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Sunday, 15th October 2017 Today was a big day for Robert Matthew Wallace! Here he is pictured outside St Laurence Church, Warborough, at his christening today. Proud dad Michael seemed the more nervous of the two! Soon be time to pick up a cornet Robert! |
WAGS - Wallingford Allotments and Gardens Society
Saturday 9th September 2017
On Saturday the band played at, what is now an annual event - WAGS.
The weather forecast was poor, but we managed to play three quarters of our programme to an enthusiastic audience.......before the heavens opened to curtail our concert.
Still there were compensations; the tea and cakes were splendid, and our very own Pete Willis won lots of firsts with his fruit and vegetables....including 'Best in Show'. Well done Pete!
Sharon, John and Nat, our trio, playing Michael Jackson's "Ben"
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The winner!
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Pete's winning display
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Rush Court - Saturday 2nd September 2017
On Saturday, the band enjoyed a beautiful September afternoon, playing in a gorgeous setting, at the request of the residents of Rush Court. Our lively audience really seemed to appreciate the music; many could be heard singing along to some of the tunes that we chose. As you can see below, a splendid array of cakes and sandwiches were also much appreciated!
(Don't forget, you can also follow the band on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Roke-Benson-Brass-Band-261071677242323/ )
Fun Afternoon for Bishopswood School for Children with Special Needs - Saturday 19th August 2017
The band had a great afternoon at Abbey Rugby Club on Saturday, playing in front of a really good crowd on behalf of Bishopswood Special School http://www.bishopswoodschool.net/
There was so much to see and do: amongst other things, you could watch a strong man competition, stroke a chameleon, play the bongos, listen (or dance!) to our Roke and Benson Brass Band - or even just watch Sandra (below) successfully perform her rain dance!
With only 11 players plus a chap waving his arms, the band coped brilliantly; we all agreed that the afternoon was a great success.
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The Northbourne Centre, Didcot - Sunday, 6th August 2017
The band entertained a small crowd at The Northbourne Centre on Sunday, under the musical direction of Bryan Sherwood.The weather held fine and everyone seemed to enjoy the wide selection of tunes we played - the wide selection of tea and cakes provided, were certainly well received!
Sotwell Hill House - Sunday 9th July 2017
Once again the band entertained residents and their guests at Sotwell Hill House. As you can see, it was fun for all the family. The strawberries and cream were as fantastic as always. Many thanks to the generosity of Josephine and her staff for putting on such a brilliant afternoon - yet again!
(Next year it's Sunday 24th June (2018). Already in the diary!)
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Strawberry Frenzy
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A Right Rawlins Day Out!
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Saturday 8th July 2018 - Benson School BBQ
John Dixon Takes a Breather!
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Coffee Break
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Benson Veteran Cycle Rally at The Lamb, Chalgrove 2nd July 2017
What a great afternoon as the band played for this annual event at the Lamb at Chalgrove.
Even better - the band raised well over £100.00 for our chosen charities!
What a line-up......and check out that posture!
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A rare picture of Sandra and Howard - both smiling at the same time!
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Wallingford Castle Grounds - 25th June 2017
It was a lovely afternoon for our annual concert in Wallingford Castle Grounds, where a good audience enjoyed a fine concert put on by the band. This was one of our best performances and it was terrific to see how many members turned out to play. Let's hope we can continue at this standard for the rest of the season (see the "Where to see us" section of this website for more events or check out http://www.rokeandbensonbrassband.org/where-to-see-us.html or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Roke-Benson-Brass-Band-261071677242323/notifications/ ).
Summer is Here!
On Saturday 20th May, the band descended on Benson Parish Hall for an evening of short mat bowling. Despite shaky starts from many of the teams, by the end of the evening spirits were high...and so too was the competition!
A big thank you to everyone who turned out and, of course, to Vic and Becky for arranging the evening.
We Look forward to the next big social event!
This was followed on Saturday (3rd June) by our opening event on Warborough Green for the annual Warborough Fayre.
Despite being few in number, the band played a varied programme to entertain a good crowd, raising funds to support the local school. Next up - a concert in Wallingford Castle Grounds on Sunday 25th June.
Despite being few in number, the band played a varied programme to entertain a good crowd, raising funds to support the local school. Next up - a concert in Wallingford Castle Grounds on Sunday 25th June.
Spring Clean 2017
Saturday saw a few hardy band members ignoring the beautiful weather to give our band hall its annual freshen up!
As you can see, John Dixon was determined to show the ladies how hoovering should be done.........
Natalie watches on with a cuppa, whilst a horrified Sharon, tries to turn herself into a cardboard cut-out!
Saturday saw a few hardy band members ignoring the beautiful weather to give our band hall its annual freshen up!
As you can see, John Dixon was determined to show the ladies how hoovering should be done.........
Natalie watches on with a cuppa, whilst a horrified Sharon, tries to turn herself into a cardboard cut-out!
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AND FINALLY.............
