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"Ad Pontes Prospicimus"
- "At the Bridges We Look Forward" |
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30th September 2012 Staines Lammas Band, conducted
by their Musical Director Martyn France, competed
on Sunday 30 September in this year’s Challenging Brass – the friendly
entertainments contest for brass bands – at Addlestone
Community Centre. This year three bands competed; alongside Staines
Lammas were Liss Band (conducted by Ashley Kemp)
and newcomers Watford (Ian Graves). Under the rules of the contest,
each band was required to give a 40-minute programme of music of its own
choice except that the test march – Alford’s The Standard of St George – was to be
included. After a tense but most enjoyable afternoon of musical
competition Staines Lammas Band was declared the winner scoring 70 of the 100
points available; Watford Band was placed second (68 points) and Liss third (67 points). Steve Kemp, Solo
Cornet of Liss Band, was awarded the Soloist’s
prize for his performance of Roy Newsome’s solo Concorde. Challenging Brass 2012 was
adjudicated by Major Glen Jones, Director of Music, Band of The Royal
Logistic Corps; the afternoon was introduced by Michael Kearsley.
To close the proceedings, Major Jones conducted the three bands assembled on
stage in a massed performance of the test march, followed by the National
Anthem. Challenging Brass 2013 will take
place on Sunday 27 October. 22nd September 2012 Staines Brass
and Staines Lammas bands record with great regret the death on Saturday 22
September the death of Pat Larmar. Pat, and her husband Dave who survives her,
was a supporter and friend of the bands over many years; she became known to
audiences of Staines Brass when she compered some of their concerts. Sadly, Dave
himself has been unwell for some time; he played in Staines Brass and
latterly with Staines Lammas Band on his beloved Bb Bass. A former Secretary of Staines Brass, he
remains a senior Trustee of the band; he was closely involved in the building
of the band’s bandroom at The Lammas Park, Staines.
At the family’s
request Pat’s funeral was private but family and friends attended a Memorial
Service for her at St Mary’s Church, Sunbury-on-Thames, on Friday 19 October. 7th December 2011 Autumn/Winter round up Saturday 3 December Staines Lammas Band’s now traditional Christmas Concert took place at Staines Methodist Church, Thames Street, Staines on Saturday 3 December in the presence of the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Spelthorne, Councillor & Mrs Robin Sider. Musical Director Martyn France had selected an attractive programme of seasonal music featuring carols from Denmark and France as well as attractive new arrangements of traditional carols which were easy to the ear but also enjoyable for the band members to perform. Dennis Brown (trombone), Hugh Craig (cornet) and Kate Thulborn (E-Flat Bass) were the featured soloists. Sunday 16 October On Sunday 16 October the Addlestone Community Centre resounded to the music of the Staines Lammas Band, winner of the Challenging Brass competition held three weeks earlier. The band under their musical director, Martyn France, played a good varied programme which included music from Broadway shows, two marches and a more reflective item by John Rutter, originally written as a choral piece. In The way we were Stewart Gaudion repeated the demanding flugel horn solo that had won him the Best Soloist prize at Challenging Brass. The penultimate item in the concert was Men of Harlech presumably chosen as an optimistic tribute to the Welsh Rugby team. Were the programme compilers hedging their bets by ending the concert with Keep Smiling Through. During the interval the cheerfully efficient catering ladies served delicious cream scones and tea to the audience, who were already seated at tables instead of in rows. The Staines Lammas Band provided a most enjoyable Sunday afternoon’s entertainment and it was rather disappointing that there were so many empty seats. Excellent music, a friendly atmosphere and delicious refreshments – what more could you want? Thanks to Mike and Emmie West, the catering team and all the other Community Centre stalwarts who helped to produce such an enjoyable event. Pam Brush
3rd December 2011
30th September 2011 CHALLENGING BRASS AT ADDLESTONE
Addlestone Community Centre was the setting on Sunday 25 September for Challenging Brass 2011, a friendly entertainments contest for four brass bands. Taking part this year were Godalming Band (conducted by David Wright), Liss Band (Ashley Kemp), Mole Valley Silver Band (Andrew Wilson) and Staines Lammas Band (Martyn France). Each band performed a half-hour programme of music of its own choice, except that the test march – Arromanches by A.E. Kelly – had to be included. Entrusted with the task of adjudicating the contest was Major Jason Burcham RM, Director of Music of the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth. He assessed the bands on their performance of the test march (20 points), the entertainment value and presentation of their programmes (30 points) and the musical performances of their programmes (50 points). Additionally, he awarded a trophy for the best instrumental soloist, which was sponsored by Michael West. After a splendid afternoon of music-making Major Burcham announced he had awarded Staines Lammas 86 points of the possible 100, Liss Band 77, Godalming 76 and Mole valley 75; Stewart Gaudion of Staines Lammas was awarded the soloist’s prize for his performamce on flugel horn of the solo The Way we were. Edwin Genet presented the Genet Trophy to Staines Lammas Band’s Musical Director Martyn France, who had only been appointed to the band three weeks earlier. Challenging Brass 2012 will take place on Sunday 30 September.
