Showing posts with label Newsletters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newsletters. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
2010 Annual Report
BEENHAM BAND Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2010
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Committee
Simon Witcomb - Chairman, Ian Hulin – Secretary, Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer, Eleanor Brooks - Friends, Lynne Ellis, Jean Rollinson - Programmes
Other roles
Librarian – Ann Moore, Publicity – Alyse Ashton, PR – Eileen Caster, Grants – Julie Wright, Fixer – Jolanta Modelska, Webmaster – Tim Skinner
Conductor
We are still very fortunate to have Robert Roscoe as our conductor. The quality and technical ability of the band has continued to improve under his direction. We know, because we can now perform pieces that we could not even play a little while ago. On the occasions when Robert has been unable to be with us, we have been fortunate to be conducted by John Kane, Trevor Defferd, Andy Smets, and Richard Powell, as well as Tom Verrier (in the barn, on a flying visit from the US).
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 42 paying members during the year. We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2010 is attached. The band had an excess of income over expenditure for the year of £422, and the balance to carry forward to 2010/11 is £1,525. Subscriptions were £100 for the year or £40 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music pieces written specifically for wind band together with arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music.
Performances and events
5 September 2009 Enborne Flower Show
27 September 2009 Cold Ash Play Day
14 November 2009 Concert in Ashford Hill church
18 December 2009 Christmas concert
19 December 2009 Christmas Dinner in the Victory Hall, Beenham
22 December 2008 Carols in Woolhampton
23 December 2009 Carols round the village
28 March 2010 Concert in the Falklands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne
20 June 2010 Forbury Gardens, Reading
29 June 2010 Chamber music concert in the Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham
16 July 2010 Concert on the Rec
24 July 2010 Jonathan Hodgett’s wedding in Andover
24 July 2010 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
The November concert in St Paul’s Ashford Hill was a celebration of the life of Jose Marshall, and featured pieces that she loved or that had some significance in her life. Annharmonics, the clarinet group that Jose played in (led by Ann Moore) also performed at the concert.
The March concert in the Falklands Chapel was a joint event with Englefield Primary School, when the theme was animals.
In rained again for the Band on the Rec in July, but fortunately, we were able to use Fred Brown’s barn which turned out to be an excellent venue.
Other news
We started using the Old Bluecoat School in Thatcham for chamber music rehearsals and the concert. This ancient building is ideally suited to this, although it was a bit cold early in the year. A grant from the Greenham Common Trust helped us to get started with this.
During the year, we bought a conductor’s stand with a legacy from Janette MacPherson and donations from band members.
The committee is very grateful to band members who have helped with the administration of the band, by performing the “other roles” listed above.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting our charitable objective.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 14 September 2010
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Committee
Simon Witcomb - Chairman, Ian Hulin – Secretary, Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer, Eleanor Brooks - Friends, Lynne Ellis, Jean Rollinson - Programmes
Other roles
Librarian – Ann Moore, Publicity – Alyse Ashton, PR – Eileen Caster, Grants – Julie Wright, Fixer – Jolanta Modelska, Webmaster – Tim Skinner
Conductor
We are still very fortunate to have Robert Roscoe as our conductor. The quality and technical ability of the band has continued to improve under his direction. We know, because we can now perform pieces that we could not even play a little while ago. On the occasions when Robert has been unable to be with us, we have been fortunate to be conducted by John Kane, Trevor Defferd, Andy Smets, and Richard Powell, as well as Tom Verrier (in the barn, on a flying visit from the US).
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 42 paying members during the year. We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2010 is attached. The band had an excess of income over expenditure for the year of £422, and the balance to carry forward to 2010/11 is £1,525. Subscriptions were £100 for the year or £40 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music pieces written specifically for wind band together with arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music.
Performances and events
5 September 2009 Enborne Flower Show
27 September 2009 Cold Ash Play Day
14 November 2009 Concert in Ashford Hill church
18 December 2009 Christmas concert
19 December 2009 Christmas Dinner in the Victory Hall, Beenham
22 December 2008 Carols in Woolhampton
23 December 2009 Carols round the village
28 March 2010 Concert in the Falklands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne
20 June 2010 Forbury Gardens, Reading
29 June 2010 Chamber music concert in the Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham
16 July 2010 Concert on the Rec
24 July 2010 Jonathan Hodgett’s wedding in Andover
24 July 2010 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
The November concert in St Paul’s Ashford Hill was a celebration of the life of Jose Marshall, and featured pieces that she loved or that had some significance in her life. Annharmonics, the clarinet group that Jose played in (led by Ann Moore) also performed at the concert.
The March concert in the Falklands Chapel was a joint event with Englefield Primary School, when the theme was animals.
In rained again for the Band on the Rec in July, but fortunately, we were able to use Fred Brown’s barn which turned out to be an excellent venue.
Other news
We started using the Old Bluecoat School in Thatcham for chamber music rehearsals and the concert. This ancient building is ideally suited to this, although it was a bit cold early in the year. A grant from the Greenham Common Trust helped us to get started with this.
During the year, we bought a conductor’s stand with a legacy from Janette MacPherson and donations from band members.
The committee is very grateful to band members who have helped with the administration of the band, by performing the “other roles” listed above.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting our charitable objective.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 14 September 2010
Friday, July 31, 2009
2009 Annual Report
BEENHAM BAND Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2009
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Committee
Simon Witcomb - Chairman, Ian Hulin – Secretary, Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Jean Rollinson
Librarian - Ann Moore Publicity team - Alyse Ashton, Anne Laney and Trevor Holloway
Conductor
We are very fortunate to have Robert Roscoe as our conductor.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 42 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Sadly, two of our members, Jose Marshall and Jannette MacPherson, died from cancer during the year. They were both enthusiastic long term members of the band, and we miss them.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2009 is attached. The band made a loss of £988. This was partly due to the higher than usual expenditure on new music and higher expenses from concerts. The balance to carry forward to 2009/10 is £1,103. Subscriptions were £85 for the year or £30 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music pieces written specifically for wind band together with arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music. We have now commissioned and performed three pieces composed for us.
Performances and events
21 September 2008 Cold Ash Play Day
23 November 2008 Concert in the Falklands Chapel, Pangbourne College
14 December 2008 Christmas concert
6 December 2008 Christmas Dinner in the Six Bells
17 December 2008 Carols round the village
19 December 2008 Christmas concert
23 December 2008 Carols in Woolhampton
6 June 2009 Beenham Church
20 June 2009 Corn Exchange concert
3 July 2009 Concert on the Rec
5 July 2009 Forbury Gardens, Reading
25 July 2009 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
The November concert in the Falklands Chapel was in conjunction with Engelfield Primary School, who joined us in Oliver! and also sang to us. This was a wonderful occasion and one we hope to repeat.
Our Corn Exchange concert in June, celebrated our first 10 years as a wind band. The programme included Carmina Burana, Carnival of Venice (with Torbjörn Hultmark on cornet) and the world premiere of “Jubilation”, which the band commissioned from Lloyd Coleman, a student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.
Thankfully, we picked a dry evening for our July concert on the Rec in Beenham, after two wet years. Several hundred villagers sat out in their deckchairs with picnics, and enjoyed a wide selection of music, as well as a BBQ and beer.
