Latest News:
Well done Matt.14th May, 2008
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We just found out today, that Matt Whitfield, our percussion player, has been appointed Head Boy of Canon Slade School. Well done Matt! |
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Grand Shield Result.12th May, 2008
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Not a very good result considering we had a fairly solid performance (18th out of 20).However, Mark Bousie, the reporter for 4BR, put us higher. Perhaps he should have been in the box for us! Nice pic of Andy and his daughter, with Alison looking on though! |
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Vicky on her Hen Night!6th May, 2008
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Well, I thought there would be a few 'interesting pics'... never mind.Looks like Vicky had a great time.I still think, that, as the bands photographer, I should have been there!See below....... |
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More news from the BBC!28th April, 2008
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Listen to the Band Recording on 12th June.The Band will be in the Manchester recording studio on Thurs, 12th June for a session on Listen to the Band. Details of when the programme will be on the air will be announced when we know. |
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News from the BBC!14th April, 2008
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Listen to the (Freckleton) Band on BBC Radio 2The Band will be featured on BBC Radio 2's 'Listen to the Band' program this Friday, April 18th, as part of a CD request program. The March 'Freckleton' will be played from our CD Encore! Unfortunately, our new CD 'In the Search for Atlantis' isn't released yet, so can't be used. You can pre order it here though!
We are delighted to announce that we will be recording a full program for the BBC sometime in June, to be aired later in the year. Times and dates yet to be confirmed, but watch this space! |
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Different news from Overseas.7th April, 2008
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A new contact of the band has very kindly offered (as a request) to keep us informed of his ventures abroad.....Read below about Nev James, pics too... |
“A Bass in the Sun” by Nev James Well, a BassTrombone in the Sun actually! - Some jottings about band life in Poitou-Charente, France, by an ex-brass bandsman from the North West. Background My wife and I made the decision to move to France in 2003, and the search for a property took most of that year. We completed the purchase in January 2004, and eventually packed and moved in August 2004. You’ve seen the programmes on the TV, and so did we. We had the added advantage of having holidayed in France for the previous 25 years, so we know the country reasonably well. We’re well into our fourth year now and are happily settled into life in a small village of 400 inhabitants and with only a handful of English people. The local residents have been absolutely fantastic; forget the stories you hear about the French being ‘strange’ or difficult. We couldn’t hope to meet nicer people. It’s made the settling so much easier, and there’s hardly a day goes by that we don’t think how fortunate we are to be here. Brass and Footy As far as I’m concerned there are only two things I miss (I’m not counting the family here, we miss them too, naturally, but we get to see them on a fairly regular basis); I miss watching my football team, Manchester City, (but I can do the ‘armchair’ bit now and watch them on TV), and I miss BRASS BANDS. The brass band scene is essentially British, and although there are brass bands in some other countries, there were none in France until relatively recently. Now there around 25, but based in the large city areas like Paris. There are none at all in the region where we live, and this has required a re-think about what to do on the music front. Most towns have a “harmonie orchestre”; this is what we would recognise as a wind band, with a selection of saxophones, woodwind, and brass. I went along to a rehearsal in Civray not long after we arrived, was welcomed with open arms, and I’ve been a member ever since. The standard is not as high or as intense as I’d played in England, and there are no contests, but the atmosphere is a lot more laid-back, and compared with the brass bands I’ve known, the politics are completely missing. Rehearsals Rehearsals took a bit of getting used to. Firstly, we only meet once a week, on Friday evening. We start at 8:30pm and finish at around 10:30pm. On arrival you have to greet each and every band member, shaking hands with the men, and kissing the women! This is a normal aspect of French life which seems strange at first, and newcomers feel a little self-conscious about it, but it soon becomes the norm. Music-wise, all that’s required is an ability to count in French in order to realise where we’re starting from, and then gradually to pick up the relevant musical terms such as ‘mesure’ (bar), ‘noire’ (crochet), ‘blanche’ (minim) and so on. The peculiar thing is that they use the “doh, re, mi, fa” notation instead of C, D, E, F etc. Big Band Whilst the harmonie was a great introduction to the local French music scene, I was looking for something new, too, and got an invitation to join a Big Band. The French like their jazz, and the Big Band Cellois play a popular mix of swing and jazz. I had never played this style before and find it very enjoyable. Rehearsals here had a new twist; we only rehearse once a fortnight for a start. The planned start time is 8:30, but with the French this is not so much a definite time, but more a point for discussion!! It’s said that ‘Charente Time’ is quarter of an hour after normal time! At the end of rehearsal, around 11-15pm, the chairs are cleared away and a table is laid with wine and cakes! The social evening then continues until after midnight and I usually arrive home a little before 1am!!! And yes, I’ve been stopped by the gendarmes on more than one occasion for a routine breath test! To be continued – The French Open, Amboise |
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News from Overseas.12th March, 2008
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Here is an update for the concert on Sun, 29th June...The James Madison Band University Band are with us at the start of their UK tour.
