The Bradwell Bugle fileMusical director Brian Keech then took us through a resume of the last 12 months’ activities. Brian said

www.bradwellband.co.uk

The Bradwell

Bugle

Hello everyone

The Band is into its busiest time, so please do all you can to get volunteers for the

collections so we can raise lots of money.

As you will see from the AGM notes, you have my company for the next year—please can I have yours?! Thanks very much to those who contribute for which I’m very

grateful.

I wish you all a very happy, peaceful and joyous Christmas and all the best for 2010.

Maggie x

From the Editor

BILL HOLDING

We were very sad to hear that Bill died unexpectedly on Thursday 3rd December.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to his wife Audrey and family in their

time of sorrow. He will be sorely missed.

Bill’s funeral will be held on Friday 18th December at Hanslope Methodist

Church.

If you have any memories of Bill you’d like to share with us, please write to the

Editor.

Newsletter of the Bradwell Silver Band December 2009

Bill Holding 1

AGM Report 2

Christmas Music? 3-4

Contact Us 9

Membership Info 10

Member News 7

More Member News 8

Engagements 8

Every picture…. 6

Inside this issue:

…………………….WELCOME!..............................

THE BAND IS PLEASED TO WELCOME ABI MILLS AND LUCY BEDFORD

AS NEW MEMBERS OF THE BAND. ABI JOINS US ON 1ST BARITONE

FROM WOLVERTON BAND. LUCY IS NO STRANGER TO BRADWELL

AS SHE HAS HELPED US OUT ON MANY OCCASIONS. BOTH LADIES

HAVE FITTED INTO THE BAND VERY QUICKLY AND ARE ALREADY

INVOLVED WITH OUR MANY CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENTS.

BRIAN


AGM Report —by Robin Allen

PAGE 2 THE BRADWELL BUGLE DECEMBER 2009

The annual event of fun and hilarity that is otherwise known as the Annual General Meeting took place on

12th November this year.

We were fortunate to have our newly elected President, the Rev’d Chris Collinge with us and she opened

the meeting by saying that she was very pleased to accept the presidency of something that was such a

big part of the life of New Bradwell and that she looked forward to being involved with the band.

Musical director Brian Keech then took us through a resume of the last 12 months’ activities. Brian said

that we have managed a good cross section of events both during the Christmas and summer seasons. We

have occasionally suffered from a lack of players, and we need to say thank you to those people who

regularly help out . It’s nice to be able to welcome back players such as Mike and Pat, and also to see new

faces appearing such as Joe. On the down side we have lost key players and our goal is to find a Principal

Cornet. Our contest performances still need to be improved although the area test piece was probably a

step too far for many 4th sect bands.

Our playing standard has improved but not as much as it could, more teamwork is need beginning within

the sectional groups. Brian concluded by saying that he had one wish for the forthcoming year – to have

full rehearsals whenever possible!

Our outgoing chairman was unable to be with us but had sent a report in which Robin read out. Sue said

that she wished to thank band members and their families for the efforts that they make to support the

band and also to the supporters club for the work they do throughout the whole of the year, to those

members who helped and encouraged our juniors, to Brian for his work and encouragement and to Mike

for his efforts behind the wheel of not one but two buses!

Secretary Robin echoed these sentiments and included the rest of the committee and also Maggie who

edits the Band’s monumental journalistic tome with unflagging enthusiasm and who needs much more input

from everyone - not just Keith!

Dave presented the balance sheet which is very healthy and noted that we had managed to turn last

year’s small loss into a reasonable profit for this year.

Election of officers followed and were as follows:

Chairman; Mike Sanders

Secretary; Robin Allen

Treasurer; Dave Sanderson

Librarian; Sam White

Quartermaster; Vince Jarjadian.

Committee members; Gary Morris, Mike White, Karen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Luke Colvin.