Marketing and publicity
Our marketing and publicity have improved considerably during the year. The website is a great success, and all members of the band have been mobilised to put up posters, and promote concerts.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting our charitable objective.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 25 August 2009
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Committee
Simon Witcomb - Chairman, Ian Hulin – Secretary, Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Jean Rollinson
Librarian - Ann Moore Publicity team - Alyse Ashton, Anne Laney and Trevor Holloway
Conductor
We are very fortunate to have Robert Roscoe as our conductor.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 42 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Sadly, two of our members, Jose Marshall and Jannette MacPherson, died from cancer during the year. They were both enthusiastic long term members of the band, and we miss them.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2009 is attached. The band made a loss of £988. This was partly due to the higher than usual expenditure on new music and higher expenses from concerts. The balance to carry forward to 2009/10 is £1,103. Subscriptions were £85 for the year or £30 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music pieces written specifically for wind band together with arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music. We have now commissioned and performed three pieces composed for us.
Performances and events
21 September 2008 Cold Ash Play Day
23 November 2008 Concert in the Falklands Chapel, Pangbourne College
14 December 2008 Christmas concert
6 December 2008 Christmas Dinner in the Six Bells
17 December 2008 Carols round the village
19 December 2008 Christmas concert
23 December 2008 Carols in Woolhampton
6 June 2009 Beenham Church
20 June 2009 Corn Exchange concert
3 July 2009 Concert on the Rec
5 July 2009 Forbury Gardens, Reading
25 July 2009 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
The November concert in the Falklands Chapel was in conjunction with Engelfield Primary School, who joined us in Oliver! and also sang to us. This was a wonderful occasion and one we hope to repeat.
Our Corn Exchange concert in June, celebrated our first 10 years as a wind band. The programme included Carmina Burana, Carnival of Venice (with Torbjörn Hultmark on cornet) and the world premiere of “Jubilation”, which the band commissioned from Lloyd Coleman, a student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.
Thankfully, we picked a dry evening for our July concert on the Rec in Beenham, after two wet years. Several hundred villagers sat out in their deckchairs with picnics, and enjoyed a wide selection of music, as well as a BBQ and beer.
Marketing and publicity
Our marketing and publicity have improved considerably during the year. The website is a great success, and all members of the band have been mobilised to put up posters, and promote concerts.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting our charitable objective.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 25 August 2009
2009 Accounts
Beenham Band
Income and Expenditure Account
For the Year Ended 31 July 2009
Notes
This income and expenditure account was approved by the Committee on 25 August 2009.
Simon Witcomb - Chairman
Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer
Independent Examiner's report
I have examined the records and vouchers of the Beenham Band for the year ended 31 July 2009, and certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this Income and Expenditure account reflects the transactions for the year.
Gillian Down BSc ACA
Independent Examiner:
21 September 2009
Income and Expenditure Account
For the Year Ended 31 July 2009
| Budget | |||
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | |||
| 3,680 | Subscriptions | 3,115 | 3,210 |
| 911 | Tax refund on subscriptions | 771 | 781 |
| 4,591 | Sub total | 3,886 | 3,991 |
| 2,500 | Concert income | 2,652 | 3,083 |
| 500 | Fees received | 410 | 580 |
| - | Grants | 1,105 | 700 |
| Donations | 162 | ||
| 100 | Coffee money and raffle | 109 | 115 |
| - | Sale of scarves, bow ties etc | - | 59 |
| 40 | Sale of CDs | 36 | 155 |
| 10 | Interest | 14 | 101 |
| 7,741 | Total income | 8,374 | 8,784 |
| Expenditure | |||
| 500 | Music purchased | 491 | 1,017 |
| 450 | Room hire | 425 | 380 |
| 3,500 | Conductor's fees | 3,485 | 3,055 |
| 4,450 | Sub total | 4,401 | 4,452 |
| 2,500 | Concert expenses | 3,435 | 4,745 |
| - | Commissioned music | 1,000 | - |
| - | Social events - net | - | 29 |
| 90 | Making Music (NFMS) | 87 | 82 |
| 150 | Insurance | 143 | 134 |
| - | Donations | 81 | 4 |
| 50 | Web site and photos etc | 7 | - |
| 250 | Postage, stationery and copying | 208 | 330 |
| 7,490 | Total expenditure | 9,362 | 9,776 |
| 251 | Excess of income over expenditure for the year | (988) | (992) |
| 1,103 | Balance brought forward | 2,091 | 3,083 |
| 1,354 | Balance carried forward | 1,103 | 2,091 |
| Represented by: | |||
| Balance at bank | 1,897 | 1,022 | |
| Deposit account | - | 1,500 | |
| Cash in hand | 19 | 40 | |
| Debtors | 248 | 529 | |
| Creditors | (1,061) | (1,000) | |
| Total | 1,103 | 2,091 |
- The band was formed in September 1999, and was granted charitable status on 3 August 2001. Its registered number is 1087848
- Expenditure on instruments and music is written off in the year in which it is incurred. A list of instruments and the cost of music owned by the band is attached.
- Greenham Common Trust have loaned the band a baritone saxophone for an unlimited period.
This income and expenditure account was approved by the Committee on 25 August 2009.
Simon Witcomb - Chairman
Fiona Benjamin - Treasurer
Independent Examiner's report
I have examined the records and vouchers of the Beenham Band for the year ended 31 July 2009, and certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this Income and Expenditure account reflects the transactions for the year.
Gillian Down BSc ACA
Independent Examiner:
21 September 2009
Friday, September 26, 2008
2008 Annual report
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2008
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette Macpherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Marketing and Publicity – Alyse Ashton, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
We have always been fortunate with our conductors, but none more so than with Robert Roscoe, who has been with us now since September 2006. Robert is very well-known, having spent most of his career with the Berkshire Music Service. He is currently employed part-time at Chetham’s School of Music but travels back to Beenham on Friday evenings to lead us. Over the summer fete period, we were delighted to welcome guest conductors David Wirdnam and Andrew McBirnie. The band wished Andrew every success in his emigration to America.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 41 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2008 is attached. The band made a loss of £992. This was partly due to the higher than usual expenditure on new music and higher expenses from concerts. The balance to carry forward to 2008/09 is £2,091. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions will remain the same as last year, £85 for the year or £30 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. An up to list of pieces currently in our library is available on our website.
Performances and events
23 September 2007 Cold Ash day
17 November 2007 Journey and Celebration, Corn Exchange
14 December 2007 Christmas concert
21 December 2007 Carols round the village
22/23 February 2008 Ufton Court weekend
16 March 2008 Spring concert, St Mary’s Church Thatcham with the Andover Light Orchestra
17 May 2008 St Mary’s Church, Mortimer
7 June 2008 Beenham Church
15 June 2008 Forbury Gardens, Reading
28 June 2008 Hungerford
18 July 2008 Concert on the Rec
26 July 2008 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
Our November 2007 concert in the Corn Exchange was titled Journey and Celebration. Although the programme was exciting and innovative, we did not manage to sell as many tickets as usual, which was disappointing.
In March we were joined by the Andover Light Orchestra for our Spring Concert in Thatcham, which was well received and we hope that we will be able to join them in the future for a return visit.
