| 17 September 2007 |
Ida's moving on
We are sad and happy to report that Ida Meccariello, one of our horn players is leaving the band to move to Hampshire.
Sad because Ida is leaving us - but happy because she is moving to start a new life with her fiancé David.
Ida and David will be getting married in 2008 and we wish them all the best for their future. |
| 20 August 2007 |
Another Band Marriage
Every two or three years we seem to have people in the band getting married – to each other!
This year was the turn of Keith (principal Euphonium) and Dinah (principle Cornet).
Dinah's daughters Hannah and Emily who also play in the band were bridesmaids at the wedding.
We wish them happiness in their future together. |
| 19 August 2007 |
Hertford Castle Performance
We are sorry that today's performance at Hertford Castle has been called off by the organisers. This is due to the forecast of heavy rain and no shelter being available.
This is the first time Hertford have had to cancel an event in 6 years.
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| 30 July 2007 |
Visit by the KKM Sponsheim Band
We are very pleased that our friends from the KKM Sponsheim band will be coming over for our next Queen Mother Theatre concert on 6th October.
They will be performing the first half and Hitchin Band will be performing the second half.
KKM Sponsheim are from Hitchin’s Twin Town of Bingen near Frankfurt. |
| 2 July 2007 |
Open Air Fireworks Concert – 8th September
You may have noticed that the above concert no longer appears on our web site. Unfortunately, the company running the concert series around the country has gone into liquidation and the entire series is cancelled.
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| 1 July 2007 |
Hitchin Band prepares for another Marathon Blow
Saturday 21st July sees Hitchin Band undertake another sponsored blow in the centre of Hitchin to raise funds towards their upkeep.
Starting at 9am and going on until around 5pm (weather permitting!) the band will play as many different pieces of music as possible.
With prizes for "name that tune" as well as children's games, the entertainment is not just about raising funds for the band but entertaining the people who are in the town. People can also request the band play specific tunes or just sit around and enjoy the wide choice of music on offer.
Last year's event was a resounding success even if it did clash with an England World Cup football match!
The Town Square is an ideal venue with people being able to stay around as long as they want or just listen to the band as they wander through the shops.
With refreshments on hand from local retailers, it should be another enjoyable day of music in the heart of Hitchin. |
| 11 May 2007 |
Martin Hurrell appointed Band MD
Hitchin Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Hurrell as full time Musical Director.
This will be Martin’s second time with the band following his short time with us in 2005 when we won a place at the National Finals.
Read about Martin’s appointment in our press release. |
| 10 May 2007 |
Hitchin Band AGM
The Band AGM was held on 10th May with the new committee comprising:
Chairman - Gary Carney
Secretary - David Milsom
Treasurer - Keith Birch
Bandmaster - Patrick Sears
Librarian - Heather Milsom
Also elected were Adrian McCann, Bob Berwick and Tina Lovell
Dinah Prince, Duncan Henderson and Sam Huckle stood down from the committee and were thanked for their work for the band over the years.
Bandsman of the year (voted for by the band members) was awarded to Gary Carney for the second year running. |
| 11 April 2007 |
Police choirs and Hitchin Band join together for Charity Concert
Hitchin Band, Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and Essex Police Choir are performing a joint concert at All Saints Church, Hertford on 2nd June 2007 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Having done Christmas concerts for Macmillan before, this will be the band's first summer concert to help them raise funds.
Details of the concert can be found on our concerts page
A press release from Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir is also available. |
| 22 March 2007 |
Resignation of band MD - Ian Graves
It is with sadness that we have to report the departure of Ian Graves as the band musical director.
Ian was with us for just over 12 months and in that time gave the band his full commitment having rarely missed a rehearsal or job.
We wish Ian and his partner Katie all the best in their future banding. |
| 24 January 2007 |
Butlins – in January!
This year, we decided to include a trip to a major national banding event – The Butlins Mineworkers Competition which has bands from all over the UK entering.
There are two important things to note about this contest. Firstly, it is no longer open just to mine working bands due to the sad decline in the industry and its support of bands. Secondly, it’s held in Skegness - in the middle of January! It wasn’t too cold but once again, this shows the hardy nature of the brass band movement!
As a bonding exercise for the band it was a great success – as a result for the band it was not.
