Last weekend, the Training band enjoyed its second annual tour to Sidmouth. This year the tour was extended by one day as we left on Friday morning instead of Saturday. On Friday 11th we all met at the Ashchurch Army Camp to board the coach for Sidmouth. We just about managed to fit all the camping stuff, band instruments, stands and chairs underneath the coach, then it was off down the M5 and we arrived at the camp site bang on schedule at around 1pm. Then there was a quick dash to put the tents up as it threatened to rain (again!). Luckily, this year, there was just a sprinkling of rain and then although it threatened, we didn't really see it again all weekend!

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Once we had set up camp, including the Windor's Castle (!), we all sat down for our picnic lunch. Then there was time for a few games of rounder's before heading off to meet up with members of the Sidmouth Youth Band. Unfortunately, many of their players were away on holiday but we were pleased to meet up with those who were there and joined together to make some lovely music!

Following the rehearsal, we were invited to the Volunteer pub next door where their senior band were about to play and entertain the crowds at a hog roast. They generously invited some of our band to join in! Although some got a little cold, it was a very enjoyable evening.
 

Saturday 12th began with many comparing how cold they had got during the night - me included - it was freezing and I hardly got any sleep due to shivering! This didn't put us off our freshly cooked bacon and sausage rolls though or deter us from waking the camp site with a rehearsal at 9:30am! Following this we headed off to Ottery St Mary and then on to Otter Nurseries, a garden centre and our first concert venue. The Garden Centre made us feel very welcome and we entertained the crowds of shoppers for a good 2 hours with a break for lunch (or ice cream with clotted cream!!! Yum yum!!).

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Moving Up
The Summer saw two more of our Training Band members, Grace Windsor and Hannah Williams, make the step up to the Senior Band. Both proved invaluable additions to our back row cornet section during the summer bandstand season. We wish them well and hope their enthusiastic approach to playing continues for many years to come.

Tewkesbury Abbey Topping Off Ceremony
On the morning of Tuesday 1st August a small group of players from the Band (Robin Purser, Helen & Hadrian Walters, Sue Musto, Hannah Williams and William Norman) climbed the Abbey Tower with their instruments to provide a fanfare in accompaniment to the Topping Off Ceremony. The was to celebrate the completion of the renovation of the Tower roof and was led by Rev Paul Williams. The fanfare that was performed was specially composed for the occasion by our very own Robin Purser.

Postlip Beer Festival
The Band was once again pleased to be invited to provide the Saturday lunchtime entertainment at the 30th Cotswold Beer Festival. The Band performed its usual selection of crowd pleasers, and added a few new ones including 'In Munchen Steht Ein Hofbrauhaus' and the folk classics 'Irish Rover' and 'Wild Rover'. There were several short breaks for the band to sample the delights of the festival, and for some reason as the afternoon progresses we always seem to sound better! Judging from the audience response at the end of the session we did an excellent job of entertaining them. Hopefully we will be back again next year.