"HAPPY NEW YEAR"
May we take this opportunity of wishing everyone in the band, our friends and supporters, a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. We have a busy schedule over the coming weeks with a joint concert at the new Sage Centre in Gateshead on Sunday, 16 January, quickly followed by two contests at Butlins a week later and then the North of England Championships which will now take place in February. Here's hoping that 2005 will be a successful year for the band.
Bandroom News 01.01.05
NEW PRINCIPAL CORNET AT FISHBURN
It was a case of 'anything goes' at one of Fishburn's carol playing marathons at Tesco this year - Anthony Taylor came along to one of the sessions and sat Principal Cornet for part of the afternoon. Don't panic though, John, your seat is safe!
Bandroom News 23.12.04
70000 HITS AT FISHBURN
Congratulations to Fishburn's ex-horn player, Jillian Dixon, who helped the band website reach the magnificent total of 70000 visitors this week.
Bandroom News 22.12.04
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!
Oh what fun we had as we sat amongst the check-outs at Makro at our first carol playing marathon of the 2004 season! A good time was had by all the 'usual suspects' who turned out to start off the fundraising efforts in the run-up to Christmas. I for one wouldn't miss it for the world, especially since discovering the Bavarian tune near the back of the carol book a couple of years ago...roll on Tesco trolley park!
Bandroom News 04.12.04
SPONSORED WALK
A huge thank you to Judy Evans and her husband who helped to raise the magnificant total of £1900 following their sponsored walk from Fishburn to Durham Big Meeting in July. A cheque was presented to the Band at their annual pre-Christmas concert in Fishburn Club on Friday, 3 December 2004. Thanks also to everyone who filled their sponsor forms and special thanks to Barclays Bank who helped us reach that magnificent amount by partial match-funding. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Bandroom News 04.12.04
RECENT EVENTS
Things certainly didn't go according to plan when we attended the Scottish Open contest at Glasgow last weekend. A rather disruptive night as a result of two fires (in the basement and 7th floor) of the Corus Hotel in Central Glasgow leaving us stranded on the pavement for two hours and then couped up in the first floor restaurant area for another 45 minutes, was followed by a performance of Dances and Arias on the contest stage that was peppered with uncharacteristic blemishes, giving the three adjudicators an easy job of marking us way down on their scorecards. Perhaps tiredness did play a part, but it's something that we can't dwell on and as a band we have to go forward, working even harder than ever to ensure that whatever happens, results of this nature are never an option.
Bandroom News 03.12.04
MANAGERS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations for the month of November goes to Sometimes Here United, co-managed by Patrick Garner and Ashley Durrant who with 56 points were crowned Manager(s) of the Month in the Fishburn Band Fantasy Football League. Coming second with 45 points, and lifting him off the foot of the table, was Jeff Bell and his BellSelecta (Hee Hee) team.
Bandroom News 01.12.04
SCOTTISH OPEN
The band are once again going 'over the border' this weekend as we head for Glasgow and the Scottish Open contest. In 2003, our first attendance at the contest, we gained a creditable 6th place and it would be great to hear our name read out from the podium once again when the results are announced.
Bandroom News 25.11.04
FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR OCTOBER
Congratulations goes to Bari Town, managed by Neil Parkin who managed to nudge Phoenix Knights, managed by Fishburn's Second Cornets, Jo and Audrey off the top spot and also took Manager of the Month for October at the same time.
Bandroom News 07.11.04
MD FOR THE SCOTTISH OPEN
We are very pleased to announce that Major Graham Jones MBE has accepted the offer to lead Fishburn Band in our challenge for the forthcoming Scottish Open contest. Major Jones is a leading figure in military music and has been the Director of Music for the Coldstream Guards, a position unequalled in British military music, since August 2001. Other previous appointments include Director of Music for the Lowland Bnad of the Scottish Division and Director of Music for the Band of the Light Division. He is also an accomplished arranger and composer for modern wind band and has many pieces to his name, including many contemporary works.
Speaking on behalf of Fishburn Band, Band Manager Mal Usher commented "the band are excited that we have managed to secure the services of such a talented Musical Director for the Scottish Open contest."
Speaking of the chance to conduct the band, Major Jones said "I am delighted and honoured to be taking the Fishburn Band to the Scottish Open. Banding has been in my blood since a small boy at Glossop Band. In my years as a Military Band conductor I have always followed the band world very closely and I very much look forward to working with this fine band."