As part of this year’s event, Brass Band Aid, a brass band organisation set up to raise funds for the charity World Vision, organised The Big Blow, an attempt to set the World Record for the largest Brass Band.
The record was set with 436 players, around 20 from Hitchin Band itself! So we’re record breakers! |
| 24 December 2006 |
Waitrose Carol Playing on Christmas Eve - £1154.85 collected
Thanks again to the generosity customers at Waitrose Hitchin on Christmas Eve, we collected £1154.85 towards the band funds!
Thanks to Waitrose for allowing us to entertain their staff and customers as well as collecting!
These funds will be put to good use in helping the band maintain the high standards the town expects of us. |
| 22 December 2006 |
Hitchin Band Helps Raise £5000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
On Monday 18th December Hitchin Band took part in an annual concert to raise funds for Hertfordshire Macmillan Cancer Support.
The concert entitled A Family Celebration of Christmas has been going for 8 years with the band taking part for the last 4 years. Also taking part were Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir, organist Derek Longman, Assistant Director of Music at Haileybury College and Richard Whitmore (former BBC Newsreader).
The concert, held in Haileybury Chapel (part of Haileybury College), featured light hearted Christmas readings and music to a large audience and is aimed at kick-starting that Christmas Spirit!
During the main performance, the band played for some of the carols as well as performing a Christmas medley The Magic of Christmas and Rudolph around the World (which is a set of variations on the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer theme as might be heard in countries such as Japan, Switzerland and Russia).
Following this, the band played for the after concert refreshments providing further Christmas entertainment.
The evening was once again a resounding success with just under £5000 being raised allowing Macmillan to continue their important work in Hertfordshire. |
| 2 December 2006 |
Waitrose Carol Playing - £1014.46 collected
Thanks to generous donations from the customers of Waitrose Hitchin, we collected £1014.46 towards the band funds on a bright but breezy Saturday!
Thanks to Waitrose for allowing us to entertain their staff and customers as well as collecting!
The band will be back at Waitrose on Christmas Eve for a final Festive Flourish! |
| 28 November 2006 |
Concert for Methodist Homes Elmside “Forget-me-Not Appeal”
We are pleased to report that the concert undertaken last Thursday for the Elmside appeal raised over £300.
The concert was well attended and was a great way to help raise funds for the appeal. |
| 26 November 2006 |
Cornet Players - Hitchin Band Needs YOU!
Hitchin Band is currently looking for cornet players to supplement our numbers. Although all other positions are full, we have (for very good reasons - honest!) a gap in our cornet lineup.
We are particularly looking for Repiano and Solo cornets.
If you are interested in joining this dynamic second section band with a good programme of concerts and contests (just done Leicester, Butlins in January, area in March) including plans for a CD in 2007, please get in touch with us now!
We rehearse twice a week at the Rugby Club in Hitchin from 7:45pm and have members from - well all over Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. |
| 14 November 2006 |
Concert for Methodist Homes Elmside “Forget-me-Not Appeal”
Hitchin Band is pleased to be undertaking a concert in support of the Methodist Homes Elmside “Forget-me-Not Appeal” at Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin on Thursday 23rd November at 7:45pm.
Methodist Homes Housing Association (MHA) operates throughout Britain, providing Care Homes, housing and support services, with a particular emphasis on the quality and meaning of life for older people. The organisation supports more than 8,500 older people in residential and nursing care homes, specialist dementia care homes, sheltered housing schemes and community projects. MHA benefits from the dedication of 4,000 staff and more than 5,000 volunteers.
The Elmside “Forget-me-Not Appeal” is to raise funds towards rebuilding the Hitchin home, adding a dementia care unit in the grounds.
This concert is being undertaken by Hitchin Band free of charge. The band undertakes a small number of concerts throughout the year on Thursday nights (one of the band’s normal rehearsal nights) for groups of people who may appreciate a concert, but not always find it easy to get out and about. On this occasion, the band is also able to assist the Home by helping to raise funds for their appeal.
Tickets (priced £5 including refreshments) can be obtained from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, in Churchyard, Hitchin; Elmside, Elmside Walk, Hitchin or by phoning Elaine on 01462 429600. |
| 6 November 2006 |
High's and Low's in Stotfold!
