Wantage Silver BandRoyal Park, Greenwich
The Wantage Band made its first appearance at a Royal Park Bandstand on Sunday 12th July, playing at the Greenwich Park. A full coach of players and supporters enjoyed good weather and found the park very interesting to visit - although players had to be content with a quick trip around the Observatory and refreshments, before setting up in the Bandstand, where we played from 2 - 5 p.m.
Farewell Ellen!
The Greenwich Bandstand was the last official engagement undertaken by solo cornet Ellen Chadwick before she leaves to attend University, and the band members presented her with a radio alarm clock. We wish her well in her studies and look forward to many guest appearances in the future!
Advanced Youth at Birmingham
Having performed successfully in the Oxfordshire area 'Music for Youth Festival' back in March, the Wantage Advanced Youth Ensemble took part in the next round in Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Thursday 9th July. With Phil Bailey conducting, they put up a grand show, much appreciated by the audience and the large contingent of our supporters!
Tugwell Field Celebration
About 100 Band members and supporters turned out for an informal celebration of the completion of the access road into Tugwell Field, site of the planned new Band Hall. After an impromptu fanfare from a cross-section of members, Chairman Eleanor Turner cut the ribbon across the gateway, and those present enjoyed games (led by Ron Hill), barbeque and beer tent.
Armed Forces Day
Saturday 27th June was nationally-designated Armed Forces Day, and the Wantage Band had the honour of leading the Wantage parade. The parade formed up outside the Parish Church for the National Anthem, the Oration and The Last Post and Reveille (played by Steve Chapman).
Youth Band / Imperial Singers Concert
On Sunday 21st June, the Youth Band gave a concert in Marcham Church, jointly with the Imperial Male Voice Choir, a group comprised of graduates of Imperial College, London. Band conductor Roger Middlebrook provides the link between the two organisations, being a former member of the choir, here impressing the band members by participating in a vocal quartet.
Rachel's Wedding
Former WSB trombonist and percussionist Rachel Kowalski was married to Mark Tugwell at Ardington Church on Saturday 20th June. 'A' Band played the hymns and incidental music in the church and were led by the happy couple on the march to Ardington House for the reception. Take a look at a video of the march on YouTube.
Stanton Harcourt Festival
A mixture of 'A', 'B', Concert Brass and Youth Band players enjoyed perfect weather in leading the Stanton Harcourt Festival Parade on Saturday 13th June. After the march, the band gave a Concert, conducted by Alan Sykes. This was an unusual "All Seasons Festival", with real reindeer, mulled wine and mince pies, an Easter egg hunt, Maypole dancing and more!
Pub Lunches
An innovation this year has been a series of Pub Lunch Concerts by the Youth Band, which have been popular and successful. Here, the band (with a few helpers!) entertain in the garden of the 'King Alfred Head' in Wantage.
Rogation Sunday
Rogation Sunday is the fifth Sunday after Easter, at which the ancient custom of "beating the bounds" takes place - the time when farmers used to walk the boundaries of their fields while the clergy asked divine blessing on their annual crops, etc.
Forthcoming Events
Sunday, 12th September
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Wantage Heritage Day1:00pm at Wantage Square(Concert Brass)
Sunday, 19th September
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Battle of Britain Parade11:45am at Wantage('A' Band)
Sunday, 26th September
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O&DBBA Contestat Burford
Saturday, 2nd October
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Annual Concert7:30pm at Wantage Civic Hall
Saturday, 16th October
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Folkestone Contest
New Band Hall Latest
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