Gresley Colliery BandAll enquiries to admin@gresleycollieryband.com
April 2008 - Our very own Max Clifford speaks...
Following his appointment as the band’s Public Relations Officer Colin Raggett has promised to do all he can to raise the band’s profile, so that the band will not only be known locally as one of the best and most hard working bands in the Midlands, but that their fame will spread further a field.
He is hoping to achieve this in a number of ways, firstly continuing the links with local, national and Brass Band media built up by his predecessor Ian Perks and building on these in order to get better media coverage; secondly the establishment of a ‘mailing list for supporters and local business’ and organisations who may be interested in supporting the band, and finally, the publishing of a quarterly newsletter which will be sent out to everybody on the mailing list so that they can keep up with all the news and events within the band.
Colin is already making progress in this task by the publication of a leaflet of ‘Diary Dates’ and a form for anyone wishing to join the mailing list these will both be available at every band performance.
But as with most things, there is only so much one man can do, and Colin is looking forward to the support (and occasional help) of the players and non-playing members of the band in meeting this challenge.
If you wish to contact Colin please do so through the website admin@gresleycollieryband.com or by ringing 07758236013
March 2008 - Area / Musical Chairs / AGM / Belated Welcome! / Website Finally Updated
Area - It just wasn't meant to be. After last year's blistering performance and despite an excellent rehearsal build up, it just didn't quite go our way. The number two draw (famously blamed by all UK brass bands!) perhaps didn't help nor the fact that we all missed our burger in the Town Hall Car Park! Four Bars Rest summed it up very well....
" Gresley Colliery and Langley occupied the tenth and eleventh positions with Gresley in particular throwing down a reasonable early marker from a number two draw. We had them in ninth position but even with Simon Lenton on principal cornet there were too many cracks in the playing to figure higher in the final analysis."
Oh well. Next year here we come! We didn't really want to go to the National Finals anyway!!!
Musical Chairs - We are facing a bit of a puzzler. Despite having a full band (actually have more players than seats for contest regulations!) we find ourselves needing a Principal Cornet. This is due to Sheila moving to Solo Horn, Adam moving to Cornet, Wendy moving to 1st Horn...You get the picture. We are looking to recruit the right person for the job. See our vacancies page for more information.
AGM - The band recently held its Annual General Meeting and the committee has been restructured with a couple of changes. Full committee listing can be found on our committee page.
Belated Welcome! - A little bit red faced here but a very belated welcome to Peter Broadbent, Helen Jones and Carole Crompton. Peter joins us on Second Trombone, Helen re-joins the band on Cornet and Carole Crompton needs no introduction as the Solo Baritone Player of the Band. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have three excellent players and in particular thank Helen for her crash course in 'returning to banding'! We wish all three a long a successful time with us!
Website - Finally, the website is updated at last. The reason for the delay in updating has been due to Pete being a little bit busy....
February 2008 - Valentines Day and this little contest called the Area
Valentines Day came and went. We don't have much news this month!
Area - Preparations for the Area are well under way. Due to Sheila Winter being unable to play due to medical reasons, we will be borrowing a Solo Cornet for this contest.
January 2008 - Butlins / Musical chairs
January saw the band moving towards the near-legendary Butlins Contest. Although a sterling effort was made in rehearsals, the band played last on the day and it just didn't quite come off the way we wanted. 14th was the result and although there were 24 bands in our section, it was a little disappointing!
"...whilst Old Silkstone, Egham, Gresley and Jackfield Elcock Reisen all had experienced hands in front of them who’d thought about their approach but found that they couldn’t quite get their intentions executed as they would have wished by their charges. "
Finally, there is some movement afoot within the band! Details to follow!!!
October - December 2007
Saw the band in something of a relaxed state - no contests! We welcomed Peter Broadbent on 2nd Trombone and also said a sad farewell to Joe and Sonja who moved to University. Rehearsals continued for the Christmas season and the Nationals soon became a distant memory!
September 2007 - Unlucky for some? / Congratulations!!! / Goodbye / THE NATIONALS!!!!! / Youth Band go it alone
Unlucky for some? - 13. It's only a number. At the weekend it was our result for several months of painstakingly hard work on Victorian Snapshots... by Ray Steadman Allan. An interesting piece to say the least, the Band played a good performance on the day, following a very long wait (we arrived at Harrogate at 10:30am, found at the draw number at 1pm and played at 5:30pm!!!)