Band Tour to Belgium
30 members of the band enjoyed a bank holiday weekend in Belgium in late May. The first day the band headed to Bruges where they played in a spacious and rather exotic bandstand to a warm crowd of locals who were lingering over lunch. Despite some competition from a marching band of bagpipers, they had a lovely sunny afternoon and played brilliantly! They headed back to Ypres to give an evening performance at the Menin Gate. This was profoundly moving in all respects and players watched numerous groups of visitors pay their respects and lay the most wonderful selection of flowers and wreaths. The Band’s own specially prepared wreath was laid by Simon on behalf of the band and the Newbury British Legion. Everyone felt immensely privileged to have been able to play two hymns and be included in the ceremony.
The following morning, they headed for Bruges and despite being prepared for torrential rain, they ended up playing in glorious sunny weather and having the most lovely afternoon. Later in the evening they arrived back in Ypres where many attended the Menin Gate ceremony for a second time.
The final morning was spent sight seeing and shopping. After a quick stop at Calais for some essentials, the band finally made it home to torrential rain and got very wet unloading the bus, but a lovely weekend was had by all. It is hoped that the next tour will be in May 2010.
Marketing and publicity
This year we’ve focussed on revitalising our publicity with a view to increasing awareness about Beenham band, membership and audience sizes. Our website has been replaced by a blog (many thanks to Tim Skinner for this) which makes it quick to update and easy for members of the band to contribute their thoughts and ideas. We’ve also reinvigorated our approach to publicity by setting up a new mailing list, building contacts with local press and radio as well as websites. Members of the band have kindly agreed to manage getting posters and information out to local venue and notice boards. Lastly, we’re actively building our ‘friends’ mailing list by inviting comments after each event and gathering email addresses and quotes we can use.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 26 September 2008
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2008
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette Macpherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Marketing and Publicity – Alyse Ashton, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
We have always been fortunate with our conductors, but none more so than with Robert Roscoe, who has been with us now since September 2006. Robert is very well-known, having spent most of his career with the Berkshire Music Service. He is currently employed part-time at Chetham’s School of Music but travels back to Beenham on Friday evenings to lead us. Over the summer fete period, we were delighted to welcome guest conductors David Wirdnam and Andrew McBirnie. The band wished Andrew every success in his emigration to America.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 41 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2008 is attached. The band made a loss of £992. This was partly due to the higher than usual expenditure on new music and higher expenses from concerts. The balance to carry forward to 2008/09 is £2,091. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions will remain the same as last year, £85 for the year or £30 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. An up to list of pieces currently in our library is available on our website.
Performances and events
23 September 2007 Cold Ash day
17 November 2007 Journey and Celebration, Corn Exchange
14 December 2007 Christmas concert
21 December 2007 Carols round the village
22/23 February 2008 Ufton Court weekend
16 March 2008 Spring concert, St Mary’s Church Thatcham with the Andover Light Orchestra
17 May 2008 St Mary’s Church, Mortimer
7 June 2008 Beenham Church
15 June 2008 Forbury Gardens, Reading
28 June 2008 Hungerford
18 July 2008 Concert on the Rec
26 July 2008 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
Our November 2007 concert in the Corn Exchange was titled Journey and Celebration. Although the programme was exciting and innovative, we did not manage to sell as many tickets as usual, which was disappointing.
In March we were joined by the Andover Light Orchestra for our Spring Concert in Thatcham, which was well received and we hope that we will be able to join them in the future for a return visit.
Band Tour to Belgium
30 members of the band enjoyed a bank holiday weekend in Belgium in late May. The first day the band headed to Bruges where they played in a spacious and rather exotic bandstand to a warm crowd of locals who were lingering over lunch. Despite some competition from a marching band of bagpipers, they had a lovely sunny afternoon and played brilliantly! They headed back to Ypres to give an evening performance at the Menin Gate. This was profoundly moving in all respects and players watched numerous groups of visitors pay their respects and lay the most wonderful selection of flowers and wreaths. The Band’s own specially prepared wreath was laid by Simon on behalf of the band and the Newbury British Legion. Everyone felt immensely privileged to have been able to play two hymns and be included in the ceremony.
The following morning, they headed for Bruges and despite being prepared for torrential rain, they ended up playing in glorious sunny weather and having the most lovely afternoon. Later in the evening they arrived back in Ypres where many attended the Menin Gate ceremony for a second time.
The final morning was spent sight seeing and shopping. After a quick stop at Calais for some essentials, the band finally made it home to torrential rain and got very wet unloading the bus, but a lovely weekend was had by all. It is hoped that the next tour will be in May 2010.
Marketing and publicity
This year we’ve focussed on revitalising our publicity with a view to increasing awareness about Beenham band, membership and audience sizes. Our website has been replaced by a blog (many thanks to Tim Skinner for this) which makes it quick to update and easy for members of the band to contribute their thoughts and ideas. We’ve also reinvigorated our approach to publicity by setting up a new mailing list, building contacts with local press and radio as well as websites. Members of the band have kindly agreed to manage getting posters and information out to local venue and notice boards. Lastly, we’re actively building our ‘friends’ mailing list by inviting comments after each event and gathering email addresses and quotes we can use.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 26 September 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Newsletter
New players
We are actively seeking players to fill the gaps in the band. Do talk to everyone you meet! We are particularly searching for percussion, trumpet, oboe and tuba. Oh! and French Horn!
Future Events
Please put these in your diary!
Major concert of 2008
We are aiming to book the Corn Exchange in spring / summer. We are looking for an audience draw and are considering several options:
A joint concert
A celebrity
A soloist
Making it a charity concert
Englefield Flower Show Saturday 26th July
Arrive 2pm – fete is 2.30 – 4.30.
Black bottoms and white tops please
Falkland Memorial Chapel Sunday 23rd November 2008 4-5.30
Charity concert in aid of Englefield School and Falkland War Memorial Chapel
Rehearsal 2pm the same day.
School first half – 30 minutes
Second half – Beenham Band 45 minutes
Finale: consider yourself joint with school
We are actively seeking players to fill the gaps in the band. Do talk to everyone you meet! We are particularly searching for percussion, trumpet, oboe and tuba. Oh! and French Horn!
Future Events
Please put these in your diary!
Major concert of 2008
We are aiming to book the Corn Exchange in spring / summer. We are looking for an audience draw and are considering several options:
A joint concert
A celebrity
A soloist
Making it a charity concert
Englefield Flower Show Saturday 26th July
Arrive 2pm – fete is 2.30 – 4.30.
Black bottoms and white tops please
Falkland Memorial Chapel Sunday 23rd November 2008 4-5.30
Charity concert in aid of Englefield School and Falkland War Memorial Chapel
Rehearsal 2pm the same day.
School first half – 30 minutes
Second half – Beenham Band 45 minutes
Finale: consider yourself joint with school
Thursday, June 5, 2008
June Newsletter
Band Tour
Well we think you enjoyed it! Positive feedback has been rolling in, and we formally declare the Belgium Tour a success!
Many thanks to Lynne for the phenomenal amount of energy she put in that enabled the rest of us to have such a good time!
Lynne has given feedback to the tour company, and has started making enquiries about a future tour. We are probably looking at going for the same weekend next year, so are investigating options. We have enquired about train travel as well as coaches this time. There would be an option to go in the summer if band members would prefer this— please let Lynne know your feelings. At the moment the impression we have is that by going over the bank holiday weekend people can lose the minimum amount of time off work, and it doesn’t interfere with family holidays in August.