Bandroom News 24.10.04
MANAGERS OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER
After a very close run to claim 'Managers of the Month' for September, it turned out to be a tie between Neil Simpson's 'Kwik E Mart XI' and Mal & Helen's 'CityCityBangBang' teams. Both teams achieved the excellent total of 42 points, narrowly beating John Youll and Steve Hardy's team 'Horn End Utd' into 3rd place with 41 points. Once again, wooden spoon went to Jeff Bell's 'BellSelecta (Hee Hee)' team with a measly 21 points (although it was better than his 6 points for August). August winners Audrey & Jo and their team 'Phoenix Knights' are once again setting the pace for October with a current total of 15 points. Visit our fantasy league progress by pressing here.
Bandroom News 12.10.04
TROON ENTERTAINMENT CONTEST
As usual, the sun was shining as we visited Troon on Saturday, 4 September for our annual Land O'Burns Entertainment Contest. With new MD Chris Bentham in control, we came away with prizes for 3rd place (beating much fancied Kirkintilloch into 4th place) and the prize for best Band for Dress & Deportment. John Gill also had the pleasure of picking up the prize for best Principal Cornet. Many thanks to Nicola Williamson (Cornet), Claire Moore (Euphonium) and Michael Franey (Tenor Horn) who gave us their invaluable help on the day. Michael stepped in at the last minute (Friday evening) to fill in for John Youll who had unfortunately taken ill and was unable to take part. One of the highlights of the Contest was the great interpretation of a 'Duet for Two Cats' by two of our members, John White (Cornet) and Malcolm Gill (Trombone) who both 'dressed up' for the occasion in their cat suits, masks and tails, to give the audience a very humorous and entertaining rendition. You can check out the remarks of adjudicator Colin Hardy that are now on the website (Click Here) Apart from the early start (the coach set off at 6.15 am), Troon is always a good day out and it was great to once again meet up with our old friends from Freckleton. This year the top honours went to Whitburn with Unison Kinneil being named as runners-up. To finish off a very adventurous day, the coach driver gave us a tour of Scotland on the return journey when he missed our turning. Andrea White did her best to discuss this minor error with him, but in the best tradition of a man (Andrea's words), he would not listen, stating that he wasn't lost and he knew where he was! He got there eventually....after 3am.
Bandroom News 06.09.04
OOPS!
Since returning from our jolly holidays, it seems that we failed to recognise the stirling work of Patrick and Steve (Flugel and Solo Horn respectively) who helped our marvellous website reach the 65000 visitor mark on Thursday, 26 August 2004. Well done lads, but shouldn't you both be working...???
Bandroom News 06.09.04
MANAGERS OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST
We can't believe it.....the all female Management team of 'Phoenix Knights', comprising of Jo Brown and Audrey Gill, have been crowned Managers of the Month for August in Fishburn Band's Fantasy Football League, with a magnificent total of 59 Points, putting the rest of us in the shade (just compare it to Jeff Bell's 'Bellselecta (Hee Hee)' and his miserable start to the season with only 6 points). Well girlies, can you keep up the pace over the long, long season? The pressure's on!
Bandroom News 03.09.04
WHAT'S NEXT FOR FISHBURN?
On what is usually a quiet period for the band as members go on their summer holidays, we are still continuing with rehearsals on a Wednesday and Sunday evenings as the next engagement for the band is the Land 'O' Burns Entertainment Contest at Troon on Saturday, 4 September 2004. Having previously won and been placed at the contest, we hope to once again do very well with a varied and entertaining programme selected by the band's new Musical Director, Chris Bentham.
Bandroom News 05.08.04
"64000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Congratulations to Steve, Fishburn's Solo Horn, who beat the 'usual suspects' to be visitor number 64000 on 28 July. Thanks to all our new and regular visitors who continue to visit our site.
Bandroom News 01.08.04
DURHAM MINERS GALA
The bad weather just held off for us to enjoy our day at the Durham Miners Gala on Saturday 10 July. Once again the band were honoured to be asked to play the miners hymn, Gresford, before the speeches got under way and then it was off to the pub for a bit of socialising before the long, uphill walk out. Why not check out our photographs of the march around Fishburn. The day preceded with the traditional concert at Fishburn Club on the Friday night at which Musical Director Chris Bentham made his 'Fishburn Club' debut and achieved a very good rapport with our Fishburn Supporters. The concert was also Solo Horn player Steven Hardy's Solo debut playing 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' and after an excellent rendition received a very well deserved ovation from the appreciative audience.