Fourbarsrest.com, the online band magazine said of our performance:
"Good opening is well controlled and has balance. MD brings out atmosphere from score although its not always together. The cautious approach does work though. It’s not always convincing as we move along. The MD is working hard to keep things in check. Nothing quite seems to knit together. The final third is the best playing and we hear the musical voices and the sense of jubilation to close.
Overall: Had its moments but the promise never really materialised.
Star player: Cornet – a beacon of good quality." (full article)
Photos now on the photos page and full write up to follow.
Congratulations - To Chris Smith, our Solo Trombone player ont he birth of his triplets on Tuesday 25 September 2007. Mum and the three girls are doing well and we wish them all the very best. Chris will no doubt be looking forward to the piece and quiet of band practice from now on!
Goodbye - It is with sadness that we say goodbye to three of our players. Sonja, Richard and Joe are all moving away to University (or in Richard's case going back to University as he helped us during the summer months!). We wish them all the very best for their future studies, remind them that the bandroom door is always open and would like to thank them all for their hard-work and dedication.
This means that we now have vacancies on 2nd trombone and tuned percussion with immediate effect.
The Nationals!!!!! - Although the Band are looking forward to the Nationals at the end of September, they will be glad to get rid of the test piece! Tremendous effort has been put in by every player int he run up to the finals and the experience and expertise of David Hirst is really pushing the band forward. Wish us luck!!!
Youth Band - The Youth Band now have their own website - www.gcybb.com.
August 2007 - New Player / Sponsored Swim / Youth Band
New Player - The Band is delighted to announce that the baritone seat is now filled and an announcement will be made shortly. Watch this space!
Sponsored Swim - On Saturday 4 August, Ian, Heather and Sheila completed their sponsored swim for the National Finals Fundraising. They completed this in 48 minutes and 10 seconds. Paul Bucknell won the band's sweepstake - he was bang on the time! Maybe he knew something we didn't? Photos now on the site [photos]
Youth Band - In order to maximise the rehearsal time for the Senior Band, the Youth Band now rehearses from 7pm until 8pm.
July 2007 - Youth Band News / Concert at the Hall / Baritone Needed / Nationals Preparation
Youth Band News - Fay Bayliss has stepped down as Conductor of Gresley Youth Band. This is due to increased work committments. Pete Hylton the Senior Band's Eb Bass player has been appointed as new Conductor from 19th July 2007.
The Youth Band rehearses on a Thursday evening between 7:30 and 8:30pm at Gresley Old Hall. All players of any standard are welcome and further information can be found on our youth band page.
Concert at the Hall - On Saturday 7 July, Gresley Colliery Senior and Youth Band entertained a sell out crowd on their home turf of Gresley Old Hall. The Senior Band opened with the march, Castell Coch and there followed a varied and entertaining program. Sheila Winter, the Band's Principal Cornet stunned the audience with a brilliant performance of 'Russalka's Song to the Moon' and the Youth Band, conducted by Fay Bayliss got the crowd foot-tapping with 'Grand Day Out', 'Summer Lovin' and 'Beyond the Sea' amongst others.
Chris Smith, our Principal Trombone Player was MD for the evening and thanks go to Chris for putting on a varied and entertaining program.
Baritone Needed - We are currently looking to appoint a 2nd Baritone Player in readiness for the National Finals in September and beyond. For further details see our vacancies
Nationals Preparation - Following the appointment fo David Hirst, the band have been busy preparing the test piece 'Victorian Snapshots - On Ratcliffe Highway' by Ray Steadman Allen. This is an interesting piece which tells of the struggle between affluent London and the teeming lower classes. It makes reference to several Salvation Army tunes and uses clever musical imagery to paint a picture of a band marching whilst several factions are in battle.
June 2007 - David Hirst / Kelly Returns / We need a Player / Festival of Leisure
David Hirst - Gresley Colliery Band are pleased to announce that David Hirst will conduct the band at the forthcoming National Finals at Harrogate in September. The band are currently Midlands First Section Champions and have already done some preliminary work with David on the test piece. David states "I am looking forward to working with the band over the next few months and have been delighted with their expertise and enthusiasm and hope that our partnership can be a successful one."