Save now!
Anyone who thinks they might like to go on tour next year can start saving straight away so that you don’t notice a big bill! If you use internet banking it is really easy to set up a standing order, or otherwise pop into your branch and do it in person. We suggest saving £50 a month from now. At the moment this is fully refundable if you decide not to go, and you will only be asked to make a commitment once we know where we are going and when! Any interest will be used to offset the tour costs. Details from Fiona.
Photo request
Do you have any good photos of the tour? We are going to find a way to put them on the website for all to see. Watch this space for instructions!
Dates for your diary
Well we think you enjoyed it! Positive feedback has been rolling in, and we formally declare the Belgium Tour a success!
Many thanks to Lynne for the phenomenal amount of energy she put in that enabled the rest of us to have such a good time!
Lynne has given feedback to the tour company, and has started making enquiries about a future tour. We are probably looking at going for the same weekend next year, so are investigating options. We have enquired about train travel as well as coaches this time. There would be an option to go in the summer if band members would prefer this— please let Lynne know your feelings. At the moment the impression we have is that by going over the bank holiday weekend people can lose the minimum amount of time off work, and it doesn’t interfere with family holidays in August.
Save now!
Anyone who thinks they might like to go on tour next year can start saving straight away so that you don’t notice a big bill! If you use internet banking it is really easy to set up a standing order, or otherwise pop into your branch and do it in person. We suggest saving £50 a month from now. At the moment this is fully refundable if you decide not to go, and you will only be asked to make a commitment once we know where we are going and when! Any interest will be used to offset the tour costs. Details from Fiona.
Photo request
Do you have any good photos of the tour? We are going to find a way to put them on the website for all to see. Watch this space for instructions!
Dates for your diary
- Saturday 7th June Beenham Church Fete. Turn up 1.30. Parking in field beyond church.
- 15th June Forbury Gardens Reading – parking in retail park opposite eg Toys R Us. 3-4.30.
- 28th June Hungerford – 12.30 – 2.30
- 18th July Band on the rec – 7.30 – 9.30
- 26th Englefield Flower Show 2-4
- November concert to be confirmed.
- 5th September first rehearsal for the autumn term
- 21st September Cold Ash play day 10-4 bring lunch
- 31st October half term – we are still rehearsing
- 6th December Dinner at 6 Bells
- 17th December carol singing round the village
- Friday 19th Christmas concert
Saturday, April 5, 2008
February Newsletter
Conductor
We are very pleased to be working with Andy Smets this term and thank him for all the work he is putting in to choosing the repertoire.
Dates for Your Diary
If there is anyone you know who would like to go on the Friends email list please send Eleanor their address at ebrooks@westberks.org
Concert
7.30 16th March, St Mary’s Church Thatcham.
5pm church open
Please arrive no later than 5.30pm for 5.45 rehearsal.
6.45 clear stage
First half Andover Light Orchestra.
There will be simple refreshments (just wine and soft drinks) in the interval.
There will not be a raffle on this occasion.
Ticket prices: £8, £6 OAPs and children free
Dress code: ladies all black. Men black trousers, jackets and bow ties, white shirts.
Rehearsal
Please note that due to a booking of the school hall, on 15th Feb we will be in the Victory Hall – just outside school. Parking is in the school playground, but please do not arrive before 7.15pm.
Tour
We are travelling by coach through the Channel Tunnel. We do not have details of venues yet but plans are now well advanced. We have to pay the remainder of the money soon so please pay Fiona the balance by 1st March. We can still take additional players – see Lynne Ellis.
We are very pleased to be working with Andy Smets this term and thank him for all the work he is putting in to choosing the repertoire.
Dates for Your Diary
- May 17th St Mary’s Mortimer
- Beenham Church Saturday 7th June
- Concert on the Rec 18th July 7.30 – 9.30
- Englefield Flower Show 26th July 2-4pm
If there is anyone you know who would like to go on the Friends email list please send Eleanor their address at ebrooks@westberks.org
Concert
7.30 16th March, St Mary’s Church Thatcham.
5pm church open
Please arrive no later than 5.30pm for 5.45 rehearsal.
6.45 clear stage
First half Andover Light Orchestra.
There will be simple refreshments (just wine and soft drinks) in the interval.
There will not be a raffle on this occasion.
Ticket prices: £8, £6 OAPs and children free
Dress code: ladies all black. Men black trousers, jackets and bow ties, white shirts.
Rehearsal
Please note that due to a booking of the school hall, on 15th Feb we will be in the Victory Hall – just outside school. Parking is in the school playground, but please do not arrive before 7.15pm.
Tour
We are travelling by coach through the Channel Tunnel. We do not have details of venues yet but plans are now well advanced. We have to pay the remainder of the money soon so please pay Fiona the balance by 1st March. We can still take additional players – see Lynne Ellis.
Friday, September 28, 2007
2007 Annual report
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2007
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Xander Hough, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
We have always been fortunate with our conductors, but none more so than with Robert Roscoe, who took over from September 2006, having just returned from a year in New Zealand. Robert is very well-known, having spent most of his career with the Berkshire Music Service. Apart from being an excellent conductor and musical inspiration, he also lives in Beenham.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 39 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2007 is attached. Our income exceeded our expenses by £587, which was £917 better than the budgeted deficit. In order to avoid a deficit, members were asked for a further £10 during the year, which contributed £500. In addition, the expenditure on music and copying was £500 less than expected, and we received more income from playing at fetes. Subscriptions for 2006/07 were £75 for the year or £27.50 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions are increased to £85 and £30 respectively. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances and events
17 September 2006 Cold Ash day
18 November 2006 Rhapsody in Blue, Corn Exchange
9 December 2006 Christmas meal
15 December 2006 Christmas concert
21 December 2006 Carols round the village
9/10 March 2007 Ufton Court weekend
17 March 2007 Artie Shaw in Thatcham
27 May 2006 Chapel Row Pentecost picnic
21 June 2007 Caversham
1 July 2007 Newbury Carnival
20 July 2007 Open air concert (flooded) in Beenham School
28 July 2007 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
Our November concert in the Corn Exchange was titled the Big Country, and featured Rhapsody in Blue with Bunny Thompson as the piano soloist. The attendance was well over 300, which was 50% up on our previous concerts. We were delighted to have an American guest conductor, Tom Verrier, who came over from the USA, especially for the concert, and conducted the Vaughan Williams Suite.
In March, Caroline Woodhouse played Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto most spectacularly. She is a local girl, who is now at the Royal Academy of Music.
Unfortunately, the July concert due to be held on the Recreation Ground in Beenham was in the School Hall instead, because that was the day of the “floods”.
Social
The BBQ was also cancelled because of the floods, but the Christmas meal was in the Six Bells at Beenham.
