St Helen's Church, Benson - Christmas Eve, 2018
Here's the band getting ready to play to a packed church on Christmas Eve. As always, this turned out to be a joyous occasion, with both children and adults singing carols at such volume that the church roof nearly lifted off!
What a year it's been.......and what a way to end it!
Here's the band getting ready to play to a packed church on Christmas Eve. As always, this turned out to be a joyous occasion, with both children and adults singing carols at such volume that the church roof nearly lifted off!
What a year it's been.......and what a way to end it!
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The Six Bells, Warborough - Thursday, 20th December 2018
Another fantastic evening of caroling outside the Six Bells last night. We managed to raise an amazing £131.00 despite, or maybe because of, the early arrival of Father Christmas - who brought his own collecting elves! Well done to everyone who turned out to play in a freezing Midsomer Land. Grateful thanks must also go to Nikki at the Six Bells, her busy crew and all her generous patrons. St Helen's Church, Benson is next, on Monday Christmas Eve, to have caroling Christmas fun with the children (aged 1 to 95!) (5-6pm). |
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The Home Sweet Home, Tuesday 18th December 2018
Here we are in the Home Sweet Home playing to an enthusiastic bunch of regulars. Like the beer, we seemed to go down very well and managed to raise a fantastic £90.00 for our charities!
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Our thanks to Lyn and her fantastic team for helping to make it such a great evening.
Ho Ho Ho! |
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Grown ups are still kids when Father Christmas arrives!
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Crowmarsh Music Club Sunday 16th December 2018
What a wonderful and uplifting afternoon we all had playing for our friends at the Crowmarsh Music Club yesterday.
As you can see from the pictures above, the spirit of Christmas truly came alive!
What a wonderful and uplifting afternoon we all had playing for our friends at the Crowmarsh Music Club yesterday.
As you can see from the pictures above, the spirit of Christmas truly came alive!
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Christmas Carols at The Donkey Sanctuary - 13th December 2018 Another lovely Christmas service and lots of fun at the Donkey Sanctuary last night. As usual, the donkey got most of the attention and here is Tracy, pictured with Charlie (Tracey is the one with four legs, of course!). Although the band always enjoys playing here, we were lucky enough to receive a £50.00, anonymous donation - which will go straight to our charity fund. So, if you're reading this, whoever you are, thank you! Thanks must also go to the Rev. Janice Chilton for conducting the service and keeping us all in order! |
TRACY & CHARLIE
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Sotwell Hill House 11th December 2018
Next up was a visit to Sotwell Hill House to play carols for the residents there. It's always a great event and the band received a warm reception at the end of our concert (see below).
Our thanks to all the staff and residents for their appreciation and generosity. We look forward to seeing you all again at your summer garden party in June 2019!
On Thursday evening we'll be at a service held at the donkey sanctuary near by. All are welcome. It's a lovely event. See you there!
Christmas Concert 8th December 2018
What a lovely evening we had at our brilliant, annual Christmas Concert on Saturday.
The band was on top form, taking a packed house on a trip to the movies.
After a Christmas fanfare, off we traveled to Siam with The King and I; then to Tuscany, Italy to look in on the puppet Pinocchio. In no time, we were whisked away to the Dearly household, Gabriel Mews, London to find Cruella De Vil tryng to steal those 1001 dalmatian puppies! Natalie then gave us a flavour of Spain with a wonderful rendition of Concerto de Aranjuez. Her performance was equally as good, if not better, than that of Tara Fitzgerald who made this music famous in the film Brassed Off. Next, we were off to America and Boothbay Harbor, Main, for Carousel. During all this, our own John Spence gave a sensational cornet solo to the theme "Ben" from the horror movie of the same name; a tune later made famous by Michael Jackson.
Of course there was the usual giant raffle, after which the audience joined in with some hearty caroling. A truly memorable evening.
In the world of brass banding, we soon have to come down to earth. Thus, the band was out again yesterday raising money for our favourite charities outside Tescos!.The good people of Didcot donated a total of £95 (plus €2, 10 cents and 1 rupee 🤔!!) Well done everyone (see below) who turned out in the rain and cold!
Armistice.
The end of The Great War - 100 Years On
At 11 o'clock, Sunday, the 11th of November 2018, The Roke & Benson Brass Band accompanied the choir and congregation of St Helen's Church, Benson, to celebrate the centenary of the Armistice, which finally brought to an end the Great War of 1914-1918.
It was a beautiful day, the church was packed and the band gave of their very best during this solemn, yet somehow uplifting service.
For more pictures, and to hear The Last Post, check out: https://twitter.com/RAFBenson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
and
https://www.facebook.com/RAFBenson/
Michael ready for his brilliant rendition of The Last Post
Time to reflect as Natalie prepares to lay a wreath on behalf of the band.
