A long awaited update!

Apologies for the delay in updates, things have been hectic for the band all summer with the band having done 3 major events in the calendar, Durham Miners Gala, Wensleydale Show and the Hardraw Contest as well as numerous small events but nevertheless just as important to the bands survival. This year was the very first outing for Leyburn Band at the Durham Miners Gala and we were proudly marching under the banner of Thornley Colliery. Everyone enjoyed it so much that we have agreed to do it all again for them next year.

July 2007 Durham The Durham Miners’ Gala took place on Saturday, 14th July this year on one of the few lovely days we had this summer, and Leyburn Band was there for the first time. “An outstanding day, one that will live with me forever”, said one of the many people that followed us on our march under the historic banner of Thornley Colliery at the “Big Meeting”. Outside the Royal County Hotel we played “The Circle of Life”, which seemed to delight the crowd, and a verse of the hymn tune “Sacred Hill” in memory of the death of the last conductor of Horden Colliery Band. We have been asked to play again next year. One man from Thornley said: “I have followed the Thornley banner in the Gala for 60 years and this is the best band we’ve ever had.”

August 2007 Wensleydale Show Leyburn Band played three sessions at the Wensleydale Agricultural Show on Saturday, 25th August, which took place sadly without sheep or cattle this year, owing to movement restrictions caused by the foot and mouth outbreak in the south. The weather was kind to us again, if a little windy, and a good time was had by all. Other big news our CD has finally been released and copies can be purchased by contacting Gordon Walker our Treasurer (walkergs@btinternet.com) We are selling via the site for £10 inc P and P and they are in limited supply. Watch the gallery for clips of some of the tracks.

September 2007 Hardraw It was the 126th anniversary of the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival this year. The contest took place on Sunday, 9th September in this beautiful natural amphitheatre. It stayed dry but got very cold later in the afternoon. Each band had to play a programme 18 to 23 minutes long, including a march and a hymn. Leyburn Band’s programme was: The New Recruit (march); Blaenwern (Love Divine, all loves excelling…hymn); Georgia on my mind (our principal cornet player Emma played a wonderful solo in this), The Circle of Life and Trouble in the Air. The prize for the best soloist in our section was deservedly won by Emma. Leyburn Band came 5th – a disappointing result perhaps but we all enjoyed the day and we had lots of positive feedback from the audience, which is the most important thing.

October 2007 President’s Concert October saw the first President’s Concert in honour of our founder Mary Sanderson, of Leyburn, from which we raised £300 for the HARCAS charity.