however, what is happening on the conductor front with recent announcements of the band's MD Dave Barringer being hired to work with Yeovil Town Band.   This was done with the band's blessing and indeed, Dave has been given time off during the period 4th Feb (Yeovil Contest) until 19th March (Area Contest) to concentrate on his work with Yeovil Town Band.  During this period, we shall be working once again with one of the band's favourite conductors, Melvin White with whom the band won the West of England in 1998.  Another new 'hand on the baton' is Kevin Darby.  Kevin played Principal Cornet with many of the region's top bands including Yeovil, Flowers and Woodfalls when we came 4th at Cambridge in 2004.  Garry Cutt will be the man that can on 19th March - we last won the West of England with Garry in 2002.  Last but not least, Bernard Snell has accepted the position of Bandmaster.  Bernard is a former Principal Cornet of  the ISB, so all-in-all, the band is blessed with an abundance of conducting talent.  Finally, we would like to thank former MD, Peter Wise for doing some preparation work with the band during the tail-end of last year.

2005

Band plays out of its skin

On Sunday 27th November at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow the band defied the critics (4barsrest.com) to perform a cracking performance of Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' and in the process it achieved a staggering 3rd place in the face of some stiff opposition from north and south of the Scottish border.  The whole band played out of its skin but special mention must go to Trish Chislett for her soloistic style in opening the piece with just a couple of percussion instruments for accompaniment.  This put down a bench mark which all the other soloists seemed determined to match.  Kevin Woods was making his debut on 1st Baritone and with his performance has made the seat his own - he'll never play a harder, more exposed piece!  Barbara (Babs) Camps stood for her extended cornet solo and gave a consummate performance which must have had everyone spellbound.  It goes without saying that Mark Pye would deliver but this piece was written for Peter Roberts, the finest soprano player of his generation and it certainly gave Mark plenty to get his teeth into.  John Starks was guesting with the band on 2nd euph, teaming up with his former colleague, Graham Lawrence from Boscombe S. A. where they enjoyed a 15 year partnership and what a sound this pair make!  It has to be said that the decision to play 'Music of the Spheres' was slightly controversial, because of the difficulty we were taking a huge chance on the band coping with the complexities of rhythm, detail and stamina  but despite some decidedly dodgy rehearsals we manage to play it 15/20% better on stage than at any time in the band hall.  The whole show was directed by Dave Barringer.  The band on stage was as follows:   Conductor, Dave Barringer; Soprano Cornet, Mark Pye; Principal Cornet, Barbara (Babs) Camps; Tutti Cornets, Hugh Cameron, Bernard Snell & Pete Stephens; 2nd Cornets, Adrian Wallace & Simon Persin; 3rd Cornets, Brian (Sam) Easterbrook & Sam Atherton; Flugels, Chantal Pye & Shaun Street; Solo Horn, Trish Chislett; 1st Horn, Colin Howell; 2nd Horn, Paul Street; 1st Baritone, Kevin Woods; 2nd Baritone, Jonathan Crane; Solo Trombone, Scott Stewart; 2nd Trombone, Dave Shelley; Bass Trombone, Remus Sawyerr; Solo Euph, Graham Lawrence; 2nd Euph, John Starks; 1st Eb Bass, Terry Cawte; 2nd Eb Bass, Keith Green; 1st Bb Bass, Jim Slade; 2nd Bb Bass, Karl Pettit; Timps, Paul Lovegrove; Tuned Percussion, Paul Williams & James Gilbert.

The cornet section on stage at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

Historical Contest Results

After many years of promise I am pleased to say that the RESULTS page has now had some action!   Thanks to David Bligh, I have been able to post the results of all the contests that the band undertook during Dave's tenure with the band.  Coupled to this, Peter Wise has given me his results so I have now been able to post Peter's results as well!   You can find a page about Peter and also Courtney Bosanko under  Personnel,   ExConductors.  There is still much to do on the results page so if you have any info that is not there let me know!

