Lyme Regis Town Band

Hats off to our Training Band who are working very hard under the direction of their tutor, Ellis Holt, writes Gilly, our roving reporter.  They practise every Tuesday evening, with a lesson with Ellis before joining the main band for an hour. Some of them have been with us for over a couple of years now and they are all playing very well indeed.  We are extremely lucky to have learners on trombone, euphonium, tenor horn and cornet.  Our trainees now join us for public appearances including our summer concerts on the seafront and some of our Christmas engagements.

We are particularly grateful to their parents who regularly bring them to weekly rehearsals and engagements and ensure that they practise at home.  One parent is so dedicated he is now learning to play an instrument himself!

We are always pleased to welcome learners and in fact a new youngster came on board in January and is now receiving tuition from both Ellis and some one-to-one support from Kathy Smith, our solo cornet player.

Anyone interested in joining the band is invited to come along to the Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis on a Tuesday evening from 7.30 pm for a chat.  All ages and abilities are welcome.  Tuition is free, we have instruments available on loan free of charge and we also offer loads of encouragement and support. We’d love to see you.

Extracts from the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 28th January 2020 at the Woodmead Halls:

Reports: In his capacity of AGM chairman and band president, Owen Lovell wanted to mention that he believes the band had an amazing 2019 summer. Debbie as band chairman thanked the committee for their assistance during her work as acting chairperson this year. She also wanted to thank the collectors for their work. She thanked Ellis for all his hard work with the juniors. Debbie also wanted to thank the parents for ‘shuttling’ the trainees to and from training and concerts: without them we would not have a training band! In his treasurer’s report Adrian thanked Debbie for her hard work as acting chairman this year. He said that the collections at the seafront were very good this year. Expenses were higher this year as the band purchased new items, but the accounts are healthy. In his Musical Director’s Report, David stated that the standard of music is increasing every week. David thanked the band for their commitment. 2020 will be a busy year with “Brassed Off’, which will require a lot of work. He is confident that the band can tackle new challenges.

The Election of Officers followed, resulting in: Chairman – Brian Scott, Vice Chairman – Debbie Woehrle, Secretary – Sandra Evans, Treasurer – Adrian Pearson, Musical Director – David Tozer, Conductor – Brian Scott, MD for trainees – Ellis Holt, Librarian – John Warr. Elected onto the committee were Robert Crabbe, John Hallett and Kathy Smith. The independent examiner remains Paul Fuszard and the trustees are confirmed as John Evans and Derek Hallett.

The meeting finished with confirmation of Band Award recipients: The Gordon Broom Shield for 2019 was presented to Brian Scott who received the award at the Christmas Concert. Chairman’s Award – This award is traditionally presented to a young player who has improved the most. Last year the award was given to Enzo. The Musical Director’s Award was given to John Warr at the Christmas Concert whilst the Bandmaster Award went to Vivian Wright.

Last minute shoppers in Broad Street Lyme Regis were treated to yet another carol selection by the band. We enjoyed ourselves – even when it started raining gently. Three members of the training band joined in  – well done, chaps, for your contributions. Jonathan, Orlando and Enzo were rewarded not just by the wonderful music they helped create but a selection of fudge donated by the Famous Lyme Fudge Shop alongside – thank you for your generosity.

Tesco in Seaton always make us welcome – and we are always surprised how many faces we recognize over from Lyme Regis doing their shopping. The passing crown was generous in its contributions – thank you. One gentleman (right) entered into the spirit of the time of year with his accompaniment to our Jingle Bells performance with the appropriate instrumentation.

Prior to the carol playing we met up for an informal bacon and sausage butty fest at the nearby cafe, where again the management gave us a warm welcome.

A valiant little band of four played carols to shoppers in Lyme high street on the morning of 14^th December. Hot drinks courtesy of the local café kept spirits high and nearly £65 was raised for band funds. Well done, Kathy, Viv, David and Brian.