Marketing and publicity
The emphasis of the marketing and publicity work this year has been on refocusing the marketing strategy and rebranding the band. This started with the development of a new logo, which not only represents the band as it is now, but hopefully the band's aspirations as a serious, talented ensemble that is "going places". In synch with this the band's website (http://www.beenhamband.co.uk/) was completely overhauled in terms of its design and content. The new site is easy to navigate and periodically updated with news and reviews. There has been a significant development in terms of adding value to the concert experience and additional articles and features have been added such as an interview with Caroline Woodhouse. A house style has been developed and applied to all concert promotional material and the generic logo has been used, as it was intended, in many different presentations such as the summer Beenham Band butterflies. Promotional material is now being produced at professional printing houses which allow the band to produce glossy and professional looking promotional material. In terms of press and publicity, the band is now producing and circulating press releases to the local media. Webmasters have been contacted to update and provide links for the new site and it is hoped that local web and print media listings will be secured in the next year. This overall increased profile resulted in record sales at both Corn Exchange 2006 and March 2007 concerts. An e-mail "friends" database has also been used to keep fans updated on major concerts and hopefully this will be expanded in the next year. A survey was completed by band members and analysed not only to understand the demographic and the feelings of band members, but to also understand our audience, which at the moment is made up mostly from friends and family of band members. This information has been used to feed into committee decisions and more work on understanding our audience will be undertaken in the next year.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 28 September 2007
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2007
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Xander Hough, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
We have always been fortunate with our conductors, but none more so than with Robert Roscoe, who took over from September 2006, having just returned from a year in New Zealand. Robert is very well-known, having spent most of his career with the Berkshire Music Service. Apart from being an excellent conductor and musical inspiration, he also lives in Beenham.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 39 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2007 is attached. Our income exceeded our expenses by £587, which was £917 better than the budgeted deficit. In order to avoid a deficit, members were asked for a further £10 during the year, which contributed £500. In addition, the expenditure on music and copying was £500 less than expected, and we received more income from playing at fetes. Subscriptions for 2006/07 were £75 for the year or £27.50 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions are increased to £85 and £30 respectively. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances and events
17 September 2006 Cold Ash day
18 November 2006 Rhapsody in Blue, Corn Exchange
9 December 2006 Christmas meal
15 December 2006 Christmas concert
21 December 2006 Carols round the village
9/10 March 2007 Ufton Court weekend
17 March 2007 Artie Shaw in Thatcham
27 May 2006 Chapel Row Pentecost picnic
21 June 2007 Caversham
1 July 2007 Newbury Carnival
20 July 2007 Open air concert (flooded) in Beenham School
28 July 2007 Englefield Flower Show
Main concerts
Our November concert in the Corn Exchange was titled the Big Country, and featured Rhapsody in Blue with Bunny Thompson as the piano soloist. The attendance was well over 300, which was 50% up on our previous concerts. We were delighted to have an American guest conductor, Tom Verrier, who came over from the USA, especially for the concert, and conducted the Vaughan Williams Suite.
In March, Caroline Woodhouse played Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto most spectacularly. She is a local girl, who is now at the Royal Academy of Music.
Unfortunately, the July concert due to be held on the Recreation Ground in Beenham was in the School Hall instead, because that was the day of the “floods”.
Social
The BBQ was also cancelled because of the floods, but the Christmas meal was in the Six Bells at Beenham.
Marketing and publicity
The emphasis of the marketing and publicity work this year has been on refocusing the marketing strategy and rebranding the band. This started with the development of a new logo, which not only represents the band as it is now, but hopefully the band's aspirations as a serious, talented ensemble that is "going places". In synch with this the band's website (http://www.beenhamband.co.uk/) was completely overhauled in terms of its design and content. The new site is easy to navigate and periodically updated with news and reviews. There has been a significant development in terms of adding value to the concert experience and additional articles and features have been added such as an interview with Caroline Woodhouse. A house style has been developed and applied to all concert promotional material and the generic logo has been used, as it was intended, in many different presentations such as the summer Beenham Band butterflies. Promotional material is now being produced at professional printing houses which allow the band to produce glossy and professional looking promotional material. In terms of press and publicity, the band is now producing and circulating press releases to the local media. Webmasters have been contacted to update and provide links for the new site and it is hoped that local web and print media listings will be secured in the next year. This overall increased profile resulted in record sales at both Corn Exchange 2006 and March 2007 concerts. An e-mail "friends" database has also been used to keep fans updated on major concerts and hopefully this will be expanded in the next year. A survey was completed by band members and analysed not only to understand the demographic and the feelings of band members, but to also understand our audience, which at the moment is made up mostly from friends and family of band members. This information has been used to feed into committee decisions and more work on understanding our audience will be undertaken in the next year.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy making good music, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb – Chairman 28 September 2007
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
2006 Annual report
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2006
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Xander Hough, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
David Wirdnam resigned in October 2005, and after “auditioning” several conductors Katie Roehl was appointed to conduct us until the end of July 2006. Katie was a music student at Reading University, over here for a year’s placement from the USA. Her youth, enthusiasm and Americanisms, combined with her experiments with different conducting techniques kept us on our toes, and she engendered a fresh spirit within the band.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 43 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall. In addition to the main band, satellite chamber groups are encouraged, and during the year saxophone, clarinet, flute and a Dixieland style band have performed at concerts.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2006 is attached. Our expenses exceeded our income by £381, but this deficit was slightly less than budgeted. We spent £382 advertising for a new conductor, but Beenham Parish Council kindly gave us a grant to cover this. In addition we invested £940 in new music, bringing the total cost of our library to £6,024. Subscriptions for 2005/06 were £65 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that these are increased to £75 and £28 respectively. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances and events
3 September 2005 Dunston Park Fete
4 September 2005 Cold Ash day
15 October 2005 Aldermaston Church concert
10 December 2005 Christmas meal
16 December 2005 Christmas concert
4 March 2006 Ashford Hill concert
10/11 March 2006 Ufton Court
9 June 2006 Whitchurch cricket match
10 June 2006 Beenham School fete
24 June 2006 St Nicholas School fete
2 July 2006 Newbury Carnival
21 July 2006 Open air concert in Beenham
23 July 2006 BBQ
Additional events
We started the year with an all day rehearsal in Cold Ash, which was led by James Doherty, the tuba player from Chaconne Brass. Our annual weekend of music on 10 and 11 March 2006, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Philip Burditt from the Abingdon Band was our guest conductor, and we benefited from the wide range of music he brought with him.
Social
The Christmas meal was in the Six Bells at Beenham, and the band BBQ in July, which was also our farewell to Katie, was very kindly hosted by David Mattimo in Whitchurch on Thames.