Garry Cutt to conduct

We are all delighted with the news that Garry Cutt has agreed to take the band at the Area contest in Torquay in 2006.   We last worked with Garry in 2002 at the area contest which was held that year in Bristol - we hope Garry can work his magic with us again in Torquay.

Listen to the Band.

Friday 15th July was a memorable day in the life of our band.  We had a 30 minute broadcast on National Radio 2 on the brass band programme introduced by Frank Renton entitled "Listen to the Band".  We played the March, Arnhem, the trombone solo, My Funny Valentine (Scott Stewart), Galaxies, the Euphonium Solo, Meditation from Thais (Graham Lawrence), Armenian Fire Dance and finally Mid All the Traffic.

Bill Pertwee - 11th November 05

The band's Remembrance Concert in Salisbury City Hall on Friday 11th November will this year feature Bill Pertwee of Dad's Army fame.  You can look forward to some humorous Dad's Army anecdotes and Rosemary Squires singing your wartime favourites. The band will be doing its bit with music from the big screen and a Service of Remembrance as we pay homage to the fallen.

Frank Renton to conduct at the Masters

The band seems destined to have a different conductor every time it competes at The Masters.  This is not by design, but just simply the way it works out, however, we are all thrilled to have the chance to work with one of the most respected conductors on the brass band scene.

David Barringer

We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Barringer as Musical Director.  David has been working with the band on many projects over the last 18 months so this appointment will come as no surprise to many. David is currently Bandmaster to the Band of the Light Division.  Click here for a full biography

Jonathan Camps

We reluctantly accept the resignation of Jonathan Camps as Musical Director.  Jonathan has been doing some sterling work with the band but since retiring from the Marines and taking up a position as a train driver (not with South West Trains) he has found it impossible to give the commitment that the band demands.

Highest finish at Yeovil

On Sat. 5^th Feb. the band went one better than its 2003 3^rd place to finish 2^nd at The Yeovil Entertainment Contest.  This is its highest ever place at the contest where the band was conducted by David Barringer, Bandmaster, The Light Division.  The programme in order was:  Arnhem, Kelly; Meditation from Thias, Massenet arr. Golland (Euphonium Soloist, Graham Lawrence); Armenian Fire Dance, Richards; Mid All the Traffic arr. Ballentine and Galaxies, Davis arr. Farr.

Asian Disaster Appeal

On Saturday 15^th January, the South West Trains Woodfalls Band collected £1553 towards the Asian Disaster Appeal. The money was raised in just two hours during a concert that the band gave to shoppers in the West Quay shopping centre, Southampton. The band was conducted by Resident Conductor, Jonathan Camps and the light programme of music received shouts of approval from the large crowd, some of whom were hearing the band for the first time. The acoustics of West Quay were lively but with four floors it was reminiscent of the Albert Hall with many in the audience viewing from a great height. Later that day, the band met at the Redlynch Club for a dinner.  Jane Lee, of South West Trains was in attendance and she was delighted to renew the band's sponsorship for 2005.  Click here or  to Gallery 2000 for a picture

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2004

Highest ever ranking!

The South West Trains Woodfalls Band is delighted to hear that it has been ranked in the top twenty bands in the UK for the first time in its 130 year history. The 17^th place is some 8 places higher than its best ever ranking and comes just in time for its forthcoming concert at the City Hall on 12^th November in which it will also be celebrating with local singer, Rosemary Squires as she enjoys being honoured with the MBE. The band’s news comes as a direct result of its recent magnificent 4^th place at the all England Masters Brass Band Competition in Cambridge.

South coast appointment and we're not talkin' footy

Melvin White

Another new football season begins with the inevitable wholesale sacking of managers, not least local team Saints after just the loss of a couple of games. Coincidentally, the current band-contest season is also about to start and we have a new man up-front. Before you cry foul, I should explain that Steve Bastable has not been sacked or as they say when the manager leaves ……left by mutual consent, he is, however, not available for the Pontins contest in October so South West Trains Woodfalls Band thought it could do no better than to invite Melvin White to return to his old team for a run-out as its front-man to challenge for the Pontins Cup in Prestatyn, North Wales.

