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From time to time, most bands go through a rough patch, and we are no exception. The last few years have seen some disruption within the band, but we're still here, and thriving, with over 30 members in the main band and a growing Training Band .

Late in 2000, just before our Christmas Concert, David King took over a leaderless band, and started building up a more swinging repertoire. David had to leave in 2002 to work in China and we advertised for a new conductor.

Bob Hunter had been a musician with the Cheshire Regiment and although his recent musical background was more as a singer, he took up the baton and had the makings of a good  conductor, introducing quite a few modern pieces, almost "Pop". Unfortunately personal pressures forced him to leave and we advertised again This time we were contacted by a serving Army musician, Oliver Jeans, principle flautist with the Band of the Army Air Corps.

Oliver needed experience in conducting to pursue his ambition to attend the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall and we were glad to help him. Despite his service commitments, Oliver was a dedicated member of the Band and stretched our musical ability to new heights. In 2005 he realised his dream and was selected to attend the Army Band Masters' course.

Colin Gray was a percussionist with the local Lucknow Band of the Prince of Wales's Division and offered his skills when Oliver left in early 2006. However, his service commitments forced him to resign later in the year. One of our trombonist, Helen Croker, who has years of experience conducting the Trowbridge Band, took over as temporary MD to see us through the 2006 Christmas Season.

Finally, in mid 2007, we appointed Clive Burroughs from Verwood as our MD.

Through all these changes we must give a special thanks Brian Carter, a member for over 60 years, who repeatedly took over the baton at the last minute.

 

 

2000

The band in 2000, taken before a recording session with Shrewton Band. Conductor : Ken Palmer.
Back Row: John Baker. Bob Travis. Peter Hollingdale-Smith. Helen Palmer. John Appleford. Glenys Hollingdale-Smith
Front Row: Sandra King. Ray Brotherton. Bill Prater. Brian Carter. Don Palmer. David Shutler. Phil Marston. Jean Jackson. Hillary Dearden. Ruth Tuck.

 

chilbolton

September 2001 - Airborne Forces Remembrance Service at Chilbolton Airfield.
An annual event to remember the sacrifice of Polish, American & British airborne forces who flew from Chilbolton, and other similar local airstrips during WW II.
Mike Davis of Test Valley Brass conducting.

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2002

June 2002 - Figheldean Fete. David King - Musical Director.(Just before he left for China)

Back Row - Bob Travis. Peter Cowdry. John Baker. Peter Hollingdale-Smith. Don Pamler.George Hogg. Richard King. Dennis Burgess. Andrew Baker.

Front Row - Anthony Blakeborough. Jacob Burgess. Helen Palmer. Sandra King. Ruth Tuck.Lisa Howells. Jean Jackson. Taro Phillimore. Andrew Blakeborough.

 

BobH

June 2002 - Whiteparish Fete. Bob Hunter's first engagement as Musical Director.

easter04

Easter 2004 - Antrobus House Concert. MD - Oliver Jeans LRSM.
The occasion was held as a "Thank You" Presentation to long serving
member David Shutler by our first lady Chairman; Sandra King

Back Row: Andrew Carter, John Baker, Max Carter, Andrew Blakeborough,
Anthony Blakeborough, Jacob Burgess, John Vent, Ray Brotherton.
Middle Row: Dennis Burgess, Mervyn Smith, Bob Travis, Peter Hollingdale-
Smith, Martin Mortimer, Peter Cowdrey, Richard King, Don Palmer, Brian
Carter, Andrew Baker, Brian Watts, Matt Spncer, Phil Marston,
Front Row: David Shutler, Ruth Tuck, Sandra King, Oliver Jeans, Glenys
Hollingdale-Smith, Jean Jackson

 

wiley

August 2003 - End of Summer Season, Wyley Village Fete.
Oliver Jeans - MD.

mike

September 2005 - Autumn Concert in the Church of St Peter & St Mellor,
Amsbury. Guest Conductor - Michael Dunford, MD of Shrewton Band, who learnt to play with our Band aged 7.

The concert was also used to make a special presentation to three long serving
members: John Baker, Dennis Burgess and Brian Carter, who joined the Band in
1945.



Back Row: John Baker, Peter Hollingdale-Smith, Andrew Carter,Richard
King,Brian Carter, Matt Spencer, Max Carter, Andrew Blakeborough, Andrew
Baker, George Cole.
Front Row: Christopher Cole,Ray Brotherton, Anthony Blakeborough, Peter
Cowdrey, Don Palmer, Sandra King, Daniele Cole, Glenys Hollingdale-Smith,
Helen Palmer, Brian Watts, Jean Jackson.

dennis

Dennis Burgess

john

John Baker

brian

Brian Carter

CG

Spring 2006 - Antrobus House Concert. MD - Colin Gray ATCL.

Back Row: Phil Marston, Brian Watts, Peter Hollingdale-Smith, Dave
Coombs Player, Max Carter, Brian Carter, Matt Spencer.
Middle Row: Dani Coal, Andrew Carter, Glenys Hollingdale-Smith, Richard
King, Dennis Burgess, Peter Cowdrey, Sandra King, Mike Dunford, Glyn
Titley, Susie Cameron, Elliott Hope, Phil Hope. Dian Bartlett.
Front Row: George Cole, John Vent, Colin Gray, Jean Jackson, Ray
Brotherton, Helen Palmer.
Front: some members of our learner section

 

oakappleday

Great Wishford - Oak Apple Day 2006

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The Band in its Third Century