21st September 2011 BRASS BAND CHALLENGE RETURNS TO ADDLESTONE Four local brass bands are to meet in friendly competition in Addlestone in a revival of a local entertainment contest held annually from 1972 to 1991, and then each year since 2006.
On Sunday 25 September, starting at 4pm, Godalming Band (conducted by David Wright), Liss Band (Ashley Kemp), Mole Valley Silver Band (Andrew Wilson) and Staines Lammas Band (Martyn France) will compete at Addlestone Community Centre, Garfield Road, Addlestone. Each band will perform a half-hour programme of music of its own choice, except that the test march – Arromanches by A.E. Kelly - must be included. The winning band will receive The Genet Trophy, a challenge shield instituted by the Genet family for the first competition in Addlestone in February 1972.
In the ‘hot seat’ on 25 September will be Adjudicator Major Jason Burcham RM, Director of Music of the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, who will assess the bands on their performance of the test march (20 points), the entertainment value and presentation of their programmes (30 points) and the musical performances of their programmes (50 points). Additionally, he will be awarding a trophy for the best instrumental soloist, which has been sponsored by Michael West. Challenging Brass will conclude with a massed performance by the four bands of the test march, conducted by Major Burcham.
Jason joined the Royal Marines School of Music in 1986 as a pianist and cornet player. In 2000 he was appointed Warrant Officer Bandmaster for deployment in Kosovo with 3 Commando Brigade during which time he was selected for commissioned rank. He spent two years at Trinity College of Music receiving the Ricordi Conducting Prize and gaining a Master of Music degree. After completing his studies he has held appointments at the Commando Training Centre Directorate, Headquarters Royal Marine Band Service and in Afghanistan as Adjutant of the UK Joint Force Medical Group. He was appointed as the first Director of Music of the newly-formed Band of HM Royal Marines, Collingwood, and his last engagement with that band before taking up his current appointment was the Royal Wedding on 29 April.
Tickets are on sale now for Challenging Brass 2011; they can be booked by telephone on 01932 846983 or 01932 355135. Early booking is recommended for what promises to be an exciting and enjoyable event. Addlestone Community Association is presenting Challenging Brass 2011 and it is grateful to Edwin Genet Esq. and a number of local commercial companies in Addlestone for their sponsorship of the contest.
Enquiries: Michael West (for Addlestone Community Association) 1 Bearwood Close, Addlestone KT15 1JQ (Tel: 01932 846983) Jim Davies (Contest Administrator) Amberstone, Pyrford Road, Pyrford GU22 8UP (Tel: 01932 355135)
19th August 2011 Wedding Congratulations
Emma and Dave are pictured here on their special day in the beautiful surroundings of Oxwich Castle, Gower.
7th August 2011 And the Band Played On Our second concert at The Walled Garden, Sunbury-on-Thames, on Sunday 7 August was conducted by Gareth Green, well known locally as the Musical Director of The Egham Band. Despite an enforced interval after the opening march for a very heavy shower, “the band played on” to complete the programme. We are very grateful to Spelthorne Borough Council under whose auspices these concerts at The Walled Garden are given.
26th June 2011 Outdoor Concert The first of our two concerts at The Walled Garden, Sunbury-on-Thames, took place on Sunday 26 June, perhaps the hottest day of the year so far. A large audience enjoyed the concert, which was conducted by Stewart Gaudion.