Melvin previously worked with the band as its Musical Director between 1993 and 1998, during which time, the band had a very healthy trophy cabinet with cups for a win and a second at the area and a couple of runner-up places at Pontins etc.  If this time we win, in our eyes, it might be "Saint Melvin".

Adrian & Lesley Wallace

The band would also like to welcome back Adrian and Lesley Wallace from Test Valley. Adrian and Lesley played for SWT Woodfalls in the nineties before deciding to join a band closer to home. Adrian returned to SWT Woodfalls in time for the band’s memorable 4^th place performance at The Masters when he played bumper up. Adrian is now joined by his wife Lesley, on 2^nd baritone, a seat that was recently vacated by Kevin Woods who has switched to Bb Bass.

130 Years on & it's 4 Bands

On Sunday 27th June, representatives of 4 bands, South West Trains Woodfalls, Woodfalls Concert Brass, Woodfalls Juniors and Woodfalls Old Boys got together to do what the band was originally founded for 130 years ago, namely, to accompany the hymn singing in the Woodfalls Methodist Chapel.  Needless to say that it was their 130th Anniversary as well as ours so the service was a very special occasion for all concerned.

4th at "ALL ENGLAND MASTERS"

Some members enjoy their success

Sunday 30th May 2004, the South West Trains Woodfalls Band achieved a notable 4th place in the prestigious "All England Masters" Brass Band Championships at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge.

The competition is by invitation only and attracts the top 20 bands in England with the title, "Champion Band of England" up for grabs.  The test piece was Peter Graham's demanding work, Harrison's Dream - a study in time and rhythm dedicated to the watch-maker John Harrison. The band was conducted by Steve Bastable who has been making the journey from his home in Birmingham to prepare the band. 

Steve Bastable

The weeks leading up to the contest were a bit of a "Hell's Kitchen" for the band.  The rehearsals started life in the chill cabinet but soon ended up under the grill before being thrown in the bin.  Several roastings later and the performances were still ending up in the bin but eventually the offering was presented before the three wise men of Roy Newsome, David Read and James Scott - and they liked it!

In its 130 year history, the band has competed many times at the British Open and National Finals but never before has it finished higher than 9th, so 4th highest placed band at The All England Masters is a real feather in the band's cap in this, its special year.

South West Trains Woodfalls Band is currently enjoying its 10th year of sponsorship by South West Trains and 130 years of banding at its headquarters in the rural village of Woodfalls near Salisbury.   A Gala concert featuring the Risca Male Choir and its prize winning old boys band of 1967 is taking place at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 26th June when the band's large following will enjoy an evening of celebration and nostalgia.  All former members are encouraged to attend what will surely be a very special concert.

Open Rehearsal

On Sunday 23rd May The South West Trains Woodfalls Band is holding an 'Open Rehearsal' on the Masters test-piece, Harrison's Dream by Peter Graham conducted by Steve Bastable.  The rehearsal starts at 3.00p.m. and will take place at The Redlynch Club, next to the Woodfalls Inn.  Woodfalls is 4 miles west of junction one of the M27

After the rehearsal, a series of mini-concerts will take place.  First up at 7.15p.m. will be SWT Woodfalls and the programme will include Harrison's Dream, next up will be Woodfalls Junior Band and last but not least will be Woodfalls Concert Brass. 

There is a licensed bar and concerts  will finish by 9.30p.m.

Sponsorship - 10 Years on.

South west Trains and Woodfalls Band celebrate 10 year partnership

In the picture below is Jane Lee, Media Relations Manager with Brian Easterbrook, Hon. Band Secretary.