Stotfold Memorial Hall was the scene for an entertaining evening with the high and low points both being solos! Simon Router on Soprano played the solo Summertime which was followed by Tim Mosedale playing Bass in the Ballroom on EEb Bass.
The entertainment also included Sandpaper Ballet which for those who don't know, involves 3 soloists (Keith Birch, Gary Carney and Carol Grant) playing 3 different grades of sandpaper along with the rest of the band.
Other pieces played included a selection from the Sound of Music to tie in with the start of the previews of the show at the London Palladium; Padstow Lifeboat complete with realistic foghorn sounds from the Euphonium/Baritone section and the lovely slow melody Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
With plenty of fun had throughout, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and light-hearted evening. |
| 29 October 2006 |
Hitchin Band and the French Connection
On Friday 20 October, Hitchin Band travelled to Nuits St Georges, Hitchin’s twin town in the wine growing region of eastern France. The purpose of the long weekend was to help celebrate the Municipal Nuits St Georges band’s 190th anniversary as well as 30 years of the twinning of Hitchin and Nuits.
The full story of our visit can be found on our Press release
All the photos of the trip are in our photo gallery |
| 7 October 2006 |
Queen Mother Theatre Concert
The audience was treated to an exciting and varied programme from Breezin’ Down Broadway a collection of show numbers to Braveheart and the James Bond Collection.
Principal cornet Dinah Prince played the solo Concorde; Keith Birch played the Euphonium solo Benedictus and Stephen Cook featured on Euphonium in the beautiful and moving welsh air Myfanwy.
The finale for the evening was the lively Pastime with Good Company.
Another concert in the series is already scheduled for Saturday 5th May 2007. |
| 23 September 2006 |
British Legion Proms Concert - Poppy Appeal Launch
The British legion Proms concert is another annual event by the band which also marks the start of Hitchin British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
This year, the band performed the second, traditional proms, part of the evening in red, white and blue shirts – just to be that little bit different!
You can have another chance to support the British Legion at our concert on Saturday 9th December at Hitchin Town Hall. |
| 16 July 2006 |
Benington and Rhythms of the World
A busy weekend by the band has seen successful performances at two new venues:
Saturday saw us at Benington Village Fete an event that is over 700 years old.
Sunday saw us performing on the Portmill Stage of Rhythms of the World - The first time the band (and in fact any brass band) has performed at this world famous festival of music!
With over 160 performances from over 700 performers on 10 stages it is also the largest attended event that we have ever performed at. |
| 3 July 2006 |
A Very Hot Day for a Long Blow
Saturday 1st July Hitchin Band undertook a marathon sponsored blow in the centre of Hitchin to raise funds - and we didn't repeat one piece!
Read more about our marathon event here. |
| 10 June 2006 |
Queen Mother Theatre Concert - Saturday 10th June
The large audience was treated to a varied programme including Slavonic Rhapsody No.2, the traditional Shenandoah and musical selections from both Glen Miller and the rock band Queen.
Principal cornet Dinah Prince was joined by David Stevens and
Katie Hill in a bright and breezy rendition of Buglers Holiday; euphoniums Keith Birch and Stephen Cook gave a moving performance of Deep Inside the Sacred Temple from "The Pearl Fishers", and Soprano Cornet Simon Router played the love song Pokareare Ana.
The finale for the evening was Elgar Howarth's arrangement of The Great Gate of Kiev from "Pictures at an Exhibition".
This was a highly enjoyable evening of music interspersed with witty input from the band Musical Director and compare Mr Ian Graves. |
| 20 May 2006 |
Band AGM and Awards
The Band AGM was held on 18th May with the majority of the committee as before. Two new committee members were appointed: Bob Berwick and Patrick Sears. One person stood down, Nigel Brown.
The AGM was also the time for the Annual Awards. Most improved player was awarded to Duncan Henderson (Bass Trombone) following on from his son (Scott) who won last year!
Best section was awarded to the Basses - Dave, Tony, Sue and Tim.
Bandsman of the year (voted for by the members themselves) was awarded to Gary Carney who had once again stood in on many occasions to conduct the band in the past 12 months whilst a permanent MD was found. |
| 16 May 2006 |
Jack Retires
Well to be accurate BOTH of our Jack's have decided that now is the time to retire.