19th June 2011 A Fond Farewell At a special concert in St Peter’s Church, Staines, on
Sunday 19 June Staines Lammas Band bid farewell to Glenn Hayter,
the band’s Musical Director for the past nine years. John O’Hara,
President of Staines Brass and Staines Lammas bands, presented Glenn
7th June 2011 Ending an Era with a Celebratory Concert Following nearly ten years of distinguished service, Glenn Hayter is to resign as Musical Director of Staines Lammas Band. Glenn’s final appearance conducting the band will be at a specially arranged ‘farewell’ concert at St Peter’s Church, Staines on Sunday 19 June starting at 3pm. Like so many brass musicians, Glenn was brought up through the ranks in the Salvation Army. He started his musical life at the age of seven playing the cornet and progressed from the Young Peoples’ Band into the Senior Band playing most instruments associated with brass bands, finally ending on Euphonium. He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1975 and after having qualified as a police officer applied and auditioned for the Metropolitan Police Band where he was accepted; he spent 13 years on euphonium and was promoted to Drum Major. Glenn has since devoted his time to the brass band world where he has featured as a soloist and has trained bands in the art of marching, including marching displays. In October 2002 he was appointed Musical Director of the Staines Lammas Band, and became well-known in the area for his fondness for the music of Glenn Miller as well as his lively and humorous presentations of his concerts. Although Staines Lammas Band is not a contesting band, under Glenn’s direction it competed in the five Challenging Brass contests in Addlestone held since 2006, winning three. A band spokesman explained that both Glenn, and the band as a whole, believe that Glenn has taken the band musically as far as he can, and that the time is right to appoint a new conductor to build on Glenn’s considerable musical standards and achievements. Glenn’s retirement is entirely amicable; he has graciously indicated that he would be very happy should the occasion arise – such as holidays and other commitments – to deputise as conductor. Admission to the farewell concert at St Peter’s Church, Staines, on Sunday 19 June is free, and the band hopes to welcome a large audience to enjoy a programme of Glenn’s favourite music that he has selected specially for the occasion.
7th June 2011 Wedding Congratulations
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18th November 2010 Christmas Concert
31st October 2010 Staines Brass Band make an exhibition of themselves!
The exhibition runs for just another week & there is an insightful brochure available covering the band's history compiled by long serving band member & great great niece of the band's founder, Zoe Macdonald. The brochure will be available to purchase at forthcoming concerts or by contacting the band via webmaster@stainesbrass.co.uk The bands would like to thank Jenny Scripps of the museum for all her help in the compilation of the exhibition & will be making an honorary Friend of the band. Many thanks also go to all the museum staff for their kind welcome.
19th October 2010 Challenging Brass The latest in the series of Challenging Brass entertainments contests for brass bands took place at Addlestone Community Centre last Sunday (17 October) when four bands – Godalming (conducted by David Wright), Staines Lammas (Glenn Hayter), Mole Valley Silver (Andrew Wilson) and Liss (Ashley Kemp) competed in the friendly competition. Each band was required to perform a half-hour programme of music of their own choice apart from the required test march Arnhem (by A.E. Kelly) which had to be included. At stake was The Genet Trophy, instituted by Mrs Dorothy Genet for the first Challenging Brass in February 1972. Captain David Barringer, Director of Music of the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, adjudicated the competition; of his 100 points for each band up to 20 were available for the performance of the test march, 30 for the entertainment value and presentation of the programme and, most importantly, 50 for the musical performance of the chosen programme. The highly contrasting programmes chosen ensured that the large audience in Addlestone enjoyed a musical, tuneful and enjoyable afternoon, helped by the assured compering by David Ruel, himself Musical Director of the Cobham Band. Although Liss Band were judged to have presented the most entertaining programme, Staines Lammas were placed first in the march and overall musicianship, winning the overall contest with a total of 76 points; Glenn Hayter received The Genet Trophy from Edwin Genet, Mrs Genet’s son. Liss were awarded 74 points, Godalming 66 and Mole Valley 62. Hugh Craig of Staines Lammas won the Soloist’s prize. Befitting a friendly contest, after the results and presentation Captain Barringer conducted the massed bands – more than 100 players – in a rousing performance of Arnhem, followed by the National Anthem. Addlestone Community Association is grateful to local traders for their generous sponsorship of Challenging Brass 2010.
22nd September 2010 Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band Prize Draw The prize draw took place during Staines Brass' concert on 11th September. For the results, click here.
4th September 2010 Concert Cancelled The concert scheduled for Sunday 12th September at the Walled Gardens, Sunbury-on-Thames has been cancelled.
6th August 2010 Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band Prize Draw June's prize draw took place during Staines Bands' AGM. For the results, click here.
25th April 2010 Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band Prize Draw The prize draw took place during Staines Brass' concert on Friday night. For the results, click here.