With St Helens Church, Benson, packed to the rafters, the band TRULY kicked off the Yuletide Festival this afternoon - Cristmas Eve. The children were centre stage, and whilst they Jingled Bells and clip-clopped Little Donkey, the singing of all the Mums and Dads was of the highest order. Never before has the church been this full; spirits were so lifted that everyone went home with broad smiles on their faces. Now the band has to knuckle down to prepare its 2017 programme but meanwhile, a very happy Christmas to all our loyal friends and followers. Let's hope Santa manages to fill your stockings and that a happy New Year is enjoyed by all! Merry Christmas everyone!! |
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Carols at The Six Bells
Some of the band's pub-a-holics managed one more caroling engagement last night at The Six Bells, Warborough. Cramped as we were, the band led some raucous singing although, as you can see.........the rest of us had to do the playing! Yet again, our audience didn't let us down and we raised a further £75.00 for the wonderful charities that we support. Thanks to Nikki and her team for putting up with us and for hosting such a worthwhile event! |
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Carols at The Home Sweet Home Here's the band playing carols for a great crowd at The Home Sweet Home last night. We had lots of requests from the locals, (most of which we managed!) and the singers raised the roof, helping us to collect a magnificent £99.00 for our three brilliant charities! Huge thanks to go John and Lyn for hosting such an enjoyable and worthwhile evening. Next up - The Six Bells, Warborough on Thursday! |
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Eighty Years Young - and Still Blowing! On Saturday (17th December), bass player Norman Webb became 80 years young! To mark the occasion during our Friday evening rehearsal in the band room Vic Fox, our Chairman, presented Norms with a framed photo of the band taken at our Christmas Concert. After such a difficult year, Norms was just pleased to be there accepting this award following a life-time of brass banding. We hope to see you for many more years Norms. Keep on blowing! |
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Carols at The Donkey Sanctuary
On Thursday the band played carols at Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.
We heard some lovely Christmas stories with the sheep joining in at every opportunity! The audience was also in great voice; thankfully, the donkey wasn't!
Charlie and Bethan. The donkey is in the middle!
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Our own Little Donkey
Uncle Vic has a listen to a new recruit
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The Roke & Benson Brass Band Christmas Concert 2016
The band gave what was arguably its best performance to date at its annual Christmas concert on Saturday night.
Supported by the Wooton Warblers, the audience was treated to music from the movies, traditional (and non-traditional!) carols and a visit to the Royal Albert Hall, with a tribute to The Last Night of the Proms, culminating in a rousing chorus of Rule Britannia!
Britannia Rules the Waves!
Howard and Sandra manage a quick turnover!
John Spence concentrates on a tricky passage
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Natalie gets into the Christmas spirit
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Anna and Charlie working hard
Sotwell Hill House - Tuesday 6th December 2016
Yesterday evening the band enjoyed the warm hopitality of Sotwell Hill House Nursing Home: it's an annual fixture where we like to feature the Training Band and we even managed to rehearse one or two of the numbers we'll be playing at our concert on Saturday.
Stand-out performances by Anna Galpin, Charlie Denham and Nat Gauden were a particular highlight, receiving warm applause from a very appreciative audience for their rendition of "Ben", a song made famous by Michael Jackson.
Of course, most of the evening was devoted to carols, and it was great to hear so many of the residents singing along with the band. It makes what we do so worthwhile!
As someone said last night, "elderly people often rely on memories, and this sort of concert puts broad smiles on their faces as happy Christmases from the past are vividly recalled".
A terrific evening!
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Carols at Crowmarsh Music Club Monday 5th December 2016
As you can see, the band had a most enjoyable evening playing carols for our friends at Crowmarsh Music Club.
It was all going so well.......and then Alice decided to take over. Not to be outdone, Simon then wanted a go.........and finally, Caroline decided that she would conduct as well!
It looks as though the band's usual conductor could well be in danger of losing his job!!
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Sunday 4th December
A huge vote of thanks goes to these hardy members of the band who braved freezing cold conditions to play carols outside Tescos at Didcot on a very frosty Sunday morning. A fantastic £108.00 was raised, which will go towards the charities that the band supports every year.
Thanks also to Sandie, who did a sterling job encouraging the good folk of Didcot to donate...............(and promoting Dorset Cereals!)
Tonight (Monday 6th) we entertain the youngsters of the Crowmarsh Music Club. Tomorrow our training band will be playing, in the evening, for our friends at Sotwell Hill House Nursing Home.
It's that time of year again........!
On Friday (9th), some of the band will play at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford (our third year), on behalf of MacMillan Cancer Support's 'A Celebration of Christmas', before returning to the band hall to rehearse for our own annual Christmas Concert on Saturday in Benson Parish Hall, which commences at 7.00pm. Don't forget to get your tickets from Derry's Den, Benson - or call Vic Fox.
A huge vote of thanks goes to these hardy members of the band who braved freezing cold conditions to play carols outside Tescos at Didcot on a very frosty Sunday morning. A fantastic £108.00 was raised, which will go towards the charities that the band supports every year.
Thanks also to Sandie, who did a sterling job encouraging the good folk of Didcot to donate...............(and promoting Dorset Cereals!)
