Welcome to Friary Diary issue 60 - a one page monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.
AWARDS NIGHT:
The Band held its customary annual Awards Night Dinner the last Saturday in January at the Hilton Hotel, Cobham, a chance for Band members and their partners to relax and look back over the previous year’s achievements.
After an excellent dinner and addresses by Musical Director Chris King and Band Chairman Nigel Stevens, the following awards were presented:
Best player: Chris Straker (euphonium)
Most improved player: Mike Jefferies (percussion)
Section of the year: Cornets
Bandsman of the year (voted by Band members): David Wicks (Band Manager; cornet)
Best attendance: Adam Gregory (bass trombone)
After the presentations, there was time to chat and enjoy party games! Many thanks to our hard-working Band Secretary Lauren Straker for organising the evening.
FAREWELL:
(Our new Vice Presidents with Band Chairman, Nigel. L-R Roland, Nigel, Duncan)
Guests of honour at the Awards Night were long-serving former Friary players Roland Knight (trombone) and
Duncan Ford (Eb bass) who both left the Band towards the end of last year. Roland was a founder member of Friary back in 1983, with Duncan joining not long afterwards and both were dedicated bandsmen. They were presented with signed music stand banners by Band Chairman Nigel Stevens, and also made Vice Presidents of the Band. We thank them for their many years of commitment and send them our very best wishes for the future.
CONGRATULATIONS (1):
Congratulations to Friary cornet players Hannah Mitchell and Ali Richards - pic. left - who tied the knot at Denbies, Dorking on Sunday 29th December, accompanied by family, friends and (of course) Band members and their partners. Friary’s ten piece ensemble provided music before, during and after the ceremony. We send them our very best wishes for a long and happy marriage.
CONGRATULATIONS (2):
Congratulations also go to Emily and Stephen Thorpe (baritone) - pic. right - who were delighted to announce the arrival of baby Amos on 19th January, weighing in at 2.9kg (6lbs 4oz). We wish them all the very best.Congratulations also go to Emily and Stephen Thorpe (baritone) who were delighted to announce the arrival of baby Amos on 19th January, weighing in at 2.9kg (6lbs 4oz). We wish them all the very best.
RANKING NEWS:
In the latest update, Friary has eased one place to 22nd in the world, 14th in the UK, and 10th in England. For full ranking details, please go to https://www.4barsrest.com/rankings/ In the alternative ranking table published by Brass Band World magazine, Friary remains at 19th
'FRIARY-ING TONIGHT':
Friary entered a team in a fund-raising quiz organised by the Band’s rehearsal venue, All Saints Church, Woodham at the end of the month, and in a highly competitive event, emerged winners by a point. Team member Mike Trumble suggested the witty team name (a fish and chip supper was served) which also won a prize for originality! Other team members were Sue Trumble, Alex and Paddy Sears, Sarah and Simon Persin, Chris Straker and yours truly. Our thanks go to the team at All Saints and in particular Father Ian for a well-organised, most enjoyable and entertaining evening.
Please visit our calendar page here to view our forthcoming events