The band are also performing a UK premiere of a new work by Phillip Sparke.
For ticket sales, contact Harry Lathom on... 01772 632587
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Player News.11th Feb, 2008
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We have lost the services of two key members to other bands...Ben Tubb, Solo Horn, has joined YBS..... and Richard Carradus, 2nd man Down, has joined Hepworth. Both have relocated to the N/East area so that travelling is not a burden. We wish them both well. |
New signing.....John Ford. |
We are pleased to announce the signing of John Ford on 2nd Euphonium. John joins us from the Timperley Band. Welcome on board John. |
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Stranded Cargo Ship.2nd Feb, 2008 |
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Here are a few pics of the Cargo Ship, Riverdance, stranded near to Blackpool.Not music news I know, but, I thought I would put it on the News Page.. |
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The coastguard crew have been on board and rescued the crew....... |
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This was Sat night, after a lot of cargo had been washed up on the beach...... |
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Digestive biscuits...Chocolate ones too with a hint of salt! |
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Butlins Contest21st Jan, 2008 |
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A few pics from Phil the Photographer at the band weekend.21st January, 2008.(This year, I decided to feature all the soloists). |
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Stan on the Friday evening..... |
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Stan and Geoff Whitham.... |
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Roger Webster....... |
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Simon Willis,Thoresby Colliery ...... |
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Gavin Pritchard,Tongwynlais ..... |
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Nick Hudson,Desford Colliery ..... |
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Graham lawrence,SWT Woodfalls ..... |
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Ivan HutchinsonSWT Woodfalls .....(his duettist is below!!!!!!!!)...... |
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WOW!!!!
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Rob Woods ,The Virtuosi GUS Band ..... |
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John Small,Mount Charles ..... |
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Joanne Ward,United Coop Milnrow ..... |
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James Hatton,Bactiguard Wire Brass ..... |
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Andrea Crossley,Wingates ..... |
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Adrian NurneyYorkshire Imps (Urquart Travel) ...... |
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Finally.....A hello from Bob....... |
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And......A cheeky goodbye from him!!!!!
Hope you liked all the pics,
Phil Symonds |
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A complete sell out!11th Dec , 2007 |
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Our concert at The Lowther Pavilion on Sun, 23rd Dec is a complete sell out!If you want to see us, look below, there are just a few tickets left for the Guild Hall concert. |
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Christmas at the Guild Hall, Preston.5th Dec , 2007 |
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Our annual concert with The Band of The Kings Division will be here soon....
Sunday, 16th December is the date.
Look to the left for more information.
Last year was a sell out!!
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New Christmas CDDec 1st , 2007 |
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Christmas with Freckleton Band
The Band's new CD, Christmas with Freckleton Band, featuring local school choirs and all your Christmas favourites, will be available later this week (as long as TNT get their act together!) You can order via the website (click here!) or from band members, and we hope to get it out to as many local outlets in Freckleton as possible! |
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Belated Congratulations to Ian and Kath ThrelfallNov, 2007 |
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On the birth of Daniel Joseph Threlfall,Daniel Joseph was born on 15th November, 7lbs 7oz. The band has had several "new additions" this year, and we wish all the recent arrivals well! |
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Congratulations to Alex and Sarah, now Mr and Mrs Thomas!13th Oct, 2007 |
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Alex and Sarah tied the knot on Sat, 13th Oct, 2007.They are spending a lovely honeymoon in Ambleside in the Lake District.Have a look at a few pics below.... |
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The happy couple straight after the service.More below...