Jack Barker has been with the band on and off for many years and will be a sad loss to the trombone section.
Jack Smith has been with the band for 35 years (and he doesn't look a day over... 35!). In that time he worked his way up to the principal cornet seat before taking a lower front row seat "to give the youngster's a chance".
Jack also held positions in the band including those highly avoided positions of librarian and secretary (so that's where the hair loss comes from!) as well as undertaking the job of Contest Secretary in more recent times.
Jack will be missed from the front row along with his humour and his ability to blind anyone in the concert audience by just bowing his well polished head!
We wish both Jacks a long and happy retirement - and as with any old member (I mean past member!) will always be welcome at any time. |
| 18 March 2006 |
Area Result
The band attained 14th place in our first year back in the 2nd section after an absence of 5 years.
Not what we hoped for but a definite learning curve! |
| 29 January 2006 |
Ian Graves appointed as MD
Hitchin Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Graves as Musical Director.
Read more about Ian's appointment here. |
| 22 October 2005 |
Stevenage British Legion Poppy Appeal - Sunday 30th October
Due to the unavailability of the RAFA Presidents Band, Hitchin Band are pleased to be able to step in and undertake a concert raising funds for this great cause.
Please come along to the Gordon Craig Theatre and support us and the British Legion.
Tickets cost £12 and are available online from Gordon Craig Box Office or by calling 08700 131 030 |
| 20 August 2005 |
Queen Mother Theatre Concert - Saturday 1st October
Tickets for our concert in the Queen Mother Theatre are now available.
These can be obtained through the Queen Mother Theatre web site or by e-mailing the Band Secretary
Tickets are priced: Adults: £5.00 and concessions £4.00
Come along and support the town band - one week after the National Finals! |
| 13 July 2005 |
Horn player Liz to do the Great North Run
Liz Farmer will be doing the Great North Run, a half marathon, on Sunday 18th September to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Read more about it here.
If you want to donate to the fundraising efforts, you can go direct to
Liz's fundraising web site where secure donation facilities exist. |
| 17 June 2005 |
New Rehearsal Venue
From Thursday 23rd June, Hitchin Band will be moving into a new rehearsal venue at Hitchin Town Hall (map).
Following discussions with the Community Development Section of North Herts District Council, agreement has been reached for the use of the Town Hall for all of our rehearsals. A key factor in this is the availability of secure storage for all of our music and spare equipment on site.
At present, the band has to carry much equipment with them to and from rehearsals and spare equipment is often stored at members homes. The new facilities will allow the band to have everything under one roof again. |
| 19 May 2005 |
Band AGM and Awards
At the AGM, the band appointed Dr Bernard Mallet as President to follow on from Mrs Beryl Wearmouth.
Dr Mallett has helped the band in many ways over the past few years and was delighted to accept the position.
The AGM was also the time for the Annual Awards. Most improved player was jointly awarded to Scott Henderson (Solo Trombone) and Sam Huckle (Flugel)
Bandsman of the year (voted for by the members themselves) was awarded to Band Secretary Dave Milsom |
| 10 April 2005 |
Band plays for Her Majesty The Queen
Hitchin Band was pleased to have played at the dedication of The Queen Mother Memorial at All Saint's Church, St Paul's Walden in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and invited guests.
Read More about it here. |
| 19 March 2005 |
Second place, promotion and a visit to the National Finals!!
The band attained 2nd place in the third section of the Regional Competition giving them an automatic invite to the National Finals of the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in September.
Combined with the results of the last three years, the band also gets promotion to Section 2!
Full details (including adjudicators comments) can be found here
Are we happy - YES WE ARE!! |
| 1 February 2005 |
Martin Hurrell to take band to the Area
Hitchin Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Hurrell as Musical Director to take them to the Regional Competition in March.
Please see our press release for full details. |
| 13 December 2004 |
Macmillan Cancer Relief Concert
The band were very pleased to take part for the second year running in
"A Family Celebration of Christmas" in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief with Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and special readings this year by Richard Whitmore.
The evening raised £4598.45 for the charity. |
| 21 November 2004 |
Leicester BBA Contest
The band took part today in the Leicester Brass Band Association contest. For the third year running the band achieved 3rd place in the Third Section.
And in the second section we achieved 7th place - again!