1st April 2010 Latest News Sunday 28 March Staines Lammas Band gave a concert at St Peter’s Church, Staines, on Sunday 28 March in the presence of the Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Caroline Spellman; the concert’s proceeds were in aid of the Mayor’s designated charities. Glenn Hayter, the band’s musical director, presented a varied programme of music designed to suit all tastes. As suggested by the band’s President, Deputy Mayor Councillor John O’Hara, the first part of the concert featured showstoppers including music from Oklahoma, Les Miserables and Mary Poppins, concluding with a stirring medley of themes from James Bond films. The second half of the concert included a wealth of well-known tunes and songs from World War II, including some of Glenn Miller’s finest and most famous melodies – conducted by Glenn Hayter resplendent in a US Army Air Force uniform similar to that worn by Major Glenn Miller during the war. Generous applause – and calls for an encore which were fulfilled by a rousing performance of the famous theme from BBC TV’s Dad’s Army – suggested that the audience had appreciated their afternoon with the band. The band’s musicians certainly enjoyed entertaining them. Saturday 5 December (2009) For the first time for some years Staines Lammas Band presented a Christmas Concert, and was delighted to be able to do so at Staines Methodist Church on Saturday 5 December. The audience enjoyed a variety of seasonal music performed under the baton of Glenn Hayter, Musical Director; the band hopes to be able to play again soon at the church.
24th January 2010 Winners Go to the 'Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band' page to see who the lucky winners of the December draw were. Membership is just £20 for the year & you'll be entered into the prize draw 4 times with a chance to win a 1st prize of £100.
18th November 2009 Christmas Concert Press Release
Admission to the concert - which will include an attractive blend of seasonal and other items of a less festive nature - will be free of charge; a retiring collection will be taken at the door. The programme of music has been chosen to appeal to as many musical tastes as possible, and it will also include featured solos by some of the band’s talented instrumentalists.
Complimentary tickets can be booked in advance by telephone (07811 927410) or they can be obtained, subject to availability at the door on the evening. Light refreshments will be available during the interval. A spokesman said that the concert would be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of the traditional Christmas melodies; the occasion would be a splendid evening of music performed by this locally-based band. Come along and support them! Information: Emma Sweet 07811 927410 or www.stainesbrass.co.uk
18th November 2009 September's Activities Sunday 6 September On Sunday 6 September we provided musical entertainment at Horsell, outside The Cricketers pub, for a charity cycle ride in support of the Woking Hospice which, sadly, is threatened with closure; this was the second time that Staines Lammas has supported that event in aid of such an important cause. Sunday 13 September The following Sunday, 13 September, the band was on new territory – at Ruislip Lido – again to provide musical entertainment and, hopefully, encouragement to the many individuals fund-raising in aid of Help for Heroes, another excellent cause, by running laps of the lake. Sunday 20 September Challenging Brass 2009 For the fourth consecutive year, on Sunday 20 September, Staines Lammas Band- conducted by MD Glenn Hayter - competed against Cobham Band, Godalming Band and Mole Valley Silver Band in the popular Challenging Brass entertainments contest at Addlestone Community Centre. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Caroline Spelman, and also Councillor John O’Hara - our newly-appointed President – to Addlestone for the contest which, this year, was adjudicated by Dennis Wilby. Playing from the traditionally unpopular No.1 slot, Staines Lammas’ programme featured Stage Centre (by Goff Richards), Eb Bass Solo One Foot in the Grave (Eric Idle) - played with gusto by Kate Thulborn, Death or Glory (R.B. Hall) which was the test march chosen by the adjudicator, and Love’s Old Sweet Song (Molloy) featuring Stewart Gaudion on Flugel Horn assisted by Kate and her Eb bass; the stirring finale was Conquest of Paradise (Vangelis). Our efforts were not enough, however, to prevent Godalming Band (conducted by David Wright) repeating their success of last year by winning The Genet Trophy and also the Soloist’s prize; congratulations to them, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!