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Alex and Sarah at the evening reception.More below...
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The 1st dance together.
Sorry about the fog, the D.J. went mad with his smoke screen!
Last one below...
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This brought 3 great cornet players together again for some considerable time.Alex and Sarah's great friends, Anna Hughes and her husband, Eilir.
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Suffering bad TV reception??If so, this lady maybe able to help...13th Oct, 2007 |
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Never fear, Marge will help out with her new antenna!
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Trophies Galore! .3 points clear of nearest rivals.7th Oct, 2007 |
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North West Counties Brass Band Association Contest (Fleetwood).We really did well today, 1st prize on a tricky test piece (Cambridge Variations by Phillip Sparke) that we only worked up in 2 weeks. We won the overall band prize, best Bass Section prize and the winning conductor trophy. Also, we won by a very clear 3 points! Have a look at a few pics below.... |
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Paul with his trophy.
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Alex, Sarah and Alison reading the remarks.
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Alison, Sarah and Alex.
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As many of the band as we could cram into the corner!
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CD Recording.16th Sept, 2007 |
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We have just today, finished our latest CD Recording.Two actually, the 2nd is a Xmas CD to be released this year.
We had an absolutley superb time with B & H Sound. Use the link above to see their site. We fully recommend them if you are looking for a recording company. Have a look at a few pics below.... |
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Alex on his solo
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Our Percussion using Tubular Bells immersed in water for a new composition!
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Phil Siggers brought his 1st, newly grown tomato with him to show us.He did not want to eat it so we put it to good use below.....
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We used it in case the red recording light failed!
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Brian and Daniel from B & H Sound.
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Brian and Paul.
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Where would we be without Harry brewing up?
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The children with us from local Primary Schools who are featured on our Xmas CD.
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Press Release.4th Sept, 2007 |
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A Full Band at last!The Freckleton Band is delighted to welcome 2 new members to the fold, and keep our hands on one we thought we’d lost! The band would like to welcome Rebecca Chrimes (cornet) and Jayne Toyne (horn) to its ranks. Rebecca (Bek) is a former pupil of Ian Porthouse, and has played at Rochdale Youth Band and Pennine Band before now. She is currently studying Music at Lancaster University and brings excellent experience and skills to the band’s front row. Jayne is returning to banding and was last active at Nelson Brass. From a musical family (3 tenor horn players and a trombonist in the household!) we are delighted to fill a long running vacancy in our horn section. Richard Carradus, who was leaving the band to go to University, has changed his destination (from Cardiff to Huddersfield!) and so is happily staying with the band but now on 2nd man down, leaving Vicky Byrne on Flugel. With the recent signings and changes before the Summer break, the band is now happy to announce no vacancies and looks forward to the year ahead with a strengthened team of dedicated players. The Freckleton Band is working hard towards 2 CD recordings with B+H Sound in a couple of weeks, and the annual Fleetwood Contest in October. A Christmas CD is being Recorded, but also a CD with many new or unrecorded original works and arrangements, including the title track, the World Premiere of “In the Search for Atlantis” from the bands solo horn player, Ben Tubb. With 3 band members also having October Weddings it’s a busy time! We wish Shelley Goodinson (and Colin Doran, a former member) all the best for October 6th, and Alex Thomas and Sarah Hindley the same for October 13th. Andy Cattanach, Chairman, Freckleton Band. |
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Update on new players...2nd Sept, 2007 |
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This has been a great, but, hectic few weeks for the band.Over the band hols, we have been so fortunate to secure 2 more signings to compliment our ranks... Rebecca Chrimes (Bek as she wants to be known as) is on '3rd lady' down on the front row, and, Jayne, has joined us on Horn. We now have a full band and are preparing hard for our CD recording in 2 weeks, and, just as important, preparing for the Area Contest next year! As Alex Thomas, our Principal Cornet said...'I am really pleased to have a good front row and am looking forward to working with them'. |
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Band Social,1st Sept, 2007 |
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Here it is again!!The Yearly Band Social at 'Harry's Place'.
