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(See also Split Notes Newsletters)

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2001

FIRE SERVICES - A capacity audience in the Royal Hall enjoyed a seasonal concert by the band and the St Aidan's Choir. A brass quintet serenaded people as they arrived at the door and then moved into the Hall to join the main band in the first carol. Over £3,000 was raised for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund   <24/12/2001>

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS - In this holiday season, as we perform Christmas concerts and carols in and around Harrogate, we would like to wish all our friends and supporters a Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year. 2001 has been a particularly notable and enjoyable year for the Band, one which we hope to surpass in 2002.   <10/12/2001>

SCOTTISH CELEBRATION - St. Andrew's Day may have passed unnoticed by most English Bands but the Harrogate Band, along with the talented Tewit Youth Band and the highly professional James Stretton Brass Quintet marked this occasion with a joint concert - almost a mini brass festival - in the prestigious setting of Harrogate Ladies' College. The bands combined in several pieces with a Scottish theme: Skirl, Jamie's Patrol and Highland Cathedral, featuring the bagpipes of Christopher Small.
The groups' individual items were more varied in style and included works by Peter Graham, Arthur Butterworth and Malcolm Arnold, alongside lighter fare from Robbie Williams and Neil Diamond. All three sets of players were well received by the enthusiastic audience and many of the performers expressed the wish that this should become an annual event possibly celebrating St. George, St. Patrick and St. David in the future!
Harrogate Band were joined for this concert by Brian Winter, principal cornet of the Ransomes Band, stepping in at short notice deputise for Robert Illsley who had been rushed in to hospital earlier in the week and emerged minus appendix. Brian did a wonderful job and thankfully Robert is making a speedy recovery!
The concert concluded with a rousing performance of Wilfred Heaton's march Le Tricot Rouge, originally penned for the Tewit Youth Band and included in Harrogate's recent 'Made in Harrogate' concert.   <2/12/2001>

STARS OF THE SMALL SCREEN - Ten Harrogate players and conductor David Lancaster have recently made the big break into media stardom when they performed in an episode of Yorkshire TV's popular Heartbeat programme as the "Ashfordly & Aidensfield Brass Band". Although sworn to secrecy regarding the content of the programme, we can reveal that the players spent two arduous days on location around Yorkshire, recording a number of pieces and acting a key role in several scenes in the drama.
The opportunity to take part was a very exciting one for the band, however it did pose a number of problems. Music needed to be specially arranged, players needed to be available during the daytime on both Monday and Tuesday and the producer specifically requested that a number of the performers should be 'middle aged men'. However the production team and Yorkshire TV's Head of Music Sue Clarke declared themselves to be entirely satisfied with the group's performance and the players found the whole experience not only fascinating but highly enjoyable.
Having already completed a documentary for Yorkshire TV this year, who can predict where Harrogate Band's bid for television stardom will take them next?   <2/12/2001>

RETURN TO STARBECK - A warm and appreciative audience welcomed the Band to the Starbeck Methodist Church for its first concert in the village for over 8 years. A wide range of music was played which was clearly enjoyed by those who attended. Despite missing its key bass trombonist, Ian Bristow, the band commenced its programme with vigour and style. During the second or third piece in the programme Ian arrived and quietly joined the band on the stage. The reason for his late arrival, which was gleefully communicated to the audience after the interval, was due to him mistakenly awaiting the rest of the band at the Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough, three miles away, until he realised his error!   <20/11/2001>

MADE IN HARROGATE - The Harrogate Royal Hall Restoration fund received a welcome boost on Friday the 9th of November, when the Harrogate Band gave a special performance in the hall itself. Made in Harrogate was the title of the concert, which comprised purely of work by musicians who have had links with the town. Prominent in the programme was the work of local composers such as Wilfred Heaton, Phillip Wilby, Ernest Farrar, Delius, Finzi, the band's Musical Director David Lancaster, and other composers who have either lived in the area or have been regular visitors. One such person was Edward Elgar, who came to Harrogate every year to 'take the waters', and whose second symphony had its provincial premiere in the town.

In addition, the concert featured compositions and arrangements by the band's own members, plus band founder and prominent local musician Neil Richmond. Neil's research into local music was central to this event, and his arrangements of some of the pieces unearthed were heard on the night. The range of music provided something for everyone, from old to new, classical to modern, plus some light-hearted moments along the way.
The Royal Hall, originally known as The Kursaal, dates from a time when Harrogate was a popular spa resort with its own professional orchestras and bands, so it seems natural that one of Harrogate's leading groups drew on that wealth of history to stage this event.
The Harrogate Band is grateful to Harrogate International Centre, who have donated the venue free of charge - this ensured that all proceeds from the evening go directly toward assuring the future of Harrogate's elegant Edwardian concert hall.

