Latest News - see archive for old news of the band
October- 2008
End of an era
After around 10 years with the Band, Mrs Jean Hunter has decided to step down as Band Secretary. Jean has been a committee member for many years now and has been a hard working Band Secretary for 8 years getting us to contest safe and sound and never personally drawing a Number One in all those years. Well Done Jean. We send best wishes to you from everyone here at Uppermill.
Presentation at the Band room to Jean
(Left to right: Ben Pollard, John Ward, Jean Hunter, Sarah-Jane Greenwood)
Birthday Congratulations
To
Ben Pollard
Our 1st Baritone Player
On the occasion of his 21st Birthday
Best Wishes Ben, from everyone at Band.
Congratulations also go to a couple of other Band members with special birthdays recently, Sue Ellis who was 40 and Sarah Hudson who celebrated her 18 th Birthday – Many Happy Returns to you all !!
July- 2008
A Big Welcome to,
Thomas Mills
Congratulations to our cornet players, Helen and Ian Mills, on the safe arrival of their Baby Son, Thomas, who was born on Tuesday 29 th July weighing in at 7lb 6oz.
Many Congratulations from everyone here at Uppermill go to Helen and Ian together with a very warm welcome to Thomas, who is our very first Uppermill Baby!
124th Durham Miners' Gala - 2008
After our recent performance at the Durham Miners Gala 2008 here are some of the letters and emails which we have received
“Dear Alan, along with hundreds of others, I had the privilege of being in Durham Cathedral at 2.30pm on Saturday 12 th July 2008 , for the Miners Festival Service.
My reason for writing is to say how moved were my wife, my friends and I when The Uppermill Brass Band entered the Minster playing ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ As the music rose to it’s crescendo, a glance to my left and right revealed ladies dabbing watering eyes and gentlemen standing ramrod straight, lips quivering with emotion
It was truly a magnificent, stirring performance which, for us was the highlight of a memorable week end.
Our thanks and compliments to your good self and those most accomplished musicians of the Uppermill Brass Band, very well done, we hope to hear you again in the not too distant future”
Yours faithfully, Mr Standring – Worksop, Notts
"It was great to hear your band leading the Handen Hold Lodge Banner at Durham Miners Gala yesterday. I took lots of photos of the event.
I noticed that the sound of a band back in the community was most poignant for many of the elderly resident, especially the playing of Gresford. "
Julian L Harrop, Durham
March - 2008
Annual Band Awards
At the North West Area Contest in Blackpool , members of the Band and Committee received their annual Band Awards
Most Improved Player
Awarded by our MD Mr Alan Widdop to Dave Brown, who plays Second Cornet. Dave's continued improvement over the last 12 monts has earnt him this well deserved prize.
Bandsperson of the Year - First place went to Chris Bardsley, Third Cornet player, as voted for by all members, players and committee, for his achievements within the Band and most especially for his work and commitment with the Building of our new Band Room. Second place, was awarded to Steve Sanders, BBb Bass, and Third Place to Ian Mills, Front Row Cornet, both of whom have contributed immensely to the building of the new Band Room.
Players Player Awards
This award is voted for by the players themselves and it first place was Tom Gibb Principal Cornet player, who has been with the Band just over twelve months now and has been a real asset. In Second Place was David Mansfield, BBb Bass, and Third place was given to Sarah Louise Hudson, Assistant Principal Cornet who joined the Band late last Year.
Meritorious Service Award - goes to Graham Pollard, a committee member, in recognition of his work at the New Band Room. He received The Marjorie Fielding Trophy. This award was voted for by members of The Band Committee.
Our congratulations go to each and everyone who received their awards, well done !
February - 2008
Wedding Congratulations!
Everyone at Uppermill Band would like to congratulate Mr & Mrs Jim Hunter on their marriage. A very special day, was celebrated on Friday 29 th February 2008 at The Saddleworth Hotel, as our Secretary, Jean Prescott married Mr Jim Hunter. Jean has been secretary with the band now for several years and Jim was the MD of the Band for many years, until 2003. The Band send all their very best wishes for a long & happy life together.
January - 2008
4barsrest - Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year: Runners up.
The band were delighted to be nominated for the Lower Section Band of the Year by 4barsrest. The results were eagerly awaited and were announced on Christmas Day. Having been nominated for the first time the band were thrilled with 13% of the votes to become runners up to Sellers International Youth Band.
Congratualtions go to all at Sellers International Youth Band!
Welcome to...
... Assistant Principle Cornet player, Sarah Hudson, who joined the band back in December. Sarah joins us at the start of our very busy contest season and we are happy to welcome her.