Magazine Editor; Maggie Snape



Christmas Music—or is it? By Keith Jones

For our forthcoming Christmas concerts we will include a number of very familiar tunes. When you look into these further, you may find it surprising that a lot of the music traditionally associated with Christ-mas has very little to do with the true meaning of the festive season. That’s not to decry the efforts of the composers, rather the fact that these tunes have been commercially marketed to exploit the feel good factor of the winter holiday season. Somewhere along the line, sleigh bells and snow have become syn-onymous with Christmas although very few of us will have ever actually experienced the white one we

all supposedly dream about.

For instance, Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride" is mainly associated withChristmas and often appears on compilation albums. However the song's lyrics mention of pumpkin pie in the last verse would suggest an association with American Thanksgiving Day rather than Christmas. “The Snowman (Walking In The Air)” featured in the 1982 animated film The Snowman, which was based on the Raymond Briggs book of the same name. In the animated movie, which has become a perennial Christmas favorite on British television, English choirboy Peter Autey sings this song. However it was the then Welsh choirboy and now presenter of BBC’s Songs Of Praise, Aled Jones, who recorded the

vocals on its subsequent single release.

“Stop The Cavalry” is an unusual combination of anti-war protest set to a brass band style backing and again has become a Christmas standard. The song is set in the trenches during the First World War where a soldier is expressing the wish to be home for Christmas. Jona Lewie who wrote the song told the Daily Express on March 12, 2005: "The soldier in the song is a bit like the eternal soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, but the song actually had nothing to do with Christmas when I wrote it. There is one line about him being on the front and missing his girlfriend: 'I wish I was at home for Christmas.' The record company picked up on that from a marketing perspective, and added a tubular bell. The song went to

number three in the UK, and topped the charts in several European countries

“A Winter’s Tale” was a 1982 hit for David Essex but is a song about winter and has no direct link with

Christmas.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a song by American singer Maria Carey and Walter Afanasieff, re-corded for Carey's album ’Merry Christmas’ (1994). The singer declares that she does not care about

Christmas presents or lights; all she wants for Christmas is to be with the one she loves.

“Mistletoe and Wine” This song was originally performed by ex-model Twiggy in the 1986 British televi-

sion Christmas musical The Little Match Girl, which was based on the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name. The show's producer thought the song would be ideal for Cliff. Cliff loved the song, but he wanted to put in a few lyrical alterations, to give the song a more religious message to tie in with its Christmas release. Jeremy Paul, Leslie Stewart and Keith Strachan, who wrote the song, were happy for

him to do so and the song became the UK No: 1 during Christmas 1988.

“Schneewalzer” is a great thigh slapping Bavarian beer-festival style waltz extolling the virtues of danc-ing in the snow. As someone once said, Schneewalzer has the same effect as Land of Hope and Glory - it doesn't matter what you play beforehand, the audience will still go home happy!

And finally,"Jingle Bells" which is one of the best known and commonly sung winter songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) and copyrighted under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh" on September 16, 1857. Despite being inextricably connected to this season, it is not specifically

a Christmas song. It is one of many "joyful songs" written in New England during the late 19th century.

In the end, we play what people expect to hear at this time of year and as long as the concerts include a

good balance of traditional carols I for one am happy to belt out the same pieces for the umpteenth time.

On the following page is a list of the 40 biggest selling Christmas hits. See how many of these you can

identify as playing now or in the past.


Christmas Music—continued


Artist Title Year

Band Aid Do They Know It's Christmas? 1984/1985/2007

Boney M Mary's Boy Child 1978

Wham! Last Christmas 1984/1985/2007/2008

Harry Belafonte Mary's Boy Child 1957

Band Aid 20 Do They Know It's Christmas? 2004

Slade Merry Xmas Everybody 1973/1981/1983/1998/2006/2007/2008

Bing Crosby White Christmas 1942/1977/1998

Cliff Richard The Millennium Prayer 1999

Johnny Mathis When A Child Is Born 1976

Cliff Richard Mistletoe And Wine 1988

Jona Lewie Stop The Cavalry 1980

John Lennon / Yoko Ono Happy Christmas (War Is Over) 1972/1980/1981/2003/2007

Mud Lonely This Christmas 1974

Shakin' Stevens Merry Christmas Everyone 1985/2007/2008

Paul McCartney Pipes of Peace 1983

Band Aid II Do They Know It's Christmas? 1989

Mariah Carey All I Want For Christmas Is You 1994/2007/2008

Wizzard I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday 1973/1984/2007/2008