The music featured in the concert will also be the focus of the band's next CD, Made in Harrogate, which is scheduled for release in early summer 2002.   <18/10/2001>

WANSBECK WIN - A convincing and enjoyable performance of a 25 minute entertainment programme gained the band first place at the Wansbeck Brass Band Contest at Newbiggin by the Sea. Despite the sauna-like conditions on stage the band shook off any trace of despondency of the Nationals result and bounced back with a vengeance in their first visit to Northumberland. The programme opened with Degroove by Idar Torskangerpoll, followed by Royal Border Bridge one of the three movements of Arthur Butterworth's Three Impressions for Brass. Robert Illsley then delighted the audience with his scintillating Concerto for Trumpet by Harry James, which won well earned cheers in response. A quieter reflection with Wilfred Heaton's sublime meditation Just As I Am preceded the finale Macarthur Park by Jim Webb. The contest is organised as part of the Wansbeck Festival and is a popular event for bands and audiences alike
<15/10/2001>

NATIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS - On the weekend of 22/23 September, the Harrogate Band together with 67 other bands from across the country competed in the "Nationals" contest. Over 1,800 players converged on the Preston Guild Hall in their bids to become National Champions. We would like to congratulate all the winners - particularly Asda Stocksbridge Band, who became 1st Section National Champions (soundly beating Harrogate Band in the process!). Although our performance did not meet with the adjudicators' full approval (when does any?), we were pleased with our rendition of Malcolm Arnold's Fantasy for Brass Band - a super test piece both to play and listen to.
<24/9/2001>

LYNNE'S BIG DAY - Many congratulations and best wishes to Lynne Stockdale and Matthew Stobbart who were married on 15th September. Lynne has played with the band since she was very young, brought along by her father Stan (then the band's 1st euphonium). The band was delighted to be invited to share in her wedding by playing at the service in Knaresborough and the reception. The NMTV film crew filmed the event as part of their schedule of appointments with the band and its players.
<16/9/2001>

THE BIG NIGHT - Harrogate Band is being filmed during its preparations for the National Finals at Preston by a television crew from NMTV. They are making a half-hour programme for Yorkshire TV in a series called "A Grand Night Out" which follows Yorkshire people getting ready for a big event. The crew will be with the band on the bus and during the contest in Preston.
<10/9/2001>

CALL TO BRASS PLAYERS IN THE AREA - We invite you to join Thirsk RBL Band and other players on Saturday 29th September for the March Against Cancer. This is being held in and around Thirsk, North Yorkshire from 3pm, to raise money for Northern Cancer Charities. The march is around four miles long with 2 stops en route, then on to a free barbeque. (Bring your own drinks - meet at the Millgate carpark in Thirsk). If you can come along to boost numbers please contact Libby Bell at rowleybell1@netscapeonline.co.uk or tel: 01845-524797
<10/9/2001>

NEW RECRUIT TO THE BAND? - Many congratulations and best wishes to Katie and Rob Illsley on the birth of their daughter Bethan Kate on Friday 24th August. With her lineage we expect her to be pushing her dad for the top seat in a very few years time! Further details and pictures can be found at Rob's website.
<26/8/2001>

CASCADE OF MUSIC AT FOUNTAINS - A glorious summer evening welcomed the audience with their picnics in the cloister at Fountains Abbey for the concert last Friday. The acoustic was ideal for the event and the packed cloister reverberated with the strains of a wide selection of music ranging from the grand operatic Elsa's Procession to the Minster from Wagner's Lohengrin to the poignant Heroic Elegy by Ernest Farrar, from the contemporary, quirky and local march Le Tricot Rouge to several internationally famous pieces from stage and screen.
A delegation of Japanese tourism representatives were in the audience, being hosted by the National Trust as part of the drive to win back overseas tourists to Britain. This event was a marvellous experience for audience and band alike, and one which we very much hope to repeat in the future.
<8/8/2001> HARROGATE BAND OFFLINE - We are glad to be online again following a few days when our website was unavailable. Our host, Harrogate Online, had some server problems and it took a little longer than expected to restore the Band's website. Our thanks to Vital Online for getting get us back in service and also, especially, for their continuing support of the Band's website.
<16/7/2001>

FEATURE IN ONLINE BRASS BAND MAGAZINE - A profile of the Harrogate Band has just been published by . This new internet based magazine provides a range of articles, news features, results and reviews.