Publicity
Xander Hough has been developing a marketing plan, and has arranged for a new logo to be designed, carried out a band survey, and is working on the website.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
19 September 2006
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2006
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Xander Hough, Mel Poyda, Jean Rollinson
Conductors
David Wirdnam resigned in October 2005, and after “auditioning” several conductors Katie Roehl was appointed to conduct us until the end of July 2006. Katie was a music student at Reading University, over here for a year’s placement from the USA. Her youth, enthusiasm and Americanisms, combined with her experiments with different conducting techniques kept us on our toes, and she engendered a fresh spirit within the band.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 43 paying members during the year. We rehearsed every Friday during term time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School Hall. In addition to the main band, satellite chamber groups are encouraged, and during the year saxophone, clarinet, flute and a Dixieland style band have performed at concerts.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2006 is attached. Our expenses exceeded our income by £381, but this deficit was slightly less than budgeted. We spent £382 advertising for a new conductor, but Beenham Parish Council kindly gave us a grant to cover this. In addition we invested £940 in new music, bringing the total cost of our library to £6,024. Subscriptions for 2005/06 were £65 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that these are increased to £75 and £28 respectively. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances and events
3 September 2005 Dunston Park Fete
4 September 2005 Cold Ash day
15 October 2005 Aldermaston Church concert
10 December 2005 Christmas meal
16 December 2005 Christmas concert
4 March 2006 Ashford Hill concert
10/11 March 2006 Ufton Court
9 June 2006 Whitchurch cricket match
10 June 2006 Beenham School fete
24 June 2006 St Nicholas School fete
2 July 2006 Newbury Carnival
21 July 2006 Open air concert in Beenham
23 July 2006 BBQ
Additional events
We started the year with an all day rehearsal in Cold Ash, which was led by James Doherty, the tuba player from Chaconne Brass. Our annual weekend of music on 10 and 11 March 2006, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Philip Burditt from the Abingdon Band was our guest conductor, and we benefited from the wide range of music he brought with him.
Social
The Christmas meal was in the Six Bells at Beenham, and the band BBQ in July, which was also our farewell to Katie, was very kindly hosted by David Mattimo in Whitchurch on Thames.
Publicity
Xander Hough has been developing a marketing plan, and has arranged for a new logo to be designed, carried out a band survey, and is working on the website.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
19 September 2006
Friday, September 23, 2005
2005 Annual report
BEENHAM BAND (Registered Charity – number 1087848)
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31st July 2005
Committee
Chairman – Lynne Ellis, Secretary – Janette McPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian – Anne Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Simon Witcomb, Mel Poyda
Conductors
David Wirdnam, who has now been our main conductor for about 18 months, has led the band from strength to strength, introducing us to a new repertoire of music and enabling us to improve our ensemble and performing skills. David has worked closely with the committee on ideas for the development of the band over the next few years. His professionalism, skill and musicianship is much appreciated and enjoyed. Matt Butchers joined the band as a trombonist last year and has ably assisted David with warm-ups and introductions, has led the band through Friday rehearsals and part of our Ufton Court weekend in David’s absence and has conducted us through a number of Summer fetes this season. His infectious enthusiasm has also been much enjoyed by band members.
Constitution and Objectives
The band is a registered charity and its constitution is available to all members.
Mission statement
1 The band exists to give its members the pleasure of playing with like-minded people, to the best of their ability.
2 This is achieved by providing facilities and musical direction of the highest possible calibre.
Our Aims and Objectives were redrafted this year by the committee as follows:
Artistic
1. To choose and rehearse music that is satisfying to play and interesting to listen to.
2. To encourage every member to develop their personal technique and ensemble skills, through guidance in full and sectional rehearsals.
3. To provide an environment where every member, whether experienced or relatively inexperienced, is empowered to give of their best, by ensuring that all members are treated with equal respect.
4. To perform music of a high standard, by ensuring that adequate rehearsal time is provided.
5. To improve the quality of performance, through the adoption of a professional attitude to presentation.
6. To achieve a full complement of players for rehearsals and concerts
7. To acquire any instruments that are not usually individually owned.
Social
1. To welcome and encourage all members who wish to join the band.
2. To provide opportunities for socialising after rehearsals, and during breaks.
3. To organise social events, which engender the sense of belonging and commitment to the band
4. To organise musical weekends, where there are opportunities to play and socialise.
5. To provide a friendly but business-like atmosphere in rehearsals
6. To keep members fully informed of the band’s aims and objectives, by ensuring that there is frequent communication between the members, the committee and the Musical Director.
Financial
1. To ensure that we have sufficient funds to meet our aims and objectives
2. To hold £500 in reserve, to cover any un-foreseen costs.
Membership
1. To attract members of sufficient quality, who will continue to enhance the musical development of the band.
Membership and Rehearsals
We currently have 40 paying members and our average attendance at rehearsals during the years was 31. This is, once again, extremely high and remains a credit to the conductors and the friendly atmosphere within the band. We rehearse every Friday during term-time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham school hall. In addition to the main band, smaller chamber groups rehearse and perform at concerts and the saxophones continue to meet regularly once or twice a month. New members are always welcome in the band and ideas for discovering new talent who could join us are also welcome!
Music
We continue building our library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes, marches, music from shows and films, excerpts from the lighter Classical repertoire as well as contemporary pieces especially written for wind band. We are, once again, grateful to South Berks Concert Band who lend us music from their extensive library. We have purchased a large number of new pieces this year and have many more on order ready for this year’s rehearsals and performance. Our gratitude and appreciation must go, once again, to Ann Moore, our incredibly conscientious and professional librarian. She safeguards our music, organises copies, scores, ordering, filing and numerous other mundane but crucial jobs – without her hard work, our pads would be in a sorry state – thank you Ann on behalf of us all!
Music Weekend
Our 3rd annual weekend of music in January 2004 at Ufton Court was once again enjoyed by all. David Wirdnam and Matt Butchers conducted us as we rehearsed pieces in preparation for our Spring Concert. We have booked the same venue for 11/12 March 2006 when we will be reverting to our traditional practice of enjoying guest conductors and unseen music. This is usually a super weekend, full of light-hearted fun, great company and a spectacular environment – book the dates in your diaries now! Ann and Lynne will be co-ordinating this event and more information will be available soon.
Performances
2004-5
6 Nov 04 Autumn Concert Corn Exchange
10 Dec 04 Savacentre Carols
Dec 04 Bradfield lights
19 Dec Carols Beenham Church
28/29 Jan 05 Ufton Court
26 Feb 05 Spring Concert – St Mary’s Church
11 June Kingsclere School Fete
25 June Newbury Summer Show
2 July Newbury Carnival
9 July St Nicholas School Fete
Future/planned performances/events 2005-6
3rd September 05 Dunstan Park Fete
4th September Cold Ash Play for Fun Day
15th October AutumnConcert –Aldermaston Church
16th December Christmas Concert –Beenham School
10th December Band Christmas Meal – 6 Bells
4th March 06 Spring Concert Ashford Hill Church
11/12 March Ufton Court weekend
June 06 Newbury Show
June 06 Newbury Carnival
July 06 St Nicholas School Fete
July 06 Band on the Rec.
18 Nov 06 Corn Exchange Concert
Social and Personal
§ Miss Saigon – 17th December 04 – a tremendous show much enjoyed by all who went.
§ Christmas Meal at the 6 Bells – fantastic evening with great grub.
§ Summer BBQ – 22 July, hosted once again by Fiona and Keith Benjamin. A smaller attendance this year but a super occasion, much enjoyed – thank you to Fiona and Keith.
§ Congratulations to Heather who got married on Sept 3rd!
§ New junior added to band in December – Archie McPherson
Publicity
A new website is being developed – Mel Poyda’s brother is designing us a whole new website which Jean has kindly agreed to oversee it once it’s up and running. Hopefully this will be completed very soon now. It is hoped that the site will contain photographs of the band at work and play, concert information, details of repertoire etc and information for prospective members. We hope to work towards improving our publicity for concerts and events this coming year with more professional programmes and flyers. We would welcome any assistance with this aspect of concert preparation from any member skilled at desktop publishing. We have also had discussions this year on developing and promoting the band’s image and have discussed the band’s name, dress, movement and presentation at concerts. We hope to continue developing these areas next year and increase the size of our audiences through improved publicity. Dave Johnson has kindly agreed to take photographs of us at our concerts and record our performances whenever he and his wife are able – thankyou Dave for this and for putting the CDs together for us to purchase. Ann will be dealing with all the usual performing rights associated with performing and recording etc. We hope all band members will be happy with this arrangement.
