Saturday January 16th saw the band hosting its first ever brass workshop, with 20+ musicians from other local bands joining us. We were fortunate in being able to have Philip Harper for the day and what a great day it was. He put us through our paces using several pieces, with the most exacting being Alan Fernie's 'Anglian Dances'. We were exhausted by the end of the day, but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope the day will be reflected in our playing throughout the coming year!
It was with great sadness that we learned on January 5th of the death of our founder member Jim Kendall, at the age of 87. Jim was a stalwart member of the band, who very reluctantly retired from playing his drum kit in April 2007. Jim never lost interest in how the band was doing and even collected for us during Christmas 2008. He'd had an extremely difficult 2009 and spent much of it in hospital, both in Honiton and Exeter. Those of us who were able to attend the funeral and memorial services were reminded of happier times.
July 2009
The band enjoyed another successful evening concert at Honiton's Millennium Green on Saturday the 25th. We were fortunate with the weather for a third year running, despite the vagaries of our BBQ summer and the audience was larger than ever, probably topping 150. Many thanks to the kind member of the audience, who enjoyed the concert so much that she remonstrated with us for not having a collecting box and insisted on making a donation of £4.
March 2009
We held our Annual Dinner this year at the Monkton Court Hotel and enjoyed a great evening out. Band members, along with spouses and partners and those who had helped us throughout 2008 were able to catch up with each other. To any of you out there who weren't able to come along and enjoy the evening with us, we hope to see you next year!
December 2008
As ever, we had a very busy time this month, commencing with the switching on of Honiton’s Christmas tree lights, outside of St Pauls Church. We had a full programme of carol playing, both in the evening around the town’s residential areas and in the High Street. We also had a variety of engagements at various venues, including care homes, local church services, our annual carol concert at the RBL and a private function at Escot House. We were pleased to see our newest member, Jan Feersma Hoekstra, fully taking part in the festive season. Jan - who plays euphonium - is our first international player! He recently moved from Holland, with his family, to the Honiton area. Honiton Band attracted his attention - thanks to our website. Although Jan frequently commutes to Holland on business, he manages to attend practices and engagements on a regular basis.
November 2008
Along with everyone else in Honiton, the band were shocked and saddened by the death of Honiton’s Mayor Chris Tratt. We were constantly touched by the fondness he expressed for Honiton Band and were particularly pleased to have been able to support him during the recent Gronau Twinning trip. His tremendous enthusiasm for and work on behalf of Honiton and its many organisations, will be greatly missed. But just as importantly, we shall miss his friendly, easy manner, his sense of humour and his modesty. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Jean and their family.
September 2008
As part of our ‘Instrument Project’, we were able to present Mike Ashby with a new Sovereign Cornet. We all know how much instruments cost these days and we were fortunate in receiving a town grant again this year, which helped towards the cost. Honiton’s Mayor, Chris Tratt, very kindly agreed to make an official presentation to Mike, during pracitce.
The Band were sorry to have to say goodbye to Francis this month, although delighted that he has secured a place at Southampton University to read English and Philosophy. Francis has been with the band for many years and will be sorely missed on 2nd Euphonium. However, we hope he will visit us at holiday time!
August 2008
The season continued to be a wash out in August and most particularly for the unfortunate organisers of Dalwood Fair. The band displayed a remarkable degree of resilience when it played in the flooded fair field, in a muddy tent, upon hastily supplied plastic sheeting, which saved the day! The first time I think I’ve ever played in green wellies!
We were however thrilled to have taken part in an excellent trip to Honiton’s twin town of Gronau. Visit ‘Gronau 2008’ to read more about what turned out to be an unforgettable experience, not least due to the fantastic generosity of our German hosts - and to see photos.
July 2008
We were disappointed this month to find that once again, 'The Branscombe Air and Classic Car Show' had been cancelled, although not due to bad weather this year. The show has raised a lot for charity throughout the years and had become a great favourite in the band’s calendar. We weren’t however disappointed with the audience at this year’s Millennium Green Concert in Honiton, which if anything, exceeded last year’s. Luckily the sun shone, on what must have been one of the few summers days we experienced in the 2008 season!
June 2008
The band is progressing its plans to visit Gronau between August 26th and September 1st, in conjunction with the Honiton Twinning Association. The trip will mark the 20th anniversary of the twinning between the two towns and falls during Gronau’s wine festival. We have been fortunate in securing the services of our previous MD Malcolm Avery, who will fill in for Arthur Williams, who unfortunately is unable to join us on this trip. Remembering what a great time he had with the band in 2004 during their trip to France (Mezidon Canon), Malcolm couldn’t resist the invitation.
The band will be running a coach and there are still seats available. If anyone from Honiton reads this and would be interested in experiencing a twinning trip, particularly with a view to perhaps joining the Twinning Association, please contact our band secretary as soon as possible.
May 2008
We were very pleased to finally be able to launch our website, which is very much an ‘ongoing’ project.
April 2008
The band took ‘possession’ of its new band tie this month. This is the very first bespoke tie that Honiton Band has had and we are very grateful to Tor Designs for their input at the design stage and the subsequent production run.
January 2008
The band was sorry to have to say goodbye to one of our Eb Bass players, Vernon Bailey. Although only with us for a short while, he quickly made himself part of the ‘family’. We wish Vernon and his wife Anne well in their new life in Cornwall.
October 2007
The band were pleased with the success of their recent Charity Concert, at Honiton’s St Paul’s Church, in support of Hospiscare and the Children’s Hospice South West. The concert was held in memory of a popular member of the band, Kathryn Gibbs, who unexpectedly passed away in 2003. The concert, on Saturday 13th October, had a very appreciative audience and the evening was compered by Andrew Harris - who is well known in the Devon banding world - and was one of our previous conductors. We were also fortunate in being supported by a small group from the Sheldon Singers. The evening raised a total of £671.31, which was shared by the two charities.
July 2007
The band were delighted with the large audience at our recent concert on Honiton’s Millennium Green. This was our first concert at this venue and was held as part of Honiton’s 750th Market Charter Celebrations. We were blessed with a lovely evening and managed to make links with our sister band in Gronau. The Town Council were also delighted with the turn out and have asked us to play again next year, for the Charter Celebrations.