Ron Eastwood

We are sad to report the death of Ron Eastwood, a former member of the band. For many years Ron was the band's bass trombonist - an instrument he took up in his 50s. He was an accomplished pianist and did not need any prompting to play and entertain others whenever a piano was in a room. Joining the band in 1980, Ron retired from playing in 1996 due to ill health. One of his treasured memories was from 1985 when the Harrogate Band swept the board at the YHBBA annual contest at Tadcaster, winning all the prizes in its section and returning laden with trophies. To complete his joy his first grandson was born that very same day. Ron selected two of his favourite pieces to be played at his funeral - Handel Parker's wonderful hymn Deep Harmony and TJ Powell's march Castel Coch - one of the winning pieces in 1985.

MUCH ADO ABOUT HADHAM - The Band made the long journey south to pay a return visit to the village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire on 23 June to present a concert in the lovely setting of St Andrew's Church. Harrogate first played there in 1998 during the celebrations held to mark the centenary of Henry Moore's birth - the Yorkshire-born sculptor had made his home there - and the band were pleased to accept the invitation to return. The first half of the concert included Arthur Wood's Three Dale Dances - once very well know but seldom heard today - music by Philip Wilby and Ernest Farrar and solos from Keith Graham (baritone) and Steve Morland (percussion). It concluded with Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, and such was the audience's enthusiasm that the band's entire stock of CD's was sold out within minutes during the interval - well done Georgina! The second half was a much lighter affair comprising music from the stage and screen, including many popular favourites. As the band left Much Hadham, all the talk seemed to be of a third visit to this picturesque village, in the not-too-distant future.

After a memorable night (!) in the Moat House, Harlow, the Band travelled north again via Peterborough where a second concert awaited as part of the popular Peterborough Festival. Following a warm greeting from the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough and the Japanese Cultural Attaché, the band gave a performance in glorious weather in the shade of a huge willow tree. The audience was a large and appreciative one and the band clearly enjoyed playing in this perfect setting. On return to Harrogate, both Band and supporters agreed that it had been a fine weekend with two very well-received concerts and plenty of opportunities to relax together. Special thanks go to our guest for the weekend Clive Dickinson, soprano player from Besses o'th Barn Band, deputising for Andrew Jackson who was unavailable.

YORKSHIRE CHALLENGE MAKES IT A HAT TRICK! - The Harrogate Band scooped the top prize of £750 last month in the inaugural Nostell Priory Yorkshire Brass Band Challenge, bringing about a 'hat trick' of contest successes in 2001. In spite of a small entry of bands, the organisers (the AMI Laser Restoration Sharlston Band) were keen for the contest to go ahead in order to help establish the event for future years. The competition took place in the grounds of the newly restored Priory - a superb setting for such an event. Trophies were presented to the winning bands by Lord and Lady St. Oswald of Nostell Priory. Harrogate's programme for the event included Wilfred Heaton's march Le Tricot Rouge, Barry Gott's Lightwalk and the finale from Year of the Dragon, plus solo features from Robert Illsley (cornet) and Steve Morland (xylophone and tuba!).

HOUSTON - WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS! - A uniquely enjoyable concert was held in Ripon Cathedral with the Houston Choral Society, directed by Betty Devine. The Choir, on a 10 day tour of the UK, sang beautifully in the resonant acoustic of the Cathedral, with pieces sacred, spiritual and popular. The Band contributed with a first half that included Overture - Force of Destiny, Cortege from Mlada, Elsa's Procession to the Minster, and what is probably only the second ever public performance of Ernest Farrar's Heroic Elegy. This piece was composed shortly before Farrar's death at the Battle of the Somme, and only given a single airing by the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra. It has been resurrected and arranged by Neil Richmond, the founder musical director of the Band, and is a moving and poignant piece, dedicated to "Soldiers" which weaves the "Agincourt Song" theme through its music. A second half of mainly popular, show pieces culminated with a joint rendition with the Choir of Gustav Holst's A Festival Chime and the Band serenading our Texan visitors with a performance of Stars and Stripes Forever under the baton of Betty Devine herself. Proceeds from the concert went to St Anne's Shelter and Housing Charity.

YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE CHAMPIONS! - A new format to the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association's annual contest in Scarborough was welcomed by all participating bands. Harrogate continued their run of success with a convincing, if slender, win over stiff competition in the Premier "A" section. The performance of our chosen programme of the hymn tune Stella, march Bramwyn and test piece "Year of the Dragon" persuaded the adjudicator to award the band the first prize, even if the final movement of Year of the Dragon was a little hurried! In all we gathered FOUR trophies to add to our bulging cabinet - including the prize for best trombone (Daniel Dickinson) and the day's "best conductor". Full results can be found on the YHBBA website.

SUMMER CONCERT SEASON - A wide and varied selection of concerts are being given by the Band this summer. To help you find our playing venues, we have added maps to our list of engagements.

NORTHERN CHAMPIONS AGAIN! - In our first foray into the First Section Championships the Band has triumphed for the second year in a row to become the Northern Regional Champions. The music, Eric Ball's "The Undaunted", was enjoyed thoroughly by the band and our interpretation of the piece pleased the adjudicator, Mal Brownbill who, like many others, was puzzled by the fact that it was not an established part of the contest and concert repertoire - it really is an excellent example of Eric Ball's lyrical work. To cap a great day's contesting, the band also took home the trophy for the "Best Bass Section" - quite probably the first time this section of the band has won such an honour! The celebrations were tinged with sadness as we bade farewell to Dave Cole, our bandmaster, who has been a completely dedicated player, a tireless worker and a great friend to all in the band over the last 17 years. His work takes him to Kidderminster, where we are sure he will soon find another band!

30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT - To conclude the celebrations of our 30th anniversary year we presented a special joint concert with the Granby High School Concert Band on 10th March at Granby High School. Former players in the HGS Concert Band were responsible for the formation of the Harrogate Band back in 1970. The concert included pieces chosen and conducted by the Band's previous Musical Directors (Neil Richmond, John Higginson and Peter Wells); Dragon Parade - a piece specially composed for the band's 30th anniversary; a short musical tribute to John Hallums; a nostalgic reminder of music from the 1970's when The Harrogate Band was very young!; and of course a performance by the Granby High School Band themselves. A musical tribute to the memory of John Hallums followed the announcement of the donation of a trophy in his name to be awarded at the Northern Region Championships. We were especially pleased that Joan Hallums, together with her daughter Catherine and several other family members were able to attend the concert.

EXCELLENT RESULT AT ROCHDALE - Our first contest of the new (true) millennium pitted the band against a very strong combined contingent of eleven bands from the Championship and 1st Sections. Year of the Dragon won us fifth place which, against such competition, was a very good achievement. Congratulations to the contest organisers - their last minute rearrangements worked perfectly and produced a very enjoyable event.

NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES - 2001 sees the band promoted into the First Section of the National Brass Band Championships for the first time in its 30-year history. This step represents a huge challenge for the Band, but we are working hard and are determined to continue the run of successes which the band has enjoyed over the last few years. Gemma Pitt has recently joined Harrogate's horn section from the Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Band, and the playing strength of the band has been further boosted by the arrival of Precious Lowe and Helen Worley, with Nick Garrett also making a most welcome return to the cornet ranks.
Concert engagements also figure large in the Band's plans for the New Year with bookings already arranged both locally (including a concert at Fountains Abbey in August) and as far afield as Hertfordshire and the Peterborough Festival. A new CD recording is also planned, with the band hoping to enter the recording studio in the early autumn.

John Hallums

John Hallums died in hospital on the 9th January, aged 81, following a short illness. Always a brass band enthusiast - though never a player - John was involved at the formation of The Harrogate Band in 1970 and subsequently became its chairman, a position he held for 16 years. He was an active committee member of the Bradford and District, Harrogate and Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Associations and was one of the many 'unseen workers' of the brass band world. John's chairmanship of The Harrogate Band covered the tenure of five conductors and spanned a period of steady musical and economic progress. He was still an active member of the Band in his 80's and participated in the Band's millennium tour of Holland. An ensemble from the Band provided a fitting musical tribute at John's funeral, and the standard of the Dunkirk Veterans' Association was lowered as the Last Post was sounded. He is survived by his wife Joan, his two children and four grandchildren.

NEW MILLENNIUM GREETINGS - It seems no time at all since our new uniforms had just had their first outing and the Y2K celebrations were yet to come. We wish all our friends and supporters the very best for a thoroughly enjoyable 2001 - the true start of the third millennium!. Thank you to all of you who continue to support the band in person and through this web site.