23rd August 2009 July's Activities The evening of Thursday 16 July was an important occasion for the officers, NCOs and cadets of TS Thamesis, now located along side our bandroom at The Lammas Recreation Ground. The event was the unit’s annual inspection and Staines Lammas was asked to provide suitable music for the closing stages, including the ceremonial lowering of the White Ensign. Sadly, heavy rain curtailed much of the proceedings but we were able to play A C Green’s fine arrangement of Sunset before diving for shelter. Interestingly, the Inspecting Officer was Major Andy Henderson, formerly a Director of Music in the Royal Marines Band Service; complimenting Glenn Hayter on the playing of Sunset, Major Henderson sympathised that in banding some things never change – including poor light and rain! The refreshments provided in the Wardroom by the unit’s officers were particularly welcome! On the afternoon of Saturday 18 July Staines Lammas Band had the great pleasure of making a return appearance to St George’s School, Windsor – under the very walls of the castle – to make a musical contribution to the Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society’s Annual Show. Very helpfully, the organisers once again provided us with a tent and we hope the Show’s many visitors enjoyed our music. Incidentally, the Royal Standard was flying from the castle’s Round Tower, so perhaps the Queen heard – and, if so, hopefully enjoyed – our music making. Staines Lammas Band was delighted to make a musical contribution, in the presence of the Mayor of Spelthorne – Councillor Caroline Spencer - and many guests, at a celebration of 100 years of Scouting in Stanwell, at St Mary’s Church, Stanwell on Sunday 26 July. The principal guest at the celebration was Lord Baden Powell, grandson of the founder of the Scouts, Robert Baden Powell. We provided an accompaniment to the cubs as they marched to the church, played during the service and afterwards during the party outside the church.
4th August 2009 John O'Hara Becomes Bands' President
In his letter of acceptance, Councillor O’Hara, who has supported the bands for many years, wrote that he was deeply honoured & touched that the bands wished him to serve as their President. He added that although he is not a ‘musical person’ he was learning the “Staines sound.” He also added that he is looking forward to getting involved with the bands in the months ahead. A band spokesman said that Staines Brass & Staines Lammas bands had enjoyed & appreciated Councillor O’Hara’s support over many years & the bands’ members were delighted that he had agreed to formalise this relationship by accepting the presidency, which he himself described as a ‘great honour.’ Councillor O’Hara is currently Deputy Mayor of Spelthorne.
2nd August 2009 Sunny Sunday in the Walled Gardens On Sunday 2nd
August, Staines Lammas put on a concert at The Walled Gardens, Sunbury in
connection with Spelthorne Borough Council. The weather was fantastic
and we managed to get a very large, appreciative and enthusiastic audience,
which made the event even more superb.
23rd June 2009 Winners Go to the 'Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band' page to see who the lucky winners of the Summer draw were. Somebody certainly seems to have picked a lucky number!! Don't forget, membership is just £20 for the year & you'll be entered into the prize draw 4 times with a chance to win a 1st prize of £100.
17th June 2009 Friends of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band Prize Draw The next prize draw will be taking place this Saturday, the 20th June during the Summer Bandstand Favourites concert by Staines Brass. Please check back soon to see who the lucky winners are.
14th June 2009 Songs Of Praise, Staines Methodist Church The weather was again kind for this new event promoted by the Methodist Church, Staines Lammas provided half an hour of music with a religious theme whist the crowd arrived and prepared for the open air service. The band then provided the music for the Hymns during the service plus Crimond as a finale. There was an enthusiastic atmosphere for this event which included other musical performances during the service, the performance of the band was well received and strong relationships were forged for the future.
7th June 2009 Chobham Airfield (Fairoaks Airport) Staines Lammas provided the musical entertainment for the summer event of the London Transport Flying Group at their headquarters on the airfield at Fairoaks Airport. Playing a selection of popular songs the band entertained the members of the Flying Club and their guests. After a very wet Friday and Saturday the weather was kind on the Sunday making a successful event for everyone.
27th April 2009 Memorial Concert Last night's concert by Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band was a great success & raised £600 for the two chosen charities, Staines Shopmobility & DayBreak. The evening's entertainment began with the Staines Lammas Band, conducted by their Musical Director Glenn Hayter. During the band's set, they featured 3 members of the cornet section, Hugh Craig, Mark Parker & Paul Terrar. They gave a superb performance of 'Trumpets Wild' which went down well with the audience. Staines Brass performed after the interval with Melvin White at the helm. The featured soloist, by request, was the band's manager Jason Pickin. Being a welshman, it was apt that he chose the welsh traditional melody 'Watching The Wheat'! Many of the pieces performed during the evening's concert were picked by John O'Hara & it was very moving to hear some of his reasons behind these choices. One of these requested items was the march 'Fame & Glory' which was rendered by a massed band of Staines Brass & Staines Lammas Band to end the concert, with an encore of 'Radetzky March'.
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