Let's start by taking things up from where we left the last 'Blog'. Our concert at Brighouse Methodist Church was a great success with guest conductor Paul Andrews charming the healthy audience, which included some noteable banding names. Cornet soloist Richard Marshall amazed everyone with his virtuosity in Charivari and Willow Echoes and showed his lyrical qualities in People and a delicate Rusalka's Song To The Moon. Our resident 'dep' on flugel, Helen Williams, also gained a lot of praise for her solo contributions in the band items. Oh yes, the band did pretty well too! Not quite as well as they did two days later though! We managed to retain our title at the 10th Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest, by a considerable margin over Hammonds Saltaire to boot. Along with the title we were awarded Best Contest March, Best Hymn, Best Soprano and as winners we have received quite an exciting invitation for 2010! The contest organisers were offering a trip to compete in EuroBrass Drachten (Holland) next year. The adventure will be over a few days and will include concerts as well as the competition itself.

After all the euphoria of the weekend and the thoughts of being all 'cosmopolitan' next year we were soon back to earth with a bump when we returned to Durham for the annual Miners' Gala. It's a very tough, long but thoroughly enjoyable day and it's nice to see that the people of New Herrington have really welcomed us into their tight-knit community with such warmth. Our main showcase piece this year was the exciting and jazzy 'Valero' which went down well with our audience but some of them really wanted a repeat of last year's Post Horn Galop!

The band actually managed to have a few weeks holiday this summer, the break only interrupted by the odd rehearsal and a 12 Piece concert in Marsden Park. The week starting August 17th was far from a break though. Several members of the band that could spare some time off fulfilled four days of engagements at York Races for the Ebor Cup meeting. We mainly provided background music throughout each race day, surrounded by people quaffing Pimms and champers! The cornets were suddenly thrown into the spotlight though, delivering a fanfare to mark each day's big race from the top of the main stand. We even made it onto Channel 4 Racing, with our girls getting a close-up on Ladies Day (they panned out when it came to the blokes - a good thing perhaps!!!)

The end of August saw a return to Ilkley to play for the very popular Proms concert in the town centre. The weather wasn't at its best but there was still a good crowd to listen to our main pieces such as Force of Destiny and Gaelforce and then all the Proms favourites that they all have a good sing and wave their flags to.

The band is pleased to have welcomed former Faireys soprano player Mark Harrison to the band and has said goodbye to baritone player Leah Grebenar who has gone on to pursue other banding challenges. We are also looking forward to announcing one or two new faces in the coming weeks. Next on the cards for the players is Pontins where we have to tackle the demanding Montage by Peter Graham but are hopeful that we can build on the hard work and go there with our heads held high as Senior Cup winners. The end of November sees us venture up to Scotland to make our debut at the Scottish Open.

From now on I promise that these blogs will be me more regular and thus a lot less long-winded!! (My fingers are worn out now - need them for Montage!) Look out for news of new signings, our progress for Pontins and beyond!