Greg Lake I Believe In Father Christmas 1975

Wombles Wombling Merry Christmas 1974

Shakin' Stevens Blue Christmas (Shakin' Stevens EP) 1982

The Darkness Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) 2003 David Bowie & Bing

Crosby Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy 1982

Cliff Richard Saviour's Day 1990 Pogues featuring Kirsty

MacColl Fairytale of New York 1987/1991/2005/2006/2007/2008

David Essex A Winter's Tale 1982

Dickie Valentine Christmas Alphabet 1955

Dina Carroll The Perfect Year 1993

Dana It's Gonna Be A Cold Cold Christmas 1975

Paul McCartney Wonderful Christmas Time 1979

Gary Glitter Another Rock And Roll Christmas 1984

Kim Wilde & Mel Smith Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree 1987

Mr Hankey Mr Hankey The Christmas Poo 1999

Nina & Frederick Little Donkey 1960

Cliff Richard Little Town 1982

David Whitfield Santo Natale (Merry Christmas) 1954

Aled Jones Walking In The Air 1985

Adam Faith Lonely Pup (In A Christmas Shop) 1960

Childliners The Gift Of Christmas 1995

Bo Selecta Proper Crimbo 2003

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40


Engagement Reports — by Keith Jones


Sunday 9th November—Remembrance Sunday Parade and Church Service

Bradwell Silver Band, under the leadership of musical director Brian Keech, was proud to once

again be part of the annual parade and service organised by the New Bradwell branch of the

British Legion. On a dry but chilly afternoon, the Band with a police escort set off from the school playing the march “True and Trusty”. We joined up with the other participants who were

already assembling at the Clock Tower.

When all was ready, the parade marshal gave the command for the parade to march into New-port Road facing the memorial. There followed a short service of remembrance followed by the

‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ expertly sounded by Tug Wilson. The Band played the hymn tune

‘Supreme Sacrifice’ as wreathes were laid by members of the various local organisations. The

parade re-formed and set of for the Church service at St. James to the ‘British Legion March’.

The Church service commenced with the reading of the names of those from New Bradwell who

lost their lives in conflict.

This was followed by the familiar words of a verse from Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem For The Fallen

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

‘The Last Post’ was played by Tug and following a period of silence ‘Reveille’.

The Band accompanied the singing of the hymns, the first of which was

‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’. During the singing of this hymn the Standards were

brought to the altar.

There was a scripture reading by a very confident uniformed marine cadet and an address by

the Reverend Chris Collinge. During this the vicar conducted an interview with Phyllis Drinkwa-

ter who during the second world war had served at Bletchley Park and knew Alan Turing. At the

conclusion of her interview, Phyllis received the 'Bletchley Medal,' awarded this year by the

Government to surviving civilian and military personnel from the cryptology unit in recognition

of their vital war work. Phyllis was presented with the medal by Commander Stuart Borland a

serving Royal Navy Commander who’s family live in New Bradwell.

The second hymn was ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ and this was followed by an Act of re-

dedication. The final hymn was the lively ‘Shine Jesus Shine’, during which the standards are

returned and proceed to the back of the church where they stand for the The National An-

them. The Band played several hymn tunes as the congregation left the Church.

This was Abi’s first marching engagement and she did extremely well, keeping in step for the

whole of the march. Our thanks go to Tug for helping us out this afternoon.


Engagement Reports—continued


Central Milton Keynes—Thursday 12th November

The first of our Christmas engagements saw an ensemble of seven players gather at Boots in

the City Centre. The store were running a special promotional evening and having heard the

band earlier in the year, invited us to send along a small group to play suitably festive music.