Many thanks once again must go to to Billy Elliott and the Fishburn Band Supporters Club, who provided welcome refreshments before and after our trek into Durham. Thanks also must go to Judy and her husband who did their annual sponsored walk into Durham on behalf of the Band. Thanks also to Barclays Bank, who have promised to double all sponsor money collected which will boost the much needed funds.
Bandroom News 11.07.04
EURO 2004 FOOTBALL COMPETITION
We had 317 entrants into our 'Predict the Scores and the Finalists' for the Euro 2004 football competition. These are the 'lucky' prizewinners who came out on top despite some 'dodgy' results:
Name Points Prize Seller
Frank Bell 67 £60 Frank Bell
Neill Turver 60 £20 Audrey Gill
Christopher Cook 60 £20 John Youll
Tot Lawson 60 £20 John Youll
Bill Waters 60 £20 Sarah Waters
Colin Purcell 59 £10 Malcolm Gill
Lez Moy 59 £10 Sarah Waters
Peter Hardy 58 £5 John Gill
Laurence James 58 £5 Audrey Gill
Tim & Ian 58 £5 John Youll
Philip Luke 58 £5 Kevin Franey
Paul Fulton 19 £5 Sarah Waters
Many thanks to all who took part for your support, we hope following your predictions gave Euro 2004 an added interest.
Bandroom News 03.07.04
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Jo Brown on gaining her Degree and well done to Steve Hardy on his brilliant end of year results, both at Durham University. Enjoy the break before you both head back to Uni in September, Steve for his final year and Jo who returns to Durham to study for her Masters.
Bandroom News 22.06.04
"62000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Congratulations to Jo Brown, Fishburn's 2nd Cornet and in-house diplomat, for reaching the brilliant total of 62000 visitors last Saturday, without even trying! That's two in a row for Jo who along with Steve claimed the 61000 visitor crown at the beginning of the month.
Bandroom News 21.06.04
NEW FACES AT THE BANDROOM
Things are obviously moving in the right direction for Fishburn Band - you have to get to band practices early to get a seat, especially on the cornet section where at our last rehearsal we had Becky coming along to help us out during her summer break from University and Judd Down on the front row, fresh from working on a cruise ship. It's also great to see Colin Shaw back on B flat bass which gives Len Potts another chance to show us how versatile he is by swapping onto cornet once again!
Bandroom News 19.06.04
CHANGE OF COLOUR AT FISHBURN
A good time was had by all (well, the usual suspects at least) as we set about painting the bandroom over the weekend, which now looks particularly attractive in 'heather' and 'burgundy'. Highlight for me was Jeff's culinary expertise at the barbecue on the Saturday afternoon - eat yer heart out Gordon Ramsey! Once it's all complete perhaps we'll be able to get round to the band celebrating its 50th anniversary, as our plans were put on hold in January due to the bandroom being flooded.
Bandroom News 18.06.04
"61000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Congratulations to Steve and Jo, Fishburn's Solo Horn and Second Cornet, who took a break from their 'post-exam' chaos to reach 61000 mark on Tuesday, 1 June - that's stopped the Singing Bucket and the rest in their tracks!
Bandroom News 02.06.04
JUNE CONCERTS
Our rescheduled concert at Trimdon Colliery Club (previously postponed due to adverse weather conditions at the start of the year) will now take place on Friday, 11th June, starting at 8.30 pm, tickets are £1. We will then be performing at Witham Hall, Barnard Castle on Saturday, 19 June, starting at 7.30 pm, for a fundraising event on behalf of the 'Friends of Witham Hall'. Tickets are £6 (£4 for concessions). Tickets will be available 'at the door' for both events, or you can contact any band member for theTrimdon concert, or contact Audrey on 01429 297019 (home) or 01429 851202 (work) for Witham Hall tickets. The Witham Hall concert is also a designated Patrons concert - once again, please contact Audrey if you wish to take up the ticket offer.
