Wolverton Town Band

Yes believe it or not, Wolverton Town Band had our Christmas meal yesterday. We went to The Greyhound in Haversham. The only things missing were the crackers.

Thanks go to Hilary Saunders who organised the venue and sorted it so everything went smoothly.

The meal was very enjoyable and the company even more so. It was nice to see some of the trustees join us and I was very pleased to see a couple of the newer members of the band along with their families. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves.

During the meal, it was my pleasure to present the trophies and they went to three very deserving members of the band.

Roger Stevens, nominated Jonathan Francis for his choice as the Musical Director's player of the year for being both a great player, and flexible in that he has taken on the role of principal cornet, moving over from flugel horn. Many congratulations as Jonathan has now won this award twice running.

The Learner bandsman of the year was Nominated by Perry Harris and was awarded to Peter Thomson for his improvement throughout the time that he has been with us. Well done Peter keep it up.

The Player's player of the year this year went to Melanie Hill, our band secretary, nominated by ballot of all players. This was for her tireless work behind the scenes helping to make the running of the band a simple as possible. Melanie gives up a lot of her free time to prepare committee meeting minutes and correspond with prospective bookings. A well deserved award, congratulations.

Our next big adventure on the horizon will be our trip to Belgium, however, keep looking in at the calendar for forthcoming engagements.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Today saw our very first Christmas around the Christmas Tree in Wolverton.

Members of the band turned out from 3pm to 3:30pm to play carols around the Christmas tree in Wolverton Town Square. this was the first of, hopefully, a tradition that we can continue for years to come. Quite a few locals came along and sang merrily with us as we took them through a few well known carols along with a few Christmas songs for the younger members of the audience.

The feedback we got from those who came along was very positive and everybody seemed to appreciate us starting their Christmas celebrations to a climax before they wrap up warm and wait for the big day.

My thanks go out to all those in the band who have given up their evenings on some of the coldest nights for quite a few years, to make our carolling the success it has been.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and I hope we will all be around for a long and prosperous New Year.

Click here to see some photos

We had our Spring Concert last night, 29th March along with Wolverton Samba Band.

This was the first joint venture and it may well be lead to further joint concerts, possibly with the Samba Band coming to Belgium with us next year.

The Samba Band are very entertaining with their drumming rhythms.  Very enjoyable.

I would like to thank Hillary Saunders and her friends for providing such a variety of refreshments.

The finale to the whole evening was both bands playing Hawaii Five O. A loud and enjoyable piece. Click here to listen.

On the 28 Feb 09 Perry and Colin went along to Willen Hospice and handed over our donation for £150 (our fee from the Carols by the Lake event). We handed a Presentation Cheque to Julia Rogerson Willen Hospice's Promotions Manager.

Julia would like us to pass on her thanks on behalf of Willen Hospice and she said that no matter what size donation they receive, every cheque means so much to all those who use the facilities and services of the Hospice.

Recently we had our Christmas dinner where we had our awards ceremony.

Shaun awarded the junior player award to Catherine Garry for her improvement throughout the year and the Senior player award went to Jonny Francis. The Bandsman of the Year award went embarrasingly to me for my contribution to the band.

An enjoyable night was had and we thank Lucy for organising things in Sarah's absence.

Not only did we have MD's awards but sadly, we had to say goodbye to Shaun. We got him an engraved paperweight so that he had something long lasting to reming him of his time with us. He also got a bottle of wine and a card signed by us all.

Carols by the Lake - Last night "21st Dec" Wolverton Town Band played on behalf of Willen Hospice for their annual Carols by the Lake festivities. We played carols for the visitors to the Hospice, outside next to the Christmas Tree and then went inside for a couple of extra carols for the residents who could not hear us outside.

Wolverton Town Band are happy to play for the residents of Willen Hospice and we are donating our fees from Milton Keynes Parks Trust to the Willen Hospice Charity.

Charity No 270194

WTB Newsletters - attached are the bands newsletters, click on the appropriate date to view the .pdf newsletter:  Summer 2008 January 2008 November 2007

Belgium 2008 - The band had yet another fantastic trip to Belgium.  They performed a joint concert with the Ploegsteert Harmonies Band, toured the WWI cemetries, sampled the local beer and stopped for a spot of shopping in Ypres. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time. (June 2008)

Christmas Hours - The band played Christmas Carols for a total of 27 hours over the festive period, which included their annual concert, carols for the residents of Wolverton, festive tunes for patrons of Tescos, Willen Hospice, the Agora and the new residents of the hub:mk in Central Milton Keynes.

Awards Presented - Congratulations to Perry Harris who was voted for by the band and awarded Bandsman of the Year, Tom & Michael who jointly won Young Musician of the Year for their work in the percussion section and to Robert who won Musician of the Year for his work in the trombone section! Pop onto our photos page to see pics from the evening. (January 2008)

New Principal Cornet -  We our proud to announce our new Principal Cornet player Mickila Travis.   Mickila started her musical career as a drummer, and after spending a number of years becoming very good and being sought after by bands far and wide, she chose to broaden her musical skills to include the cornet.  It was clear to Wolverton Town Band that she had a natural affinity for the instrument and was invited to the position of Prinicipal in the New Year. (January 2008)

Congrats Will -  Well done to Will Dutton who passed his Grade 5 Cornet just before Christmas (December 2007)

Welcome Shaun Humphries -  The band welcomed their new director Shaun Humphries to the band this month and saw a change to their rehearsal structure as they moved to 1 main rehearsal a week.  The band has already increased membership by 30% and playing standards by the bucketfuls! (September 2007)

Ploegsteert Harmonies Band - Our Belgium counterparts visited Wolverton this summer to lead the procession through the streets of Wolverton for It's In the Square festival (July 2007)

Grant from MK Arts Association - We were successful in receiving a grant for £1,048 from MK Arts Association for new stands, a new drum kit and a few other neccesities (May 2007)

Joint Concert - Wolverton and Bradwell Silver Band joined forces last Spring to perform a joint concert at Stantonbury Campus.  Both bands performed a programme of music which culminated in a finale with 2 Massed Band Pieces with the Musical Directors sharing responsbility.  The concert was very well receievd and the bands' hope to offer further joint concerts in the future. (March 2007)

Volunteer Awards - congratulations to Cherry and Perry Harris who were short-listed for Volunteer of the Year Awards.  They have been supporting the band for a number of years and between them run the Learners Band, transport all equipment, take all bookings for the band - to mention just a few! (November 2006)

Belgium Visit - The band headed across the sea (or under to be precise) to visit Ploegsteert and play for the twinning ceremony between them and Wolverton (us).  We marched through the town together and performed a 45 minute concert at their sports hall for local dignitaries. See articles under the press link (October 2006).

Wychavon Festival of Brass - the band did a fantastic job at the contest and secured 4th place at the entertainments festival.  The band are now set to work on their programme for the Area Contest. (September 2006)

Area Contest - Wolverton Town Band is proud to announce that after several years out of contesting they came 16th (out of 26) at the London & Southern Counties Area Contest.  That puts them 11th place out of 31 in the Southern counties!! (March 2005)

Exam nerves - Congratulations to William Dutton who recently passed his Grade 3 on cornet and Sarika Patel passed Grade 4 with merit. (March 2005)

New Instruments & happy musicians!! - Cherry has been bought a new Baritone, Sarika & Ben recieved new cornets and lucky Sarah & Caroline have been given new gig bags for their basses!! - all courtesy of a busy Christmas period and a grant from MK Community Foundation. (March 2005)