Pics can be found at the following links, we hope you like them.
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Unusual signing,25th August, 2007 |
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Beat this for a new signing to a Brass Band!Actually, Chris has been with us for years and I thought it was appropriate to get him on our profile scene. Chris is an excellent Bagpiper, his profile is in the Cornet Section, where else could I have put him??
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Southport Flower Show...20th August , 2007 |
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Our Sop player, Phil, has just come back from helping out his local band Wingates at the Flower Show.
Below are a few pics he took. The theme was Music. |
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The Posse are in town!!...14th August , 2007 |
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A message from Tim, our Bass Trom Player......
Why not follow the link and maybe contact him? I will be there taking pics. Phil Symonds |
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Latest Events...10th August , 2007 |
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Latest Events and News from the Band!
The Band has returned from it's well earned Summer Break, and is straight into preparation for 2 CD's we are recording in September. One is a Christmas CD with all the usual Festive music and carols, and the 2nd will feature a more concert like programme, but with several new arrangements and compositions from members of the band and new arrangers.
Concerts
Before the break, we had a busy June and July with several concerts in and around the Area. An enjoyable evening was had at The Drive Methodist in Lytham with The Cobbydale Singers, who were entertaining and of a very high standard! We look forward to performing with them again!
We also performed outside the Coach and Horses Pub in the village, with a very large and appreciative audience, especially considering the very unpredictable weather we've been having.
Charity
Our final concert was at Kirkham Grammar School with the Keighley Vocal Union. This was a concert organised to benefit the band and 2 local charities, The Trinity Hospice and Wrea Green Lifeboats Association. As well as being an extremely good evening's entertainment from both the band and choir, we raised over £1800 for the good causes!
Next year's event will be on Sunday June 29th, and will feature a University Brass Band from the USA alongside the Freckleton Band.
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Press Release8th August , 2007 |
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Below is a Press Release that is in the Brass Band press....
"The Freckleton Band is delighted to welcome several new players to the band, amidst a slight reshuffle due to player pregnancies and study progressions. |
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Well done Sarah!21st July, 2007 |
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Sarah Hindley B.A. (Hons) has just received her university results...She successfully gained a 1st in Creative Writing and a 2:1 in English Studies.
Well done Sarah.
Pics are below.... |
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Further new signing.27th June , 2007 |
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We are pleased to announce the signing of our new Percussion Player, Matt Whitfield. from Besses 'O the Barn Band.Welcome Matt, don't forget to sort out your profile! |
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New signings .5th June , 2007 |
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The band announce 2 new signings to their ranks.Their profiles will be ready as soon as they send them to me!Welcome George and Vicky..... |
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Vicky Ogden on 2nd Baritone... |
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George Barker on BBb Flat Tuba. |
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Whit Friday Marches.1st June , 2007 |
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Even though our band did not turn out due to a lot being on hols, a few helped out with local bands.Here are pics taken by Phil the Photographer helping out Poulton Band....
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The Brighouse Guys..... |
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Sarah, Alex and Sexy John...... |
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Same again.......But, in reverse order! ......... |
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You look 'cool' John!....... |
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A quick shot of a spectator......... |
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Marge helping out the band....... |
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Watch out, the kids are about!..... |
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Pirate Brass....... |
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Lastly, the Police Horses doing a great job. |
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Senior Cup, Blackpool.19th May , 2007 |
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The band managed a successful 4th placing at Blackpool today in The Senior Cup Contest.This means promotion back to The Grand Shield for next year. Many thanks to the players below that helped us out due to illness within the band, thanks guys, we are so grateful! |
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Aiden on 1st Horn |
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Alex on 2nd Baritone |
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Matt on 2nd Man |
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Neil on 2nd Cornet |
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Tim on Bass Trom |
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A 'novelty pic' also below, of Mark demonstrating our new designer walking out gear for this summer! |
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Nice one Mark! |
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Awards for All Lottery Grant21st April , 2007 |
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Awards For All at Freckleton
The Band is delighted that a recent bid to the National Lottery "Awards For All" community fund has been successful. The band has recieved £10,000 to replace and update 2 Tubas, a Bass Trombone and a Glockenspeil.
