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Tullis Russell Mills Band have a new web address - www.trmb.co.uk
and a new e mail address - trmb@hotmail.co.uk
Congratulations to Clackmannan Band on winning the Scottish Challenge Shield
Clackmannan Band finished off their 2007 contesting calendar in grand style by winning the Scottish Challenge Shield by a massive 5 points in Perth Concert Hall on 24th November. The band played London Overture by Philip Sparke and were awarded 190 points by adjudicators John Roberts and Michael Fowles who commented "a difficult piece well presented " and "a fine performance of a very difficult but very enjoyable piece". Musical Director, Paul Kiernan was praised for his sensible approach to the piece and his handling throughout. The soloists, Stuart Macaulay, solo cornet; Graham Caldwell, solo horn; Paul McKelvie, solo trombone and George Cameron, solo euphonium also all received commendations from the adjudicators.
The full results were
- Clackmannan 190
- Bo'ness & Carriden 185
- Arbroath Instrumental 184
- St Ronans 182
- Jedforest Instrumental 181
- Lochgelly 180
- Selkirk 178
- Tullis Russell Mills 176
Tullis Russell News
Tullis Russell Mills Band had reason to celebrate this month when they took delivery of new instruments following a successful application for lottery funding from the Scottish Arts Council. After many months of work on the application, they were delighted when the Arts Council awarded a grant of nearly £18,000 towards the project. This, combined with £5000 received from the Russell Trust, and their own fund raising, has allowed them to replace the majority of their instruments.
Treasurer Adam MacPhee, who co-ordinated the application, said, "This is the first time we have applied to the Arts Council and it is a tough process, so I am delighted that we have been successful. I would like to thank the Russell Trust, Fife Council Arts Development Department, former MSP Christine May, MP John MacDougall, Markinch Community Council and many others locally whose support was crucial."
Chairperson Jayne Jones commented, "Some of the instruments were long overdue for replacement and no longer reliable for our demanding schedule. This will make a real difference to players and improve our presentation too. Hopefully, it will also help attract new players and spur us on to further success in competitions. But of course, it's no substitute for practice and hard work!"
It is now planned to utilise the old instruments in an expansion of the band's junior section and they are now working on plans for this in association with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Jayne said, Our Junior Band has taught brass music to kids for decades, and produced great players such as John Wallace, but one of the things that has restricted the numbers has always been availability of instruments. The lottery grant has changed that and allowed us to take forward this exciting project. I hope to be able to announce more details early next year.
Further good news followed when the band were awarded a £5000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All Fund to kit the band in new uniforms.
Band Secretary Helen Patrick added "The new jackets look very smart and have give the band a huge boost in confidence. These jackets now bring the band in line with our sponsors Tullis Russell Paper Mills corporate colours."
Photos can be seen on the band website
FCBA Open Contest 2007 - results (word) or pdf file
"The Boiler" has finally left Kingdom Brass Bandhall and moved to Clackmannan Bandhall
Fife Brass Band Festival - 2007 results
Due to 3 infringements of the rules brought to the attention of the FBBF committee after the results were collated and announced Trimdon Band have been disqualified from the contest
Congratulations to Tullis Russell Mills Band on coming 3rd at the National Finals in Harrogate more...
Help raise funds for Clackmannan District Brass Band - shop at our on line store
Help raise funds for Lochgelly Band - shop at our on line store
There were celebrations in Cowdenbeath recently as Fife’s very own Kingdom Brass returned triumphant from the 86th Senior Trophy Contest held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool more.......
photograph reproduced with permission from the British Bandsman
Margaret Symon
It is with great sadness that the Symon family announce the passing of Margaret Symon, peacefully at Ninewells Hospital on Monday 23rd July 2007 following a long illness.
Margaret was well known throughout the brass band movement in Scotland, having started playing as an adult with Tayport Instrumental Band. As a member of a number of bands throughout Fife and Tayside, she became well known as one of the few lady B-flat bass players in Scotland. Her playing career spanned all sections and levels of the Scottish Brass Band movement from Fourth to Championship Sections. Those who knew her will also remember her playing solos, bravely accompanied by her husband, Iain.
Margaret will be sorely missed by her family - Husband Iain, Daughters Kathleen, Eileen and Jacqueline, and Grandchildren Lucy, Ewen, Louise and Emma.
The funeral service will be held at Dundee Crematorium, Macalpine Road, Dundee at 3.30pm on Thursday 2nd August 2007. All friends are invited to attend. There will also be a gathering at the Invercarse Hotel, 371 Perth Road, Dundee following the service.
Family flowers only please. However, donations to local medical charities will be collected at the entrance to the crematorium.
Derek Wishart (1955 - 2006)
It is with considerable sadness that the members of Clackmannan District Brass Band announce the passing of Band President, Derek Wishart. Derek's passion for brass bands permeated his whole life. Derek played euphonium for a number of bands, including Perth Silver, the Territorial Army Band and the Alva Band.In 1991 it was decided that the Alloa and Alva Bands would amalgamate. Derek was instrumental in ensuring that this transition went smoothly, and soon after, was appointed founding President of the newly formed Clackmannan District Brass Band. Throughout the next 15 years, Derek led the band with great drive and dedication. Under his management it had significant contesting success including promotion to the Championship Section on two occasions.
Derek was an inspiration to all - far beyond Clackmannan District Brass Band. Known for his ability to get things done, he was a great communicator, powerful negotiator and a man with a genuine interest in people. Derek loved the social side of banding. When not on stage playing his euphonium, he was in the bar networking to ensure Clackmannan's future success or entertaining his band friends with his unique sense of humour.
After a period of illness, bravely fought, Derek passed away on 30 April. He will be sorely missed by his many colleagues across the brass band movement.
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