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Right on cue!
They Shall not Grow Old......
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FLOWERS
MORE FLOWERS!
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SOME SERIOUS CONCENTRATION IN THE TENOR SECTION
WAGS - Saturday 8th September 2018
Here we are at our final engagement of the season playing for our old friends the Wallingford Allotments and Gardens Society. Fortunately, the rain held off, the teas and cakes were delicious, and all the flowers, including mum and daughter Shirley and Sharon (pictured) made a fine display! |
Warborough Feast - Sunday 12th August 2018
On an overcast evening, the band played for The Feast of St Lawrence on the picturesque Warborough Green. After about 20 minutes we began casting our eyes to the heavens as they threatened to empty on all of us below....
Despite vicar Caroline appealing to The Almighty, a half-time deluge then forced everyone to repair, somewhat bedraggled, to the nearby barn where, despite the gloom, and with typical British resolve, we enjoyed the remainder of the evening singing, playing and ignoring the occasional clap of thunder outside!
The day was then lit up even further by those who had manfully remained manning the BBQ in the pouring rain, to provide sausages, burgers and wine.
Makes you proud to be British!
Morris Motors Caravan Club and Sotwell Hill House - 14th & 15th July 2018
After a lovely day in the sunshine at Holton, playing for Morris Motors Caravan Club (thank you Norms!) on Saturday, the band enjoyed another great day of strawberries and cream at our regular, Sunday summer outing - Sotwell Hill House (see photos). |
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Benson Veteran Cycle Rally - The Red Lion, Chalgrove on Sunday 1st July 2018
What a great day we had at the Red Lion, Chalgrove yesterday! Glorious sunshine seemed to put everyone in a happy frame of mind (Howard?), and our little band played a varied and interesting programme to an enthusiastic audience of cyclists, dogs and local villagers, all packed into a gorgeous garden setting. Many thanks to all the staff at the pub for hosting such a lovely event....at which we managed to collect a brilliant £131.00 for our charities! Well done everyone! For anyone on Facebook, you can see this all again at: https://www.facebook.com/Roke-Benson-Brass-Band-261071677242323/?ref=bookmarks |
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Wallingford Castle Grounds - Sunday 24th June 2018 On a beautiful day in the gorgeous setting of Wallingford Castle Grounds, an enthusiastic audience of over 200 people came to watch and listen to us playing our hearts out. So much did the appreciative crowd enjoy our music.....we even received a standing ovation! Next week we play for Benson's Vintage Cycle Rally at The Red Lion, Chalgrove. Check the "Where to See Us" section of this website for more details. So, why not bring a picnic, enjoy a beer/glass of wine, and listen to our music all over again! |
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Our happy (mostly?!) band of players in the beautiful setting of Nuffield house.
Father's Day - Nuffield House - Sunday 17th June 2018
What better way to spend fathers day? A beautiful setting, in a National Trust property listening to the Roke & Benson Brass band? Picnic on the croquet lawn? Vintage car rally? Hog roast?
Well, this is how the band spent Sunday, playing for an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, on our first engagement of the season.
It is such a gorgeous setting and the weather just about held out.
Next week (Sunday 24th) we'll be at Wallingford Castle Grounds, starting at 3.00pm.
Father's Day - Nuffield House - Sunday 17th June 2018
What better way to spend fathers day? A beautiful setting, in a National Trust property listening to the Roke & Benson Brass band? Picnic on the croquet lawn? Vintage car rally? Hog roast?
Well, this is how the band spent Sunday, playing for an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, on our first engagement of the season.
It is such a gorgeous setting and the weather just about held out.
Next week (Sunday 24th) we'll be at Wallingford Castle Grounds, starting at 3.00pm.
Father's Day at Nuffield Place
This will be the Roke & Benson Brass Band's first concert of the year. In association with Nuffield House, the former home of Morris Motor Company owner William Morris there will be a classic car display and hog roast as part of their Father's Day celebration. Why not bring your friends along, maybe they could enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns whilst listening to the band. We will be playing from 1pm - 1:45pm and then 2:15 - 3pm. Oh, and don't forget to bring Dad (Becky!)!
Check it out at:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nuffield-place/features/fathers-day-at-nuffield-place
This will be the Roke & Benson Brass Band's first concert of the year. In association with Nuffield House, the former home of Morris Motor Company owner William Morris there will be a classic car display and hog roast as part of their Father's Day celebration. Why not bring your friends along, maybe they could enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns whilst listening to the band. We will be playing from 1pm - 1:45pm and then 2:15 - 3pm. Oh, and don't forget to bring Dad (Becky!)!