We were given a prime position just inside the store near the beauty counters and did our best

to keep the music lively, even if this meant repeating some of the tunes played. We achieved a

fine balance with the group of players we had assembled, comprising Sue, Sam, Bryn, Keith,

Luke C, Fraser and Robin. We attracted a lot of attention and it was an excellent playing effort.

The management and staff of Boots expressed their thanks for our playing and have already

indicated they wish us to return next year.

Over the Christmas season I have decided to nominate a Man of The Match award to the per-son who made a memorable contribution (not necessarily musical) at a particular engagement.

There were quite a few in line for the first of these awards tonight. We had Sue worrying

about her cat, Sam wistfully staring at the Thornton’s shop and Luke watching the advertise-

ments on the giant screen inside the Orange Store. However the award has to go to Fraser who

proved to be the biggest attraction as his work colleagues queued up to take pictures of him

and his “trumpet”.

Man of the Match: Fraser Cousins

(Photograph by Sarah-Jayne Jones)


Engagement Reports—continued


Central Milton Keynes - Thursday 26th November

So pleased were the store management with our original visit, we were invited back a fortnight

later. We had virtually the same ensemble as previously, the only change being Mike was there

in place of Sue.

We played for nearly two hours with just a couple of short breaks and kept the playing as lively

and varied as is possible just using the carol books. The ensemble received many compliments

from shoppers passing by, some even tried to give us money! There was one chap who went past

and said rather loudly “Why don’t you shut up?” but we were not doing requests tonight!

After a long and tiring session all of those playing then proceeded to the normal Thursday eve-

ning rehearsal, so well done to them for putting the time and effort in.

My man of the match award goes to Sam who stepped up to the plate and gave tremendous sup-port to Mike by playing the solo cornet part. Mind you, she did have her back to Thornton’s this

time so she wasn’t so easily distracted!

Man of the Match: Sam White

ROGUES GALLERY!

(Photos courtesy of Alison Drury)

Our newly elected Chairman is a little confused

about what his role actually is.

Pictured at Stony Stratford at the August Bank Holiday Fair, Joe

models his latest win on the tombola stall.

Abi, Rachel, Sam and Luke W. enter into the spirit of

Halloween


More ‘Member’ News!


With acknowledgements to 4barsrest.com.Anyone thinking we should do the same–forget it!

Bedford Town Band has done its bits to raise lots of cash for

Christmas...Hope it wasn't too cold when they took the pics!

There is always something appealing about brass band players get-

ting their kit off to show off their instruments. So why not enjoy

that particularly appealing sight for a full 12 months, with the

world’s first naked brass band calendar shoot!

Bedford Town Band have posed naked, with their instruments, for

that very different band calendar - but you needn’t worry too

much, as all ‘instruments’ are tastefully covered and everyone’s

modesty has been kept intact.

It is more a case of ‘Brassed Off’ meets ‘The Calendar Girls’. So

why not enjoy the experience for the full 12 months of the year. By

all accounts they are just about sold out in the Bedford area!

Engagements

December

12th

13th

15th

17th

19th

19th

20th 23rd

24th

25th

St James Church

Dobbies, Fenny Stratford—2 shifts

New Bradwell School Concert

Haversham Carols -(meet in The Crescent)

Stony Stratford High St

Wolverton Methodist Church

Side Club, New Bradwell Carols, New Bradwell (meet at school)

Carols New Bradwell

Christmas Morning in New Bradwell DON’T FORGET WE NEED COLLECTORS! SEE ROBIN FOR DETAILS!

