Whit Friday 2012

Friday 1st June saw the Senior Band compete at the annual Whit Friday contests, this time over the Tameside district (the first time since 2009).  This year we played Honest Toil by William Rimmer at 11 contests in Tameside (which is the most you can do) and one performance at Lydgate in Saddleworth on the way to Scouthead where we have finished for the last two years.

The band were on good form, playing to a consistently high standard throughout the evening.  This consistency was recognised in the results.  We have been placed 5th overall in the district, with 3 x 4ths, 2 x 5ths and 6th the best 6 of our results (by which our placing is judged).  Apart from a poor result at Heyrod, where we started and played under par, and Stalybridge Celtic, which is a mystery, we did consistently well throughout the evening in terms of results.

In the end, the more demanding marches of "The Wizard" and "The President" were place overall higher than us with ten time winners in the last 11 years Fodens, Faireys and Leyland taking the top three and Northop, from Wales, coming 4th.  The band had a fun evening, jumping straight off the coach and onto the stage at each venue, only waiting briefly at Broadoak.

We have a busy month ahead with a concert in Longton this Friday (8th June), a joint concert with Yorkshire Imps next Saturday (16th) at Morley Town Hall and preparation and competing at the English Nationals in Preston on the 23rd, for which we have to prepare the set work Masquerade by Philip Wilby and an Own Choice, which we have chosen, but are sworn to secrecy...

We look forward to seeing you soon!

2nd Section beckons for "B" Band!!

Following promotion to the Second Section, and with recent players changes, Pemberton Old Wigan DW "B" Band are seeking CORNET and HORN players to complete our team (positions negotiable, including the possibility of principal seats for the correct candidate).

The band are the middle tier of the organisation, with a strong sense of family and teamwork across all three bands.  This is a fantastic, unique opportunity for players with the commitment, passion and drive to move forward with this progressive band.

Any interested players should contact:

Peter Ashley (B Band Conductor) on 07921 551159 Mob 01942 716676 Home

Kathleen Marsh (B Band Secretary) on 07511 634159

Email: pembertonoldwiganband@hotmail.co.uk

Our Youth Band are always open to new players, rehearsing on a Saturday Morning.  Please contact conductor John Don-Duncan (07746 443724) or Youth Band Secretary Kathleen Marsh (07511 634159).

Grand Shield 2012 & Farewell

On Saturday the Senior Band took part in the Grand Shield contest at the Winter Gardens at Blackpool.  After just missing out on a British Open place the last 2 years we were hoping this would be our year to finish in the top 2 qualification places and finally realise our dream of playing at the top contest in the banding calendar.


The Band played really well off a number 2 draw, but despite our best efforts finished 11th out of  20 in a strong field of "Open" hopefuls.  We will be back again next year for another try and will be in action soon at Whit Friday and the English Nationals in June.

On a sad note we were sorry to say goodbye to Dave McGlynn who played his last notes with Pemberton Band at the weekend. Dave has been more than just a valued member of the Bass section in his seven year tenure, he has been a committee member, van driver, Youth Band tutor and more recently Senior Band secretary.  His passion and enthusiasm for the band and organisation will be missed and we wish him well on his move to Fodens Band.