David brings with him a wealth of experience at the very top-level of brass banding. He has played and conducted with some of the World's top Bands; Brighouse and Rastrick, Black Dyke, Fodens and Fairey to name a few.
Kelly Returns - Gresley Colliery Band are delighted to announce the return of Kelly to the seat of Solo Cornet. Kelly played with the band for many years before leaving for pastures new. However, Kelly has decided to return to the band and we look forward to a happy and successful partnership with her on the front row.
We need a player - Joe Southgate, our Tuned Percussionist player is leaving for University and we need someone to sit with Dave Shipley on the bash section. We are particularly looking for a player who wants to go to the Nationals in September! if you would like to apply please see our vacancies page.
Festival of Leisure - The Band played at the Festival Of Leisure on Sunday 24 June 2007. Although a bit drizzly, the torrential rains kept at bay and the band played a varied and entertaining concert set including Mack and Mabel, Midwest, Mr Jums, Lets Face The Music and Dance to name a few. Gresley Youth Band also played, with a couple of guests in the shape of Dave Shipley and Pete Hylton who added to the growing ranks of talented youngsters who enjoy making music together. if you would like to join the Youth Band, or know someone who does, please email admin@gresleycollieryband.com
MD on The Horizon - We have recruited a new Musical Director and an announcement will be made shortly. In the meantime, we would like to thank Chris Smith for his excellent direction of the band since Richard Grantham's departure in May. Chris has worked hard with the band, building on the contest win and also providing the band with a varied and entertaining concert programme. Thanks Chris!!!! We would also like to thank the many people who applied for the position of Musical Director - it was a tough choice!
May 2007 - Race for Life / Plant Sale / Musical Chairs / Youth Band / Change of Date for Town Hall
Race for Life - On Saturday 12th May, Sonja, our second trombone player, ran the race for life. She has kindly done us a write up...
"On Saturday 12th May 2nd trombone player sonja runagle and her sister louise ran Race for Life in derby to raise vital funds for Cancer research. Having avoided training for many weeks the day came round far too quickly! They gathered with around 3000 others in Darley Park ready to begin the 5k race. After a slow start they soon picked up speed, Louise slightly more than Sonja as she had actually visited the gym once or twice! the race took them all around darley park, up several hills, and thankfully down the other side. the torrential downpour halfway through provided a refreshing break from the warm afternoon sun. on reaching the 3k mark they heard the winner being announced, finishing at just 19 minutes, no first place for the girls then! However they carried on despite aching legs, louise finishing at an impressive 38 minutes and Sonja hot on heels and 41 minutes. Between them they managed to raise an excellent £457.10 for the charity, which by far exceeded their original target of £300. For this they would like to thank all of their fantastic friends who supported them with this challenge."
Plant Sale - Gresley Band will be holding their annual Plant Sale at Gresley Old Hall on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May. If previous years are anything to go by, we would advise you get there early as the plants do sell like hot cakes. We sell plants from a high quality family owned local nursery and have usually sold out by lunch time!
Musical Chairs - Paul Bucknell and Deb Smith have swopped seats! Paul is now Solo Cornet and Deb is now in Paul's old spot on Repiano Cornet. Our Solo Trombone player, Chris Smith, continues to conduct the band whilst a permanent Musical Director is appointed. We continue to be grateful to Chris for both his hardwork and patience with conducting us lot!
Youth Band - Due to one of older Youthers heading to University in September, Gresley Colliery Youth Band are now on the lookout for a bass player. Although currently using the services of Pete from the Senior Band, it has been suggested that someone more, erm, youthfull is sought! We welcome players of any standard and can provide instrument / tuition if required. We also welcome players on other instruments. Please feel free to turn up at rehearsal or contact us by email admin@gresleycollieryband.com.
Change of date for Town Hall Concert - Due to the close proximity of the original date to the National Finals, the Band has decided to reschedule the date of this concert to Sunday 4th November. Further details, including how to get tickets for this event, will be released nearer the time.
April 2007 - Concert / Recruitment / Photos / Mrs Perks / Mailing List / Guestbook
Concert - On Saturday 28 April, Gresley Colliery Band were invited to perform in a concert with Leaside Singers at Pingle School in Swadlincote. This was a concert to support the singersin raising money for a local childrens hospice. Chris Smith, the Band's Principal Trombone player was the Musical Director for this evening's program. We shared the program with the singers and played Mack and Mabel, Midwest March, Toccata from Suite Gothic and David of the White Rock, amongst others. The concert was a great success and we wish the Leaside Singers the very best in their future concerts and fundraising.