South West Trains Woodfalls Band commenced a year of celebration of their 10 year partnership with a day at Salisbury Races on Sunday 2 May 2004.  

South West Trains and Woodfalls Band got together back in 1994 and since then the partnership has epitomised the community role made possible since the privatisation of the railways.

Since the band's sponsorship Woodfalls Band has been able to raise funds for:  Salisbury Cathedral, RAF Benevolent Society, Wessex Cancer Trust, Wessex Heart Beat, Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, Odstock Hospital Radio, Salisbury Mayor's Appeal for Breast Cancer, Bristol Oncology Centre, Marie Curie Cancer Care, The Royal British Legion, Age Concern and the Fiona Appleyard Appeal etc.

This year, the band is also celebrating 130 years of making music and will be performing at Salisbury City Hall on 26th June in a Gala 130th Anniversary concert featuring the Risca Male Choir and a 'for one night only' performance by its West of England Prize Winning Band of 1967 which is dusting off its instruments to help with the celebrations - it all adds up to being an evening not to be missed.

First rehearsal of the reunion band of 1967

On Friday 2nd April 2004, some former members of Woodfalls Band met at the band hall, Woodfalls to rehearse for the 130th Anniversary celebration concert which is to take place at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 26th June 2004. The current South West Trains Woodfalls Band thought it would be a good idea to reform the winning band of 1967 and to feature them in the concert as a bit of nostalgia.   The members were approached by Brian Easterbrook and David Bligh and all seemed to welcome the proposal.   The 1967 band was the West of England Champion Band and were subsequently featured in an historical Omnibus Arts programme for the BBC which compared the fortunes of three bands, Black Dyke Mills, GUS Footwear and Woodfalls.

Some of the former members have not played for over twenty years but after a rehearsals, conducted by Martin Portman the quality of the players soon became apparent and a schedule for further rehearsals was established.   The enthusiasm was still evident and I can envisage another band at Woodfalls to add to the three that currently exist - The Woodfalls Old Boys Band could become a force to reckon with!

NEW MEMBERS

The new year started with 6 new members joining the band. They all joined after Christmas and so the Yeovil contest on Sat 7th Feb was to be a baptism of fire but better now than six weeks later at the area contest. They all played well and now feel like seasoned members of the band. They are Solo Trombone, Scott Stewart and his cornet-playing wife Phillipa. Percussionists, Paul Johnson and his wife Kate. Cornet player Mark Godfrey and returnee on Eb Bass Martin Portman.

Grand Reunion Concert - Sat 26th June 04

In 2004, The South West Trains Woodfalls Band will be celebrating 130 years of brass banding. Throughout that period it has been one of, if not the best, band on the South Coast and to celebrate its 130 years, the band is planning a reunion concert at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday 26^th June 2004.

The current band of 2004 will make this a special reunion concert by inviting its former Prize Winning band of 1967 to come out of retirement and perform on stage at the City Hall with today’s band – almost unbelievably, we still have 4 members of that band playing in today’s band!   They are:  Keith Green, Dave Shelley, Fred Barter & Dave Bligh.

WEST OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONS - 1967

MEDIA INTEREST

In 1967 the band won the coveted West of England Championships. Coincidentally, the BBC was making a programme about Brass Bands for its Omnibus series at that time and decided to feature us, the then un-sponsored village band from Woodfalls, in comparison with the famous sponsored band of Black Dyke Mills, both of whom would be competing later that year in the Brass Band Finals at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Footage available!

• The band of 1967 struggled to raise money for its trip to London from subscriptions and fetes etc but the current band is now sponsored by South West Trains with free rail travel to London – it is now on an equal footing financially with Black Dyke Mills and the like!
• David Morris, a band member in 1967, was interviewed at his school desk, he is now a headmaster.
• There are 4 members of the 1967 band still playing in today’s band!