The adjudicators remarks from both sections were much more positive than we have received before proving that we are improving!
Still, nothing like being consistent. |
| 3 November 2004 |
British Legion Proms Concert
Another packed out hall to see the band perform in this ever popular event.
The British Legion Hitchin Branch started the evening by handing over a cheque for £2500 to this years Poppy Appeal.
The concert itself raised a further £500 for the British Legion. |
| 24 October 2004 |
Mrs Beryl Wearmouth MBE
We are sad to announce that our band President, Mrs Beryl Wearmouth MBE has passed away after a short illness.
For many years, Mrs Wearmouth had been involved in many aspects of the local community; as a local councillor, school governor and through her involvement in many local organisations and local branches of national organisations.
She regularly supported at least 14 organisations and in addition to this, she was at the centre of her close family. Not something many 85 year olds could do!
As acknowledgement of all this hard work, she was awarded the MBE in 1999 for services to the community of Hitchin.
Beryl had been an avid supporter of the band for over 30 years many having been as band president.
She will be sadly missed. |
| 14 October 2004 |
Leonard Cheshire Homes, Hertfordshire Minibus Appeal Concert
The concert held on Saturday 9th October was another success with the band making over £280 profit towards the minibus appeal.
See the Cheshire Homes Web Site for more info (opens in a new window) |
| 12 August 2004 |
Ken Drakeley Retires
Ken Drakeley has decided to retire after 40 years with the band. Ken has recently been playing EEb Bass but has decided that now is the time for his retirement to start!
Ken will be missed by everyone in the band but has promised to keep in touch. |
| 24 May 2004 |
Leprosy Mission Concert
The band has been involved in raising funds for the Sandy (Bedfordshire) branch of the Leprosy Mission for several years. This year was no exception and the band raised another £332 for their funds. |
| 13 May 2004 |
AGM Awards
At the bands AGM, the annual awards were announced. The MD's award for Best Section went to the horn section consisting of Gary Summerfield, Andrea Tompkins, Ida Meccariello and Liz Farmer.
The MD's award for most improved player went to Nigel Brown.
Nigel also received the Bandsman of the Year award, which is voted for by the band members themselves. |
| 8 May 2004 |
Brass in Colour...
..was the theme for this concert in our regular Town Hall series. Every piece either had a colour in it's title or was related to colour (even if loosely!).
The first half was a regular concert but the second half saw the band in "Big Band" formation and coloured shirts.
This was a little different to normal but highly affective.
The concert was well attended by an appreciative audience. |
| 21 March 2004 |
Area Contest
In today's contest, we came 10th which is the lowest placing for several years. Another disappointment on the back of the Milton Keynes contest but the band is still looking forwards. |
| 8 February 2004 |
Milton Keynes Brass Band Festival Contest
In today's contest we came 5th in Section B. A disappointing result for us at this own choice entertainment contest.
However, it gave some of our younger and newer members a flavour of contesting in readiness for the National Championships Area competition in March. |
| 22 January 2004 |
Bye Bye Graham
We are sorry to announce the departure of one of our members Graham Watson. Graham has played both cornet and flugel for the band over the years.
Due to work, he is moving to Hampshire with his wife and children and hopes to join a band there.
We wish them all happiness in the future. |
| 24 December 2003 |
Band on the Radio
For the 3rd year running Steve Folland of hertbeat fm invited us onto his Christmas Eve Breakfast show.
This year's show was more frenetic than ever as it was an outside broadcast with many groups involved.
See pictures of us on the show in our website's Photo section. |
| 15 December 2003 |
Macmillan Cancer Relief Concert
The band were very pleased to take part in "A Family Celebration of Christmas" in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief with Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and special readings by Richard Baker OBE RD.
The evening raised an amazing £6219.50 for the charity. |
| 23 November 2003 |
Leicester BBA Contest
The band took part today in the Leicester Brass Band Association contest. For the second year running the band achieved 3rd place in the Third Section.
Our challenge in the second section was not as good this year - we only achieved 7th place. |
| 4 October 2003 |
Town Hall Concert
Another successful and well attended concert was undertaken tonight in Hitchin Town Hall.
This concert, the 2nd in the series was enjoyed by everyone. The next concert in the series is on 8 May 2004. |
