There was more than a touch of the unexpected at the band’s recent Annual Christmas Concert at the Woodmead Halls, sponsored by AJ Wakely and Sons. Their varied programme included two unusual solos, for tuba and triangle and plenty of audience participation.

Off we go!

It also featured annual awards to members of the band. Stuart Broom once again presented the Gordon Broom Memorial Shield in memory of his father. This year it went to Nikki Herbert who was responsible for setting up the Training Band at the beginning of the year, which is now well-established. Chairman Paul Snowball was presented with the Bandmaster’s Award.

Those in the audience expecting the usual mix of music from the band will have been both surprised and amused by what actually took place. Paul Snowball’s solo ‘Tuba Smarties’ was preceded by an announcement from compere Alan Vian that Paul was unable to be present, but had instead sent his maiden aunt, a Countess with an exceedingly long name. All of this was as much a surprise to the Musical Director John Powell as it was to the audience! When the Countess arrived on stage from the back of the hall, she bore, of course, more than a passing resemblance to her nephew.

There was also a very finely judged solo on the triangle from bass player Eric Hodder, after several false starts and several of the audience were ‘invited’ to step into the limelight to accompany the band on percussion instruments for the finale of the first half. However, one member suddenly found greatness thrust upon her, when the Musical Director left her with his baton to conduct the band while he focused on the percussionists. The stand-in maestro, Sandra Porter, later commented ‘I really enjoyed myself on stage; the whole evening was great’.

Maestro Sandra in action!

Even the band’s performance of the ‘Sneewaltzer’, the ‘Snow Waltz’, was graced by the appearance of two unexpected visitors, dressed in alpine costume and carrying beer steins. They performed a graceful dance in time to the music, but there was something very familiar about their appearance – some definite likenesses to Paul’s maiden aunt and a trombonist called Adrian!

Alan Vian, making his debut as compere, ensured that proceedings moved smoothly and obviously had prior knowledge of the many diversions during the concert. The large audience present were kept busy with the singing of well-loved carols, accompanied by the band.

The band is grateful to all who supported this concert in any way. The proceeds will enable the band to develop its activities and continue to provide live local music. Two engagements remain in this busy Christmas season: Carols around the tree in Lyme Regis at 7 p.m. on Friday 23rd and carols in Broad Street on Christmas Eve from 10 – 12 noon.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous 2012!

OUR 2011 CHRISTMAS CONCERT GALLERY