Bandroom News 31.05.04
TREASURE HUNT
Preparations are well under way for our next Treasure Hunt, scheduled to take place at 4pm on Saturday 5 June 2004 starting at Somerfield car park, Dragonsville, Durham. Band stalwart, Stewart Wilson, has once again put together what he promises to be an intriguing route and set of clues for our enjoyment. Anyone who would like to join in this social event can do so by contacting any Band member and arranging to attend the event for the princely sum of 3 Groats per car (that's £'s to you and me) with a maximum of 4 occupants per car. Any Band members who have not let Stewart know of their attendance should do so as soon as possible!
Bandroom news 29.05.04
FUNDRAISING CONCERT 28 MAY 2004
An excellent evening was had by all at our fundraising concert hosted by our supporters at Fishburn Club. A huge thank you goes to Tommy Maddison who conducted the Band through an entertaining programme of music and kept the audience enthralled with his humourous banter. Tommy came in at the last minute when it was realised that our resident conductor, Chris Bentham, couldn't attend the concert due to other commitments and proved to be an excellent stand in. Thanks must also go to Melanie (cornet) and Kevin (euphonium) who played as very welcome guest players at the concert having attended rehearsals in preparation.
Presentations were made on the night to 2 two of our 'elder statesmen' - Ronnie Bannister, for his years of commitment and hard work for the band on various instruments (latter years on Eb Bass) and as Trustee, and Cliff Linsley for his years of dedication to the Band as Librarian.
A presentation was also made to Christine Elliott, wife of Band supporter Billy Elliott for her valued support over the years (and her willingness to allow Billy to spend so much time with the Band!) - her buffets provided for the Band on regular occasions are to die for!
For those who purchased raffle tickets for the 'Grand Draw' the numbers drawn out are: 2873 (28" TV), 888 (Portable TV), 3814 (Portable TV), 5445 (Video Recorder), 3249 (signed Newcastle Utd football shirt), 5388 (signed Sunderland FC football). Many thanks go to Makro who very generously donated the prizes.
Bandroom News 29.05.04
FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE RESULTS
After a brilliant Season of Fantasy Football, it all ended with a flourish with positions changing up to the last matches. The final positions were:
1 Double Trouble Plus 1 437 pts
2 Bari Town 429 pts
3 Euphornia Utd 356 pts
4 Horn End United 340 pts
5 Sometimes Here United 328 pts
6 Team Cornetto 317 pts
7 Blacksedge United 312 pts
8 Who Are Ya? 292 pts
9 Legs and Co 235 pts
League Series Cup: Sometimes Here United
Runners Up: Double Trouble plus One
FA Cup: Who Are Ya?
Runners Up: Euphornia
Bandroom News 28.05.04
'60000 HITS BY THE SINGING BUCKET'
Well done to our Solo Eb Bass player Anthony Taylor, AKA The Singing Bucket, who has claimed the magnificent title of becoming visitor number 60000 to our site Homepage. Rumour has it that Anthony was actually visitor 58000 also, but failed to stake his claim at the time, being beaten to the punch by 'Mellowtone' Mal Gill. Thanks once again to all our visitors who keep our website at the top!
Bandroom News 27.05.04
PLAYER UPDATE
We are delighted to report that Suzanne Kay, who played for us as a guest at our winning performance of Triumphant Rhapsody at this year's Durham League contest, joined us on 1st Horn in preparation for the Grand Shield. We have recently said goodbye to Gavin Probert who has returned to Gateshead Brass following the Grand Shield and also Caroline Hughes (back row cornets). We wish them both well in their future ventures. It's also good to say 'welcome back' to Andy Nicholson, who once again returns to help out on 2nd Cornet joining Jo Brown, who has moved onto Cornet after first helping the band out on the Horn Section.
Bandroom News 27.05.04
GRAND SHIELD COMPETITION
After having high hopes of a good result at the prestigious Grand Shield Contest on 8th May with our new conducting partnership of Major Ian McElligott and Chris Bentham and a decent performance of Les Preludes, we were judged to be in 10th place out of 22 Bands by the adjudicators, who were a little fazed with Ian's interpretation of Bram Gay's arrangement. The Band came away very disappointed, as comments from the audience left us feeling that we were in with a shout to gain a top 3 place and qualification to the British Open in September. However, we did gain automatic qualification into the 2005 Grand Shield event and gained a few ranking points, having beaten many of the country's top Bands. Once again, our young soloists came through with flying colours and will be even better for the experience. Click here to read the remarks.