• The band of 1967 will be invited to perform musical memoirs of the period.
• Courtney Bosanko, the winning conductor in 1967, has sadly passed away but we are hoping that his son Glyn will, as a tribute to his father, conduct the band of 1967.
• After the concert, we want everyone who has ever played for Woodfalls to come on stage for a grand reunion picture.
• Finally, after the concert, refreshments will be provided for all former members registered to attend.

INTERESTED PARTIES:

If you are a former member please register your attendance now!

If you are press or TV please call for more information – pictures & archive footage available!

Please contact Brian Easterbrook on 01722-710074

e-mail: brian@easterbrook14.freeserve.co.uk

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2003

Band undertakes its 3rd tour of Switzerland

On Friday 8th August the band sets-off on its 3rd tour of Switzerland, the two previous being in 1976 and 1980.  This tour is organised by Peter Roher, Freddy Kumin and assisted by Chris Joynes, not only that, but Chris is conducting the band as well!  Chris was born in Sheffield in 1956 and moved to Romsey with his parents in 1975 when he joined Woodfalls Band  before eventually leaving to pursue a professional career in music, both as a player and conductor.  Space prohibits me from listing his many qualifications and achievements but suffice to say that, before joining Woodfalls, he played cornet with Grimethorpe Colliery and in 1973 he was winner of the Alexander Owen Memorial Scholarship.

Christopher M. Joynes A.R.C.M. (Hons) B.B.C.M.

New faces for the Masters - 25 May 2003

Less than a couple of months between the Area and the Masters contests and yet the band announces major changes to its line up. 

CONDUCTOR :  Directing the band for the first time will be Rob Wiffin - Rob has just retired as Director of Music to the Central Band of the RAF and will bring to the band a wealth of experience.  Before taking the appointment with the Central Band Rob was Resident Conductor with the famous Sunlife Band from Bristol.   Rob's roots are in the Salvation Army so he will renew acquaintances with Graham Lawrence and Bernard Snell, both former ISB members.

PRINCIPAL CORNET : Making his playing debut with the band at the Masters will be the very experienced and stylish player, Kevin Darby.  Kevin has been PC with Yeovil Town Band for the past few years and before that he was PC with the Flowers Band.  Kevin will be making the exhausting trip form Cheddar to Woodfalls - wow!  

PRINCIPAL TROMBONE : Another player making his debut with the band at the Masters is Russell Howarth.  Russell started his banding career with Wingates before attending the RCM. Russell is a member of the Don Lusher Big Band and performed in the evening concert with Don at the Albert Hall last October.

RETURNEES :  A few old faces return to the fold.  On 4th man will be Steve Chislett whilst Dave Shelley returns on 2nd Trombone.

SWT Woodfalls Band introduces the man to conduct at the Area - 6 April 2003

Steve Bastable is a new kid on the block but his track-record with Tredegar Town Band is exemplary.  Since leaving Tredegar last September Steve has been freelancing with several bands but especially with the National Champions, Williams Fairey.  He has just been appointed to take Fairey to the North West Area Contest on 9th March before he takes on the challenge of winning the West of England title  with SWT Woodfalls in April.

Bernard Snell

Bernard Snell – Biography.

Clive Orchard

The band also welcomes back Clive Orchard, who returns to the trombone section in which he played Principal back in the ‘80’s. During the period of his absence, Clive has been playing Bass Trombone at Tadley and developing his business career. Clive is looking forward to getting back into regular top-section banding.

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2002

New Solo Euphonium - Graham Lawrence

  2 December 2002

SWT Woodfalls band announces the appointment of a new principal euphonium following the departure of Martyn Patterson. He is Graham Lawrence, currently principal euphonium with Boscombe Salvation Army band.  Graham comes to the position with a wealth of experience and is well known in S.A. circles as an outstanding soloist. He was for six years a member of the International Staff Band, where he played alongside Derick Kane, and was a founder member and principal euphonium of the Egon Virtuosi Band. He is, however, not as well known in contesting circles but this situation will, no doubt, soon be rectified. It is interesting to note that another euphonium soloist who was the product of Boscombe S.A. band, and played alongside Graham for a number of years before leaving for Bristol University, was Steven Mead.