Finances
A copy of the Finance report for the year to 31 July 2005 is attached. Subscriptions for 2004/5 remained at £60 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions for 2005/6 increase to £65 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions at £35. The increase is to take account of conductor’s fees and the purchase of new music. Being a charity we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions. We are grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council which gives us a grant to cover the cost of hiring the school hall for rehearsals.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music-making whilst meeting the objectives of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was reviewed in the Summer by the committee and will be available for all members shortly. The committee has been reduced in number this year and has worked very hard to ensure the smooth and successful running of our band. May I, as chairman since December, thank the committee on the band’s behalf for all of their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm which ensures that our band is run successfully and with such enjoyment! We would very much like to hear from any member who would be interested in joining the committee for 2005-6. Please speak to any existing committee member or email Lynne on lynne.ellis@btinternet.com.
Lynne Ellis – chairman
23 September 2005
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31st July 2005
Committee
Chairman – Lynne Ellis, Secretary – Janette McPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian – Anne Moore, Eleanor Brooks, Simon Witcomb, Mel Poyda
Conductors
David Wirdnam, who has now been our main conductor for about 18 months, has led the band from strength to strength, introducing us to a new repertoire of music and enabling us to improve our ensemble and performing skills. David has worked closely with the committee on ideas for the development of the band over the next few years. His professionalism, skill and musicianship is much appreciated and enjoyed. Matt Butchers joined the band as a trombonist last year and has ably assisted David with warm-ups and introductions, has led the band through Friday rehearsals and part of our Ufton Court weekend in David’s absence and has conducted us through a number of Summer fetes this season. His infectious enthusiasm has also been much enjoyed by band members.
Constitution and Objectives
The band is a registered charity and its constitution is available to all members.
Mission statement
1 The band exists to give its members the pleasure of playing with like-minded people, to the best of their ability.
2 This is achieved by providing facilities and musical direction of the highest possible calibre.
Our Aims and Objectives were redrafted this year by the committee as follows:
Artistic
1. To choose and rehearse music that is satisfying to play and interesting to listen to.
2. To encourage every member to develop their personal technique and ensemble skills, through guidance in full and sectional rehearsals.
3. To provide an environment where every member, whether experienced or relatively inexperienced, is empowered to give of their best, by ensuring that all members are treated with equal respect.
4. To perform music of a high standard, by ensuring that adequate rehearsal time is provided.
5. To improve the quality of performance, through the adoption of a professional attitude to presentation.
6. To achieve a full complement of players for rehearsals and concerts
7. To acquire any instruments that are not usually individually owned.
Social
1. To welcome and encourage all members who wish to join the band.
2. To provide opportunities for socialising after rehearsals, and during breaks.
3. To organise social events, which engender the sense of belonging and commitment to the band
4. To organise musical weekends, where there are opportunities to play and socialise.
5. To provide a friendly but business-like atmosphere in rehearsals
6. To keep members fully informed of the band’s aims and objectives, by ensuring that there is frequent communication between the members, the committee and the Musical Director.
Financial
1. To ensure that we have sufficient funds to meet our aims and objectives
2. To hold £500 in reserve, to cover any un-foreseen costs.
Membership
1. To attract members of sufficient quality, who will continue to enhance the musical development of the band.
Membership and Rehearsals
We currently have 40 paying members and our average attendance at rehearsals during the years was 31. This is, once again, extremely high and remains a credit to the conductors and the friendly atmosphere within the band. We rehearse every Friday during term-time from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Beenham school hall. In addition to the main band, smaller chamber groups rehearse and perform at concerts and the saxophones continue to meet regularly once or twice a month. New members are always welcome in the band and ideas for discovering new talent who could join us are also welcome!
Music
We continue building our library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes, marches, music from shows and films, excerpts from the lighter Classical repertoire as well as contemporary pieces especially written for wind band. We are, once again, grateful to South Berks Concert Band who lend us music from their extensive library. We have purchased a large number of new pieces this year and have many more on order ready for this year’s rehearsals and performance. Our gratitude and appreciation must go, once again, to Ann Moore, our incredibly conscientious and professional librarian. She safeguards our music, organises copies, scores, ordering, filing and numerous other mundane but crucial jobs – without her hard work, our pads would be in a sorry state – thank you Ann on behalf of us all!
Music Weekend
Our 3rd annual weekend of music in January 2004 at Ufton Court was once again enjoyed by all. David Wirdnam and Matt Butchers conducted us as we rehearsed pieces in preparation for our Spring Concert. We have booked the same venue for 11/12 March 2006 when we will be reverting to our traditional practice of enjoying guest conductors and unseen music. This is usually a super weekend, full of light-hearted fun, great company and a spectacular environment – book the dates in your diaries now! Ann and Lynne will be co-ordinating this event and more information will be available soon.
Performances
2004-5
6 Nov 04 Autumn Concert Corn Exchange
10 Dec 04 Savacentre Carols
Dec 04 Bradfield lights
19 Dec Carols Beenham Church
28/29 Jan 05 Ufton Court
26 Feb 05 Spring Concert – St Mary’s Church
11 June Kingsclere School Fete
25 June Newbury Summer Show
2 July Newbury Carnival
9 July St Nicholas School Fete
Future/planned performances/events 2005-6
3rd September 05 Dunstan Park Fete
4th September Cold Ash Play for Fun Day
15th October AutumnConcert –Aldermaston Church
16th December Christmas Concert –Beenham School
10th December Band Christmas Meal – 6 Bells
4th March 06 Spring Concert Ashford Hill Church
11/12 March Ufton Court weekend
June 06 Newbury Show
June 06 Newbury Carnival
July 06 St Nicholas School Fete
July 06 Band on the Rec.
18 Nov 06 Corn Exchange Concert
Social and Personal
§ Miss Saigon – 17th December 04 – a tremendous show much enjoyed by all who went.
§ Christmas Meal at the 6 Bells – fantastic evening with great grub.
§ Summer BBQ – 22 July, hosted once again by Fiona and Keith Benjamin. A smaller attendance this year but a super occasion, much enjoyed – thank you to Fiona and Keith.
§ Congratulations to Heather who got married on Sept 3rd!
§ New junior added to band in December – Archie McPherson
Publicity
A new website is being developed – Mel Poyda’s brother is designing us a whole new website which Jean has kindly agreed to oversee it once it’s up and running. Hopefully this will be completed very soon now. It is hoped that the site will contain photographs of the band at work and play, concert information, details of repertoire etc and information for prospective members. We hope to work towards improving our publicity for concerts and events this coming year with more professional programmes and flyers. We would welcome any assistance with this aspect of concert preparation from any member skilled at desktop publishing. We have also had discussions this year on developing and promoting the band’s image and have discussed the band’s name, dress, movement and presentation at concerts. We hope to continue developing these areas next year and increase the size of our audiences through improved publicity. Dave Johnson has kindly agreed to take photographs of us at our concerts and record our performances whenever he and his wife are able – thankyou Dave for this and for putting the CDs together for us to purchase. Ann will be dealing with all the usual performing rights associated with performing and recording etc. We hope all band members will be happy with this arrangement.