Bandroom News 27.05.04
"59000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Well done to Fishburn Band's Principal Cornet, John 'Webmaster' Gill, for reaching the magnificent total of 59000 hits on Monday. Sorry that we haven't regularly been updating the Bandroom News page of late, we've been too busy being 'whipped' into shape every night by Major Ian McElligott ready for the Grand Shield. Thanks to all those who have sent cards and well wishes in the hope of another successful performance at this prestigious contest on Saturday and let's hope that we can beat our best ever result of 4th place in 2003.
Bandroom News 06.05.04
GRAND SHIELD
The band are now busy rehearsing for the prestigious Grand Shield contest which takes place in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Saturday, 8 May 2004. Our new Resident Conductor, Chris Bentham, is busy putting us through our paces on Les Preludes before he hands us over to Major Ian McElligott. The band gained its highest ever placing in this contest in 2003 and we hope to go one better this year to qualify for the British Open in September.
Bandroom News 17.04.04
"58000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Congragulations to Mal Gill, otherwise known as Mellowtone Mal, who, following a stewards enquiry (and the lack of anyone else stepping forward) has been allowed to take the credit for helping the website reach the 58000 visitor mark on Wednesday. And for those of you who are now considering jumping on the bandwagon ready for the next milestone, don't even think about it (unless you have the surname of Gill and you co-manage a football team with Mr Webmaster)!!
Bandroom News 16.04.04
NEW RESIDENT MUSICAL DIRECTOR
We are very pleased to announce that following recent auditions,
Chris Bentham has been appointed as our resident Musical Director.
Chris is well known as the Solo Trombone player of the Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) Band and has previously gained extensive experience in conducting local bands, having success with Westoe (STHCT) Band and Boldon Colliery Band and we are confident that he will ensure the ongoing development and success of the Band. This appointment follows the decision by the Band to revise the Musical Director position to provide separate resident and professional positions in order to take the Band to a higher level. The appointment of Chris complements the appointment of Major Ian McElligott for the forthcoming Grand Shield contest to be held at Blackpool Winter Gardens on 8th May and first task for Chris will therefore be to prepare the Band on Symphonic Poem No.3, Les Preludes for the contest.
The Band have of course been very fortunate to have had the services since November 2001 of Graham O'Connor, who has achieved some of the best results in the Band's history at the Grand Shield and Pontins contests. We thank Graham for his hard work, guidance and enthusiasm during his time with the Band and it is hoped that we will have Graham's services again in the future. We wish him continued success in his current positions at Hatfield Coal Power Band and Ransomes Band.
The Band also wishes to thank the other applicants who took part in the auditions who all gave very positive accounts of themselves making the final decision a very difficult one.
Bandroom News 09.04.04
"57000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
The Singing Bucket, alias Anthony Taylor (Eb Bass), has made a welcome return to the winners enclosure by reaching the magnificent total of 57000 hits on Sunday. Well done.
Bandroom News 31.03.04
FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Another very close run contest in the Fishburn Band Fantasy Football League. Just scooping the title of Manager of the Month for March was Neil Parkin and his Bari Town with 57 points, one point ahead, YES, only one point ahead of Team Cornetto, managed by Mal Usher and Audrey Gill. As it stands, Neil is now hot on the heels of the League leaders, Double Trouble Plus One, who have seen their massive lead dwindle away week by week and are looking over their shoulders at the other teams catching them up!
Bandroom News 31.03.04
FISHBURN THIRD
For the third consecutive year, it wasn't to be - no disputing the winners this year, Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) played very well but we can count ourselves very unlucky not to be travelling with them to London in October by clinching second place from EYMS. Never mind, we once again came away with individual prizes - this time for Best Soprano (Mal Usher) and Best Principal Cornet (John Gill), although both would swap their trophies for a trip to the Royal Albert Hall in October. Thanks again to John Millgate who stepped in for Mal Gill and to Matt who deputised at extreme short notice for Jo who was hospitalised three days before the contest. Hope to see you back in the bandroom very soon.
Bandroom News 26.03.04
NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
THANKS to our many friends and supporters who have sent the Band messages via telephone, e-mail and the Guestbook wishing us well for the Area contest at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington on Sunday, 21.03.04. All we can do is hope that we play as well as we have done the last couple of years and that the results go our way this time.
Bandroom News 19.03.04
GET WELL SOON
Here's wishing our new First Horn player, Jo Brown, a speedy recovery after a spell in hospital. Hope you'll be back with us VERY SOON!