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Easter Bunny.7th April , 2007 |
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Great news for Phil and Charlotte..
Their Easter has been made very happy by the arrival of a new baby this morning at 4.25am. Weight....9 lbs, 4 oz. It's a Boy, named Matthew George. Well done to both of you. |
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Great news for Sarah.1st April , 2007 |
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Sarah Chapman has this to report...Sarah has been very successful in qualifying for the European Youth Brass Band AND the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain. Apparently Sarah was in the NYWO of G.B. last year but forgot to tell me. Drummers !!!! Anyway, congratulations Sarah. Send me any pics/reports when you are there please. (Phil the Photographer)
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New star composer.26th March, 2007 |
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Our Solo Horn player, Ben Tubb is in the limelight at the moment.Have a look at this link to find out why....
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New signing.15th March, 2007 |
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Good news for the 2nd Baritone position.Shelley Goodinson has signed up for us after displaying an excellent performance at the Area Contest. We will get more information about her when she supplies it. Welcome on board Shelley.
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Congratulations. |
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Well done to Andy and Porsche.Andy and Porsche Ellis have just announced the arrival of a new baby boy, born at 6-22am today and weighing in at 8lb 6oz. They have decided to call him Tom. Congratulations to you from all the band.
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Latest CD Recording.(Early news). |
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It is looking quite possible that the weekend of 15th/16th Sept, 2007 will be the date for our latest CD recording with B&H Sounds.More information , when we have it, will be in our Future Concerts page. Also.. I will be combining the Concerts and Contests pages very soon to make it easier to read. Phil Symonds. |
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A few pics from Phil the Photographer at the band weekend.22nd January, 2007. |
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What a great weekend this was again. I have already booked in for 2008! Here is a pic of the Spa, just one of many features that Butlins has to offer.
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Our restaurant for the weekend. The food was superb, at least to the standard of a 4 star hotel! The staff were excellent too.
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A tribute to Kylie. Just one of the evening entertainment spots.
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My good friend Stan Lippeat. After Stan had played his solo, he smiled and said 'I am getting too old for this'. I don't think so, sounded great!
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Douglas Yeo on Bass Trombone.
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Stan and friends. Here is Stan with Nick Childs.
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Stan and friends. Stan, Douglas, Pete and Nick having a chat about old times.
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A few pics next of the most important 'hot seat' in banding. |
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Yorkshire Imps Sop player.
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Rebecca on Sop for GUS.
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Matt on Sop for Wingates.
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Matt again with Mark next to him.
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Desford's Sop player.
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Pete playing his solo 'Memory' on The Stan and Friends night.
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I couldn't leave Pingu out could I?
I must say, this weekend was, as usual, superb. Very hard to fault in anyway at all. The accomodation is 1st class, the food is superb. I would recommend this weekend to anyone. Well done to Stan and his colleages for a great contest that is increasing in popularity year by year.
Phil Symonds. |
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11th, January, 2007Congratultions. |
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Congratulations go out to Sarah who has just passed her driving test. Well done Sarah. |
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1st, January, 2007Happy New Year to all. |
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Freckleton Band wish all our viewers a very Happy New Year. AND.... To the band members......remember, we are back on Mon, 8th Jan, 2007. Below are a few pics taken during 2006 (for your amusement)! |
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Home Page | News | Band Members | Patrons | Lotto |History | Links | Toddlers Corner | Guestbook |Contact Us Website Last Updated: 12th May, 2008 |