Martyn Patterson returns to his native Wales where he will take up an appointment with Tongwynlais.  SWT Woodfalls would like to thank Martyn for his invaluable contribution over the last 18 months and wish him every success in the future.

New players:

We are pleased to welcome back Andrew (Sid) Norman.   Sid has agreed to come back and play Solo Trombone at  the Royal Albert Hall to cover for Darren Muire who is taking a break because of work commitments.  Another old-boy making a welcome return is Martin Portman.  Martin is covering for regular Eb Bass player, John Hayes.  John is away because of an operation to his elbow - his wife Catherine believes it may be due to too much time spent at the bar of the Redlynch Club!  One completely new player is Paul Street.  Paul used to play Sop at Downton but has agreed to join our horn section - Paul is a clever lad with a music degree, so he'll be like a fish-out-of-water in our band;-)

Band's sad loss!

The band is mourning the sad and desperately early death of Bass Trombonist, Matt Tabener.  Matt was the kind of guy to help out in times of need and it was in this capacity that he joined Woodfalls in March 2002.  He was covering for regular player, Remus Sawyerr who was away because of family illness.   Matt played in the band's winning performance of Whitsun Wakes, and stayed to help out at the Masters, before Remus returned in June of this year.  Matt was a big guy, with a big sound and a big personality.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

Frans Violet to conduct SWT Woodfalls:

The South West Trains Woodfalls Band is delighted to announce that it will be conducted at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 19th October by Frans Violet.  Frans is the MD of Brass Band Willebroek of Belgium, with whom he has enjoyed enormous success in the European Brass Band Championships and elsewhere.

Frans conducted Masquerade, this year’s Nationals test piece, when it was first used in 1993 as the British Open test piece. On that occasion, Frans conducted the CWS Glasgow Band into second place, just one point behind the eventual winners, Williams Fairy.

The band will meet Frans for the first time on the weekend of 21/22 of September and he will return for the week before the contest.   The band's Resident Conductor, Jonathan Camps will be working with Frans to get the band into shape for the big day.

WEST OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

BEST IN THE WEST

On Saturday 6 April The South West Trains Woodfalls Band was crowned the new Champion Band of the West of England.   After a week of intensive rehearsal on the test piece, Whitsun Wakes and under the professional baton of Garry Cutt, see below, the band finally managed to produce its best performance on stage.  Go to Reports 02 for the story.

CONDUCTORS

Resident Conductor:  Jonathan M Camps LRSM

South West Trains Woodfalls Band is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Camps as Resident Conductor - see personnel for a full biography.

Garry Cutt - MD, Grimethorpe

Quote from 4BarsRest.com  "There has never been any doubt that Garry Cutt has been one of the very best band trainers in the business and given the chance to direct a top class outfit his musicianship has shone like a beacon. His direction of Grimethorpe and Leyland during 2001 has been a highlight with performances and readings of complex scores that have been musical gems. Grimethorpe were superb at the British Open and equally as good at Spennymoor, whilst Leyland were outstanding under his control at the North West Area". The South West Trains Woodfalls Band is delighted with the appointment and looks forward to working with Garry on the preparation of "Whitsun Wakes" by Michael Ball for the Area Contest at The Colston Hall, Bristol on Saturday 6th April.

David Hurst - RC Brighouse & Rastrick

Completing the list of conductors for the forthcoming All England Masters is David Hurst.  David is quietly making a name for himself working as resident Conductor with the famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band whilst at the same time freelancing with bands like ours.  We look forward to meeting him in April when we tackle "Atlantic", the latest Philip Wilby composition.  The contest is at The Corn Exchange, Cambridge on Sunday 26th May.

SOME PLANS AND SOME HOPES FOR THE YEAR 2002

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