Bandroom News 19.03.04
"56000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Well done to John White as he logged on to reach magnificent total of 56000 hits on Wednesday and claimed victory on behalf of the cornet section. Once again, just pipped at the post, was the 'bookies favourite', Jeff Bell. Better luck next time AGAIN!
Bandroom News 18.03.04
NEW PLAYERS
Fishburn Band would like to welcome two new players into their ranks who will be making their first contest appearance at the Area next weekend - Jo Brown on First Horn and Caroline Hughes on 2nd cornet. It's also great to welcome back John Millgate on Solo Trombone, deputising once again for Mal Gill.
Bandroom News 12.03.04
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday wishes go to Keith Hepworth (bass), Paul White (trombone), Billy Elliott - the original and best (Support Group) and Neil Simpson (euphonium) who all celebrate their birthdays in March.
Bandroom News 05.03.04
"55000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Well done to Tom Soron, one of Fishburn's front row cornet players, for managing to beat the opposition into submission by being visitor number 55000 on Monday (that wasn't the reason why you were late to the rehearsal was it?*!) - only kidding Tom. Thanks to everyone for your contributions and continued support.
Bandroom News 02.03.04
MANAGER(S) OF THE MONTH
Well done to Sometimes Here United, managed by Patrick Garner and Ashley Durrant for taking the above accolade in Fishburn Band's Fantasy Football League for the month of February with 43 points. Closely following in their footsteps in second place were Horn End United and Double Trouble Plus One who shared the spoils with 41 points each.
Bandroom News 01.03.04
WEATHER WARNING
Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, we were forced to cancel our planned concert at Trimdon Colliery Club on Friday, 27 February 2004. Our resident conductor, Graham O'Connor, who travels from Sheffield for each rehearsal, was forced to turn around en-route. It is hoped, however, that we can re-arrange a date for a return to the Club following the Area contest.
Bandroom News 29.02.04
"54000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Well done to Steve Hardy, our Solo Horn, for reaching the magnificent target of 54000 hits today. This is an astounding total, bearing in mind that the website was only officially opened on 25.02.01, so that makes us three years old next week! Band members also celebrating February birthdays are John Youll and Patrick Garner (although we understand that they are both slightly older than the website). Thanks to everyone for your contributions and continued support.
Bandroom News 17.02.04
FEBRUARY CONCERT
The Band will be taking a well deserved break from rehearsing Tristan Encounters, the test piece for the Area Contest next month, by doing a concert in Trimdon Colliery Club on Friday, 27 February 2004. Starting at 8.30pm, tickets are £1 and are available on the door. We look forward to seeing you there.
Bandroom News 16.02.04
NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Following Fishburn Band's AGM (Sunday, 15.02.04), we're pleased to welcome two new members onto the Committee - Patrick Garner and Jeff Bell. They take the places of Sue Parker (who left the band last year) and Audrey Gill, who decided not to seek re-election this year. Many thanks must go to Audrey, who will be a major loss to the committee, particularly for the amount of administrative and correspondence work 'behind the scenes' which often goes un-noticed. Audrey will however continue to administer the Patrons scheme and produce the Patrons newsletter. She will also continue to assist 'yours truly' in keeping the website ahead of the rest!
Bandroom News 15.02.04
RACHEL KEEPS BUSY AT LONDON
One of our percussion team, Rachel Dickinson, currently at University in London, was unable to visit us over the Christmas period due to other commitments. We've heard that she's being kept very busy - she has been working as a receptionist in a Covent Garden health club and is also co-founder and manager of the London Youth Orchestra, who are soon to be presented to the Capital. She has also co-written a musical to be staged in the West End (for one night only due to costs) very soon. Where does she find the time to do her degree? We wish Rachel well in all her endeavours and hope that she can fit us into her very busy schedule over the coming months to pay us a visit.
Bandroom News 10.02.04
"53000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
We did it - yes, Kieran and I managed to beat the bookies favourites to be visitor number 53000 earlier this week. Obviously the young whipper-snappers, Jeff and Steve, were still signing autographs after their magnificent show at the Durham League Contest and having just finished polishing the family silver, we logged on just in time to claim the honours. Better luck next time.