Tonight (Monday 6th) we entertain the youngsters of the Crowmarsh Music Club. Tomorrow our training band will be playing, in the evening, for our friends at Sotwell Hill House Nursing Home.
It's that time of year again........!
On Friday (9th), some of the band will play at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford (our third year), on behalf of MacMillan Cancer Support's 'A Celebration of Christmas', before returning to the band hall to rehearse for our own annual Christmas Concert on Saturday in Benson Parish Hall, which commences at 7.00pm. Don't forget to get your tickets from Derry's Den, Benson - or call Vic Fox.
Remembrance Sunday
This is the scene on a beautiful, sunny November morning. The weather couldn't have been more perfect as Rebecca Brook played the Last Post brilliantly and Natalie Wyatt laid a wreath on behalf of The Roke & Benson Brass Band.
The band was at it's very best as we accompanied the congregation during a moving service held in St Helen's Church following the parade.
This is the scene on a beautiful, sunny November morning. The weather couldn't have been more perfect as Rebecca Brook played the Last Post brilliantly and Natalie Wyatt laid a wreath on behalf of The Roke & Benson Brass Band.
The band was at it's very best as we accompanied the congregation during a moving service held in St Helen's Church following the parade.
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Only in England!
Here we are at WAGS (The Wallingford Allotments and Gardens Society) annual show, held on Saturday 10th September.
The rain continued unabated, any visitors huddled inside the Centre 70 hall, but the band played on - sometimes competing to see who got the wettest! Shirley, I think you won this one - with Vic a close second!
Here are some pictures, including that of of Bryan, our long-suffering, and very damp trombone player!
The good news is that Peter Willis, another trombonist, scooped 4 firsts and a second in the vegetable and flower show! You can see a picture of Pete standing proudly with his "best in show" exhibit. Every cloud eh.....?
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Vic and Irene's Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration
held - 30th July 2016
After last week's 40th wedding anniversary, we now celebrate band chairman Vic, and his wife Irene's, Golden Wedding Anniversary!
As you can see, lots of friends and relations turned out, including many of the band. It was a great occasion, which was made all the more sensational by the wonderful cakes and food prepared by daughter Becky (with lashings of help from son Richard).
Vic made a brief speech saying that, given the chance, he would stay married to Irene for another 50 years........and he didn't even have his fingers crossed!!
All at the Roke and Benson Brass Band would like to wish you Vic, and Irene, all the very best on a fabulous 50 years of marital bliss, and hope we will all be back for the diamond!!
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40th Wedding Anniversary - Sunday 24th July 2016
Here we are playing for the 40th wedding anniversary of Jonathan and Anna Pelly-Fry at Preston Crowmarsh.
Once again, the weather just about held out until we had finished our performance. The band received some really encouraging comments throughout what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable event;
our thanks must go to Jonathan and Anna for inviting the band, and for being such generous hosts!
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Benson School Fayre - Saturday 9th July 2016
The band gave a lively performance today at Benson School Fayre and, as you can see, it was a real family day out. One of our photographs below, shows the start of the egg throwing competition. Unfortunately, we couldn't show you the end, it was just too messy for publication!!
Every member of The Roke and Benson Brass Band would all like to wish James, our young cornet player here, all the best for the future as he leaves us, soon to become the scholar organist at Gloucester Cathedral. We are hugely proud to have helped bring James through the ranks of our brass band world. We wish him all the best in, what is bound to be a glittering career, and hope that he comes back to see, and help us from time to time! If you're reading this and it's still Saturday, you would be welcome to go along to St Helen's church, Benson tonight, to listen to this formidable young talent give his farewell organ recital......and it's free!
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Vintage Cycle Rally - Sunday 3rd July 2016
Here we are at the vintage cycle rally, held at the Lamb pub, Chalgrove.
The weather was kind and hundreds of enthusiasts and supporters arrived to listen to the music, whilst they enjoyed their picnic.
If you look really closely, you may be able to spot Jenny Rawlins (with granddaughter Amelie) who, single handed, collected £148.00, which will go to our selected charities at the end of the year. Well done and thank you Jen! A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
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Sotwell Hill House - Sunday 25th June 2016
On Sunday we entertained our good friends at Sotwell Hill House and just managed to complete our programme before the British weather took over! Everyone seemed to enjoy the music, whilst the band enjoyed great helpings of strawberries and cream!
As always, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for all concerned.
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Wallingford Castle Gardens - 18th June 2018
The weather held good and the band opened it's busy 2016 summer programme, in front of a good audience at Wallingford Castle Grounds, under the direction of Bryan Sherwood
(More photos are available on our "Gallery" page)
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Annual Spring Clean - Saturday 9th April 2016
Here's the gallant team that turned out to spring clean our band hall today.
It's amazing how much work can get done, despite the fact that everyone seemed to have so much fun!!
PS. Shirley - You can close your eyes and hide behind that feather duster - but we still know it's you!!
Here's the gallant team that turned out to spring clean our band hall today.
It's amazing how much work can get done, despite the fact that everyone seemed to have so much fun!!
PS. Shirley - You can close your eyes and hide behind that feather duster - but we still know it's you!!