7.30pm

11am-1pm then

1.30-2.30pm

TBA

7pm

10am-12.30pm

7.30pm

7.45pm 7pm

7pm

6am


Contact DetailsContact DetailsContact DetailsContact Details

Chairperson: Mike Sanders 378838

[email protected]

Secretary: Robin Allen 616463 [email protected]

Treasurer: Dave Sanderson 616357 [email protected]

Musical Director: Brian Keech 310959

[email protected]

Supporters Club: Lisa Huckle 217429

[email protected]

Newsletter Maggie Snape 379138

[email protected]

Webmaster: Fraser Cousins 225772

[email protected]

Website: www.bradwellband.co.uk


Makes a different choice for pud on Christmas Day! You’ll need: 85g each of sultanas, raisins and cherries 100g fresh/frozen cranberries 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar 6 tbsps brandy Pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon 500g tub of good vanilla ice cream 6 ginger nut biscuits, broken into pieces Zest of half a lemon and half an orange Mix fruit, sugar, brandy and spices together and microwave on high for 3 minutes, then leave to cool completely. Allow ice cream to soften slightly, then add cooled fruit mixture, biscuits and zest and mix thoroughly. Lightly oil a pudding basin and line with cling film. Tip mixture into basin, cover with more cling film and freeze. To serve, allow to soften for 15 minutes, turn out on a plate, ease off cling film and decorate with a holly sprig.

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream

A POLITICALLY CORRECT POEM

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a

wreck...

How to live in a world that's politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".

"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labour conditions at the North Pole

were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,

Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear

That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid

Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked

stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;

The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.

And people had started to call for the cops

When they heard sled noises on their rooftops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers

quite frightened.

His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and

flows,

Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose

And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,

Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,

Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

She joined a self-help group and left in a whiz,

Demanding from now on her title was Ms.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion

That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,

Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,

Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological

Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;

Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;

And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed;

He just could not figure out what to do next. >>>>>

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,

But you've got to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;

Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might

Give to all without angering the left or the right. >>

>>>

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,

Each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue,

Everyone, everywhere...even you.

So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...

May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.



Committee

Chairperson: Mike Sanders Playing Members: Karen Wilson, Gary Morris , Luke Colvin, Luke Wilson

Secretary: Robin Allen Junior Rep: Sam White

Treasurer: Dave Sanderson Non Playing: Michael White

Quartermaster: Vincent Jarjadian

Librarian: Sam White

Bradwell Silver Band Membership List

*If you are interested in these positions, or would just like to come along for an evening, feel free to contact the Band’s secretary, Robin Allen - see page 7 for details.

Honorary Members

Chris Coull Brian Keech

Malcolm Hills David Wilson

Jim Whyte

The Development Group is open to everyone,

irrespective of age.

So if you know anyone who’s been thinking of

taking up a brass instrument, get them to

come along. No experience necessary.

Playing Positions Non Committee Positions

Principal Cornet: Position Vacant* President:

Solo Cornets: Jack Wilson Musical Director: Brian Keech

Gary Morris Publicity Officer: Position Vacant*

Soprano Cornet: Ralph Tatam Magazine Editor: Maggie Snape

Repiano Cornet: Clive Keech Fundraising: Position Vacant*

2nd Cornet: Sam White Quartermaster: Sam White

Brin Carstens

Mike Sanders

3rd Cornet: Alison Drury

Rachel Griffith

Abi Mills

Flugel Horn: Karen Wilson

Solo Horn: Keith Jones Development Group

1st Horn: Byron Cox Jack Wilson Jez Billingham

2nd Horn: Luke Wilson Orla Howell Luke Wilson

1st Baritone: Lucy Bedford James Fosch Kay White

2nd Baritone: Pat Checkley Lewis Wilson Jack Nicholls

Euphonium: Fraser Cousins Steph Chappell Rachel Griffith

Luke Colvin Adam Chappell Lucas Chappell

1st Trombone: Vincent Jarjadian

2nd Trombone: Lawrence Matthews

Bass Trombone: Position Vacant*

Eb Basses: Dave Sanderson

Joe Hillyer

BBb Bass: Robin Allen

Position Vacant*

Percussion Steve Osborne

Revd Chris Collinge

Documents

The Bradwell Bugle fileMusical director Brian Keech then took us through a resume of the last 12 months’ activities. Brian said