Bandroom News 06.02.04
DURHAM LEAGUE CONTEST 2004
Fishburn Band were once again crowned Durham League Champions after a confident and exciting performance of Triumphant Rhapsody under the baton of Graham O'Connor on Sunday 1st February 2004. Click here to read our remarks. Individual prizes were also plentiful with Malcolm Usher being judged best Soprano Cornet, John Gill being judged best Principal Cornet and Malcolm Gill being judged best Trombone. So it was a good day all round for the band after a series of set backs this new year (see news items below) Thanks go to our 'guest' players Jillian, Phil and Suzanne for their invaluable help.
Bandroom News 02.02.04
GUESTBOOK
Well, you did it. Yes, you managed to fill the original guestbook. A staggering 1000 entries (not including those we deleted for various reasons) were recorded since coming on-line less than 3 years ago. Many thanks once again to all our visitors without whom we couldn't have done it. Lets see how quickly you fill the new one!
Bandroom News 02.02.04
CRIMEWATCH
What's next on the agenda for Fishburn Band? We started off 2004 with a flooded bandroom and extensive damage, because of this celebrations were put on hold for our 50th birthday on 26.01.04 and now our Flugel has been 'nicked' on the eve of our attendance at the Durham League Contest on 1.2.04! Any chance of us starting 2004 again? A winning performance on Triumphant Rhapsody at the Contest today might just be the lift that the band needs to put us in good stead for the rest of the year...it can't get any worse, can it?
Bandroom News 01.02.04
FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Managers of the Month for January 2004 are Ashley Durrant & Patrick Garner with their team 'Never Here United' with an astounding 58 points. Runner up was Jeff Bell and his team 'Euphornia United' with 45 points. Well done to both teams. Why not visit our fantasy league pages and check on our progress in the League, the FA Cup, the League Series and European Competitions by clicking here
Bandroom News 01.02.04
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Fishburn Band will be 50 years old on 26 January 2004, although celebrations are on hold until the contest is over and done with and the bandroom has been fully repaired (following the burst pipe and flood at New Year). Another two 'golden oldies' also share their birthdays with the band this month - Frank Bell and Graham O'Connor - congratulations to both from everyone connected with Fishburn Band!
Bandroom News 22.01.04
"52000 HITS AT FISHBURN"
Congratulations to Michael Duncan, Solo Horn from Riverside Brass, who managed to beat stiff competition to become visitor number 52000 on Tuesday, 20.1.04.
Bandroom News 21.01.04
GREAT START TO 2004!
Band Secretary, Len Potts, got more than he bargained for when he called into the bandroom on Sunday, 4 January to put the heaters on in readiness for our first rehearsal of the New Year - he was met by water pouring out of the bandroom from an overhead burst pipe. After calling upon other local band members, the clearing up could begin and the bandroom was emptied so that the total damage could be assessed. Sunday's rehearsal had to be re-directed to Fishburn Workingmen's Club but we're glad to report and we can return to the bandroom this Thursday to continue our work on the test pieces for our next two contests, the Durham League in February and the North of England Championships in March.
Bandroom News 07.01.04
FOOTBALL NEWS
Normal service was resumed in December, as Double Trouble Plus One, managed by John, Mal and Kieran Gill, triumphed as Manager(s) of the Month with 61 points in the Fishburn Band Fantasy Football League. It was a close-run thing for the runners-up position, with Bari Town, managed by Neil Parkin taking second place by one point from Team Cornetto. Rumour has it that there is tension mounting today amongst band members, not to mention the Gill household, due to the Sunderland v Hartlepool FA Cup match. Split loyalties mean that Audrey, a life-long Sunderland supporter and a regular attender at Hartlepool home games, won't be going to the match while band members Patrick, Mal Usher (born and bred in Hartlepool), Helen and John, will join Kieran and Mal's Dad behind the goal cheering Pools on. No doubt a win for Sunderland will help to put John Youll well back on the way to recovery but either way, someone will be VERY disappointed in our house come the final whistle.
Bandroom News 03.01.04
NEW PLAYERS
Fishburn Band are pleased to announce the recent signing of two young players. Mary Stevenson has joined on percussion and Gavin Probert on the cornet bench. Gavin registered with the band at the end of 2003 and played at the inaugural Scottish Open contest, whereas Mary will get her first taste of contesting in February at the Durham League contest. Mary and Gavin are both students at Durham University and we hope that they have a long, happy and successful time as members of Fishburn Band.
Bandroom News 03.01.04
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