Check it out at:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nuffield-place/features/fathers-day-at-nuffield-place
Band Hall Annual Spring Clean - Saturday 7th April 2018
Check out The Molly Maids at today's spring clean!
Charity Fundraising
As we start the new year I thought I would update you on the band's fundraising achievements.
Over the years we have supported and collected money for three local charities: Seesaw, The Oxford MS Therapy Centre based on Milton Park, and The Haematology Unit at the Churchill Hospital. During 2017 we played and collected £1082, since 2002 the figure is a fantastic £13,615! Not bad for a small village band! Thank you to everyone who has supported the band and contributed to our fundraising.
Natalie Wyatt
December 24th, 2017
Christmas Eve, and St Helen's church is packed to the rafters.
The band were at their very best, accompanying the most joyful carol singing heard for many a year.
And what made it so special.......the children, who truly sang their hearts out.
And this is how it all begins...
Happy Christmas everyone!
Benson - Saturday 23rd December 2017
A few of us turned out this morning to play carols in Benson
It was nice to see so many friends and smiley Christmas faces!
A few of us turned out this morning to play carols in Benson
It was nice to see so many friends and smiley Christmas faces!
The Six Bells - Thursday 21st December 2017
Here are some pictures of the band playing carols outside the Six Bells last night.
Such a brilliant evening, made even better by raising £135.00 for our charities!!
A huge "Thank You" must go to Nikki, her fantastic team, wonderful hospitality and truly generous customers.
Thanks must also go to the Rev. Caroline and the St Laurence Church Choir for joining with the band and helping to make it such a happy and festive occasion!
Next up - Benson village tomorrow morning. See you there!
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The Home Sweet Home - Tuesday 19th December 2017
What a lively session we had playing for the noisy, but very friendly, bunch that are the customers of The Home Sweet Home last night........and we raised a fantastic £118.00 for our charities! Thank you so much to Lyn, John and your great team!
Collecting for our Charities on a Cold and Wet Sunday Morning
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As you can see, a few of us braved the cold and wet on Sunday morning and we managed to raise a fantastic £146.00 for our charities. A hardy lot we bandsmen - ably assisted by a hardy Cap'n Hardy .....Ahaaaarrrrrrrr! |
Our Christmas Concert - Saturday December 16th 2017
Despite the freezing cold, both outside and inside(!), a good audience came to listen to the band as we gave a lively and enthusiastic performance at our lovely annual Christmas Carol Concert in Benson Parish Hall on Sunday.
As usual, there were lots of cakes and mince pies and our brilliant compere, John Glavey, managed to get our normally never-ending raffle, completed in record time! This allowed everyone to get home and into the warmth, before becoming frozen to their seats!
Check out some of the photos below.
The 2017 Team
Oh no! Not You Again....That's the Third Prize You've Won Already!
Jan Corby Gives Us a Reading
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Excuse Me - But Isn't That My Job?!
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The Donkey Sanctuary 14th December 2017
The Rev Janice hits the high notes!
A collection of donkeys and horses look on in wonder!
With the mayor and mayoress
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The annual carol service at the donkey sanctuary is always a highlight for the band. Lots of people braved the cold weather and sang at the tops of their voices, whilst a collection of donkeys and horses seemed to look down in wonder!
The Rev. Janice Chilton took charge and, as you can see, really enjoyed the carols. Yours Truly had a picture taken with the mayor and mayoress of Wallingford, Mike and Christine Kidley....... And, yes.........there was a real donkey! |
Sotwell Hill House - Tuesday 12th December 2017
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The band enjoyed a lovely evening of carolling for our friends at Sotwell Hill House Nursing home last night. This enthusiastic audience seemed to know the words to most of the songs that we played and even, on occasion, sang unaccompanied!
For those brave enough, you can even have a listen to the band by clicking on this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YoU0mvo9UJLkvZC52 Next up is the Donkey Sanctuary on Thursday - Eeeeeyore! |
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Monday 4th December 2017 - The Music Club at Crowmarsh
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Christmas got off to a great start at the Crowmarsh Music Club on Monday evening. This is always one of the most fun events in the band's calendar and it became livelier than ever when George decided to take over (pictured)! I don't think so many bells have ever been jingled for our oft repeated version of "Jingle Bells"
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Remembrance Sunday - St Helens Church, Benson 12th November 2017 On a chilly autumn morning the whole of Benson village seemed to turn out in order to pay their respects to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country of ours. At the war memorial, after the last post and reveille sounded, wreaths were laid and two RAF helicopters, including a Chinook (pictured), chattered overhead to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Following the parade, the band played at its very best as we joined in with hymns and prayers to remember all those who gave their lives for us. 
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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 2017 - 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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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!!