Latest News

16th October 2008 Vacancy update. We currently have vacancies in the trombone and baritone sections for experienced players. We have also begun classes for beginners. Interested? Full details on the Join Us page.

27th September 2008 Huge success of Benefit Concert. There was a large turnout at the Woodmead Halls on Saturday 27th September to enjoy a benefit concert organised by the band for Ian and Lesley North. Ian has been a band member for over 20 years but unfortunately suffered a serious stroke shortly before Christmas last year.

With Musical Director John Powell as compere, the band played excerpts from their summer programmes including soloists Jan Long and John Warr. A special appearance of Joe the Bear dancing to ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ - another feature of our summer programme - brought the house down. The audience were also treated to the lovely singing voice of Roy Wotton who was accompanied by the band in a rendition of Elvis Presley’s hit ‘Can’t help falling love’. Chairman Val Mahoney was overwhelmed by the positive comments afterwards, with many saying it was the best performance ever heard from the band.

Financially, the evening was a huge success and we raised £932.29 which has since been increased to £1000 by a generous member of the audience.

Val commented: ‘I was so honoured and proud to be Chairman of Lyme Regis Town Band last Saturday evening. I would like to thank John Powell for all his hard work and also the Woodmead Halls Committee, the band and anyone who helped in any way. It was good to raise so much, but more importantly I felt that the success of the whole evening demonstrated to Ian and Lesley that both the band and the audience from the local community really do care. Finally, I would like to say how wonderful it is to see Ian making such a good recovery. We all wish him continued progress in the future.’

4th October 2008 Workshop with Philip Harper - a day to remember. Chairman Val Mahoney writes:

Yesterday was another highlight of my playing career. For many years I have attended band contests and before joining Lyme Regis Town Band I have taken part in a few. As a member of the audience, there is one Musical Director who has always inspired me – Philip Harper – and yesterday I had the honour as chairman o our band, to meet Philip in person and introduce him to the band. Philip had kindly agreed to come to Lyme Regis and lead us in a day’s workshop.

What an excellent day it was! I am sure all those present learnt a great deal – I know I did. Philip’s personality and approach quickly put everyone at ease and we soon realised we were working with a very talented musician and a good teacher. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect beforehand as this was my first brass band workshop, but I can’t wait until Philip comes back to take our band again!

I would like to thank Gilly Warr for laying on the most marvellous buffet and for keeping us supplied with refreshment throughout the day.

So thank you, Philip Harper for the most amazing day!

13th September 2008 Bournemouth visit breaks new ground. Lyme Band broke new ground on 13th September when they played a very successful invitation concert in Bournemouth. Members and their families made a day of it, travelling by coach in the morning and returning in the evening. The mid-afternoon concert was well supported and appreciated by the crowds enjoying not only the music but the fine 'Indian Summer' weather.

2nd September 2008 'Music by the Sea' ends. On Tuesday 2nd September, the band played their last 'Music By the Sea' concert. The music was chosen by the Musical Director, John Powell, from the programmes played during the summer. Despite the cold and darkness, there was again an appreciative audience, bringing to an end a very successful summer.

26th August 2008 Wantage Silver Band, joint concert: Lyme Regis were joined on Tuesday 26th August by the Wantage (Oxfordshire) Silver Band, on holiday for the week in Charmouth. Both bands played alternate pieces and the crowd were well entertained with a wide variety of pieces throughout the evening. Joe the Bear made his now customary appearance; our picture shows him stepping it our with Wantage's Musical Director. Following his cameo appearance, Wantage played, appropriately, 'The Bear Necessities'!

7th August 2008 JOE THE BEAR: A regular visitor to our 'Music by the Sea' concerts is Joe the Bear. Joe entertains the crowds during the playing of 'The Teddy Bears' Picnic' and no-one can escape his giant clutches! His identity can now be revealed - none other than bass player Joe Turner. The band is very grateful to Rikey Austin of Alice's Bear Shop, Lyme Regis, for the loan of the costume.

21st July 2008 TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC: In providing entertainment for the holidaymakers during the band’s ‘Music by the Sea’ series this summer, a new feature has been added which involves children joining in a teddy bears’ picnic.
They are invited to join the band’s mascot and his friends for a tea party while the band plays – no surprise – the ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’. Our picture shows the bears patiently waiting for tea!

10th July 2008 VACANCIES: At present we have specific vacancies for the following players: trombones (2), second baritone and principal cornet. If you are interested in joining, we would be glad to hear from you whatever your standard or experience. You will be made most welcome and given every support in our friendly group. Please contact our Musical Director, John Powell on 01460 30119 or 07899 008985.

MUSIC BY THE SEA: Tuesday 1st July saw the opening concert in the band's weekly series which runs throughout July and August. Again, the weather was not kind, although the rain held off until the latter stages. Our MD for the evening was Jim Sweetland, ably standing in for John Powell. Jim managed to link the pieces well and keep the evening moving, despite the lack of a PA System!

21st June 2008 BAND ENTERTAIN AT GARDEN FESTIVAL: Despite the poor weather, the band lifted the spirits of those attending the Axminster Festival on Saturday 21st June. Though numbers were small, they provided a varied programme for their first public concert of the season. Our picture shows at least one little girl who enjoyed participating with us for 'Amarillo' along with our percussionist Angie.

11th June 2008 CONDUCTOR/COMPOSER TO LEAD AUTUMN WORKSHOP: The band is delighted to announce that its first Masterclass/Workshop in the autumn will be led by Philip Harper, described by ‘Brass Band World Magazine’ as “unquestionably one of British brass banding’s brightest young talents. Philip is currently conductor of the Polysteel Band and has led them to many successes. He is also a prolific composer and arranger, having had works premiered by the Black Dyke Band and the National Youth Brass Band. He will be working with us on Saturday 4th October – a significant event which I greatly anticipated by the band.

8th June 2008 TRIBUTE TO PETER: Members of the band were saddened to hear in May of the unexpected death of Peter Woodford, a trombonist and member of the Committee for many years. At his funeral service on 19th May, the band paid its personal tribute to Peter in music, performing several pieces before and after the service and accompanying the hymns. It was entirely appropriate that one of Peter’s grandsons joined the trombone section for the service, whilst another grandson played a moving clarinet solo. Peter was also the band’s Website Manager and as a result of his hard work, made many contacts for the band. We are pleased to report that this new website incorporates many of Peter’s original texts.

8th June 2008 JIM STEPS IN: On Sunday 8th June, the band was present in Lyme Regis Parish Church to play for the annual Mayor’s Service. The service took the form of Sung Eucharist and the Mayor, Councillor Sally Holman read the Epistle. However, the band was almost without a conductor, as our MD John Powell telephoned Chairman Val Mahoney early on the Sunday morning to tell her he would be unable to conduct because of illness. A dawn SOS call to retired Life Member Jim Sweetland saved the situation and order was restored. Many thanks, Jim!