New MD - The band are currently recruiting for a new Musical Director following the relocation of Richard Grantham. This represents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and talented individual to lead this band to the National Finals in Harrogate in September 2007. Adverts have been placed on 4BarsRest, theMouthPiece.com and also on this website.
Photos - We are slowly building the photo album of the band. We have just taken delivery of some photographs taken by The British Bandsman at the Areas and these can be found on the photos page. We are very thankful to The British Bandsman for kindly allowing us to use these images on our site.
Mrs Perks - Rhona Perks is one of our most loyal supporters and follows us to every concert, contest and rehearsal. On cold Sunday afternoons in the practice room, she makes the tea / coffee for us - always with a smile and a joke. Following the win at the Area, the Band were stunned when Rhona presented a cheque to the band to support us in the fundraising for this trip. On behalf of everyone at Gresley Colliery Band we would like topublicly thank Rhona not just for her kind donation but also her support and help with the Band. Cheers Rhona, mine has 2 sugars!!!
Mailing List - We have set up a mailing list so that we can send a monthly newsletter to those who would like to keep up to date with the band and also get first 'grab' on concert tickets. if you would like to receive this free newsletter, please go to our contacts page and fill in the form.
Guestbook - Following popular demand from both supporters and band members, we now have a guestbook for the site. In order to keep with this site's uncomplicated feel, the guestbook is signed by sending an email to guestbook@gresleycollieryband.com and your message will be added to the site. If you would like to sign / view the guestbook, please visit our guestbook page!
March 2007 - Area Champions / Goodbye / AGM / Swimathon / Race for Life
Race for Life - Sonja Runagle will be running the 'Race for Life' on 12th May 2007. In her own words "We have a moderate allergy to any form of exercise and are taking our training very seriously - mostly on the multi-coloured dancefloor of Flares. We are gonna look the biz running around Derby in leisure wear :)". For that reason alone we suggest you sponsor her!
Gresley Band have been crowned Midlands Area First Section Champions. With a score of 188 points, Gresley's performace was judged the winner on the day! We have been invited to the National Finals in September at Harrogate and will go as Midlands Champions (First Section).
Band AGM - a few changes. Ian Perks is now Contest Secretary, Tony Bayliss is now Publicity Officer. The revised committee can be viewed here.
Goodbye - It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Richard Grantham who is leaving the band to relocate through work. Richard took the band for only a few months but within this short space of time invested skill, passion and drive culminating in the outstanding victory at Burton on Trent. First Section Champions no less! We wish Richard the very best in his future ventures and thank him for the success he has brought to the band.
Swimathon - On Saturday 4th August 3 members of the band will be taking part in a sponsord swim of 200 lengths of a 25m pool at Oak Park
Recreation Centre at Walsall Wood Lichfield Road to raise funds for the trip to the National Finals on Saturday 29th September. These 3 members are Ian Perks, Sheila Winter and Heather Horsley and all 3 are keen swimmers and very good friends.
The distance is just over 3 miles and they have been given 1 and half hours in which to do it in from 4pm-5.30 pm.
Along with Ian, Sheila & Heather there will be free entertainment on as well with members of the Gresley Colliery Band playing whilst the swim is taking place.
Ian is no stranger to this as when the last time the band quailified for the National Finals in 2003 he did 100 lengths front crawl sponsored swim himself and raised almost £1000.00.
All 3 members are looking forward to the chalange they have set themselves and some
serious training has now begun for this event. Anyone who would like to sponsor Ian, Sheila & Heather should either contact Ian Perks on 07765 498587 or email him at ian.perks@gresleycollieryband.com. Alternatively you can email the general band email admin@gresleycollieryband.com
February 2007 - Another contest
Following the January 2007 Butlins contest, much of February 2007 has been spent practising Eric Ball's 'Sinfonieta' - the piece of music for the Area Competition. Wish us luck!
January 2007 - Butlins!
Gresley Colliery Band have spent most of January getting ready for the Butlins Brass Band Festival at, erm, Skegness. Although the band played well, a 10th place was the result. However, the band play on and are looking forward to the Area Contest on 10th March at Burton Town Hall.
Oh, and the whole band went out in fancy dress on the Saturday night, photos to follow.....
December 2006 - Another new face and the year is nearly done!
Gresley Colliery Band are delighted to annouce the appointment of Sheila Winter as the Band's Principle Cornet Player. Sheila joins the front row section of Tony, Deb and Dave and we wish her a long and successful partnership with our Band. Sheila joins us from Ratby and we are delighted to have a player of Sheila's ability within our ranks.
Our last concert was on Saturday 9 December and we played, as usual, to a full house at Blackfordby. We are now hanging up our uniforms until the Butlins Contest in January. Our instruments, however, will still be kept at the ready!
November 2006 - New faces!
We would like to formally welcome Sonja Runagle (2nd Trombone) and Sarah Dawn (3rd Cornet) to our band. Both players bring great talent and we wish them both a long and successful time with the band.
Principle Cornet player required - please see our Vacancies section.
October 2006 - The Town Hall - revisited!
Following our excellent concert at the Town Hall on 14 October, which saw the release of our new CD - Heritage - we are delighted to announce these DOUBLE CDs are now available for sale!
We would like to thank everyone who attended this concert for supporting the band.
September 2006 - The Town Hall!
Blimey, nearly a year since we were last at Burton Town Hall (well there was the Area Championships in March but we like to forget that!). Once again, Gresley Colliery Band are very proud to present an evening of excellent music, entertainment and now this year, a fully licensed bar!
As well as the fully licensed bar, raffle, great music, excellent venue, ample car parking, great value for money evening's entertainment, there is also the opportunity to purchase our CD! For more information, either come along on Saturday 14 October at Burton Town Hall or ask a band member when you come and see us on Saturday 14 October at Burton Town Hall.
Our new MD, Richard Grantham takes the stage in only his 3rd public outing with the band and if previous concerts with Richard are an indicator of form, this concert will be sensational. Also, our Youth Band will be performing and have we mentioned the Bar?
Tickets are now on sale but please hurry as we really do expect these to sell fast. If you would like tickets, please email pete@gresleycollieryband.com
The Website
Continues to be tinkered with even if the webmaster should be putting his kitchen in and not sat there doing this site! There are now some MP3s on this site and also further information about how to buy our CD.
August 2006 - New Musical Director
Gresley Colliery Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Grantham to the position of Musical Director. Richard has an outstanding record as a conductor and brings a wealth of experience to our band. We would like to welcome Richard to Gresley Colliery Band and remind you that the irst chance to see him in action is August 20th at Ashby! We would also like to thank Chris Smith for his hard work and patience with the band whilst he conducted us prior to appointing the new MD - Nice one mate...now get back on trombone!
Website Issues - For legal reasons, we are unable to publicly announce the offical reason the site has been so long since an update but suffice to say it is now! Broadband is now at home so the website is being bombarded with new stuff all the time. Please keep coming back!!!
July 2006 - The Summer Season is here!
Following the departure of Dave Hutchinson, Gresley Band are currently auditioning prospective Musical Directors.
Also, the website is slowly building, despite it currently being hosted from a 56k dial up connection!
June 06 - Departure of MD
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to David Hutchinson, our Musical Director. He has been with the band for over three years, building us into a solid and hard-working team. Under his directorship, the band have not only grown and flourished but also gained a big reputation for entertaining and lively concerts. Dave worked hard right to the very end, the recording of the CD was Dave's last work with band and it is a fitting end to his time with us - a solid and entertaining legacy for the band.
Whilst we are busy recruiting a new MD, Chris Smith, our Solo Trombone player is taking the band.
Dave is moving to Spain to run a business and Gresley Colliery Band wish him the very best and also remind him that low-cost airlines will be sought after if we need him back for conducting duties!
We are delighted to annouce 2 new additions to the band - Lucy Meadows and David Brough . Lucy joins us on 2nd Baritone and completes the strong line up of Ian Perks on Solo Baritone, Karl Eames on Solo Euphonium and Jane Dawn on 2nd Euphonium, whilst Dave joins the already strong line up of Fran Bowman, Tony Bayliss and Deb Smith.
Website back on line - After a couple of years of absence (and some recent sleepless nights), the website is hopefully better than before. We have tried to keep it simple - we prefer to keep the entertainment on stage - not parade it on a PC! Many thanks must go to John at themouthpiece.com for his support in hosting our site.