Finances
A copy of the Finance report for the year to 31 July 2005 is attached. Subscriptions for 2004/5 remained at £60 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that subscriptions for 2005/6 increase to £65 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions at £35. The increase is to take account of conductor’s fees and the purchase of new music. Being a charity we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions. We are grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council which gives us a grant to cover the cost of hiring the school hall for rehearsals.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music-making whilst meeting the objectives of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was reviewed in the Summer by the committee and will be available for all members shortly. The committee has been reduced in number this year and has worked very hard to ensure the smooth and successful running of our band. May I, as chairman since December, thank the committee on the band’s behalf for all of their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm which ensures that our band is run successfully and with such enjoyment! We would very much like to hear from any member who would be interested in joining the committee for 2005-6. Please speak to any existing committee member or email Lynne on lynne.ellis@btinternet.com.
Lynne Ellis – chairman
23 September 2005
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
2004 Annual report
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2004
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Website - Mike Cooney, Publicity - Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Mel Poyda,
Conductors
Mike Smethurst-Evans, who had been our conductor for four years, “retired” after the Christmas concert, and a presentation of an album (beautifully prepared by Mike Cooney) was made to him at a party afterwards. Torbjorn Hultmark was appointed as his replacement, but unfortunately, other work commitments prevented him from fulfilling the role. We were, however, very fortunate that David Wirdnam was available, and his appointment was ratified at a special meeting of the band in February 2004. He has conducted the band with great enthusiasm and attention to detail, which has helped the band to continue the development started by Mike Smethurst-Evans.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 39 paying members during the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals was over 30. At 77% this is high for a band like ours, and is a credit to the conductors. We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School Hall. In addition to the main band, satellite chamber groups are encouraged. In particular a saxophone ensemble has met regularly, under the guidance of Lynne Ellis.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. We are very grateful to South Berks Concert Band, who have lent us much of our music this year. This has enabled us to sight read more pieces than usual, and has also kept costs down. It has however meant more work for Ann Moore, our incredibly conscientious and efficient librarian, so we all owe her a big debt of gratitude!
Performances
6 September 2003 Enborne Flower Show
14 November 2003 Ashford Hill Church
22 November 2003 Compton Church
13 December 2003 Newbury Methodist Church
18 December 2003 Carols at Beenham
15 May 2004 Mortimer Church
26 June 2004 Newbury Summer Show
4 July 2004 Newbury Carnival
16 July 2004 Open air concert in Beenham
Music weekend
Our second annual weekend of music on 10 and 11 January 2004, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Trevor Defferd and Chris Mitchell were our guest conductors, and we took pleasure in learning new pieces, as well as good company and the amazing environment. We have already booked the 2005 weekend for 28 and 29 January 2005.
Tour
Unfortunately, our planned trip to France did not materialise. We are keen to do a tour, but recognise that it takes a lot of planning and a long lead time.
Social
Fiona and Keith Benjamin again hosted a BBQ at their house on 17 July 2004, which was much enjoyed by all.
Publicity
The web site (http://www.beenhamband.org.uk/) has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and excellent stand banners have been produced by Ann Moore.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2004 is attached. Our income exceeded our expenses by £453. This was better than budget by £434, mainly because we spent less on music and conductors’ fees than anticipated. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which gives us a grant to cover the cost of hiring the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals. Subscriptions for 2003/04 were £60 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that these remain unchanged for 2004/05. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was developed in 2001, and is regularly reviewed.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
22 September 2004
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2004
Committee
Chairman – Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Website - Mike Cooney, Publicity - Eleanor Brooks, Lynne Ellis, Mel Poyda,
Conductors
Mike Smethurst-Evans, who had been our conductor for four years, “retired” after the Christmas concert, and a presentation of an album (beautifully prepared by Mike Cooney) was made to him at a party afterwards. Torbjorn Hultmark was appointed as his replacement, but unfortunately, other work commitments prevented him from fulfilling the role. We were, however, very fortunate that David Wirdnam was available, and his appointment was ratified at a special meeting of the band in February 2004. He has conducted the band with great enthusiasm and attention to detail, which has helped the band to continue the development started by Mike Smethurst-Evans.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 39 paying members during the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals was over 30. At 77% this is high for a band like ours, and is a credit to the conductors. We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School Hall. In addition to the main band, satellite chamber groups are encouraged. In particular a saxophone ensemble has met regularly, under the guidance of Lynne Ellis.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. We are very grateful to South Berks Concert Band, who have lent us much of our music this year. This has enabled us to sight read more pieces than usual, and has also kept costs down. It has however meant more work for Ann Moore, our incredibly conscientious and efficient librarian, so we all owe her a big debt of gratitude!
Performances
6 September 2003 Enborne Flower Show
14 November 2003 Ashford Hill Church
22 November 2003 Compton Church
13 December 2003 Newbury Methodist Church
18 December 2003 Carols at Beenham
15 May 2004 Mortimer Church
26 June 2004 Newbury Summer Show
4 July 2004 Newbury Carnival
16 July 2004 Open air concert in Beenham
Music weekend
Our second annual weekend of music on 10 and 11 January 2004, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Trevor Defferd and Chris Mitchell were our guest conductors, and we took pleasure in learning new pieces, as well as good company and the amazing environment. We have already booked the 2005 weekend for 28 and 29 January 2005.
Tour
Unfortunately, our planned trip to France did not materialise. We are keen to do a tour, but recognise that it takes a lot of planning and a long lead time.
Social
Fiona and Keith Benjamin again hosted a BBQ at their house on 17 July 2004, which was much enjoyed by all.
Publicity
The web site (http://www.beenhamband.org.uk/) has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and excellent stand banners have been produced by Ann Moore.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2004 is attached. Our income exceeded our expenses by £453. This was better than budget by £434, mainly because we spent less on music and conductors’ fees than anticipated. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which gives us a grant to cover the cost of hiring the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals. Subscriptions for 2003/04 were £60 for the year or £25 per term, with concessions. It will be proposed at the AGM that these remain unchanged for 2004/05. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was developed in 2001, and is regularly reviewed.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
22 September 2004
Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Annual report 2003
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2003
Committee
Chairperson – Eleanor Brooks, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen, Friends and members – Simon Witcomb, Kathryn Moore
Conductor
Mike Smethurst-Evans has now been with us for four years, and has brought the band on from humble beginnings to a playing force to be reckoned with! He feels that now is probably the right moment to “retire”, and regain his Friday evenings (not to say all the other evenings of planning rehearsals and concerts, and turning out at weekends to wave the baton in the most unlikely and uncomfortable places). His farewell concert will be on 13 December 2003, and we hope that this will be a suitable platform at which the members and our audience can thank him properly for all his hard work and inspiration.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 37 paying members throughout the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals is about 28 (76%). We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School Hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances
7 September 2002 Fete at Dunston Park, Thatcham
23 November 2002 Concert in the Corn Exchange, Newbury
16 December 2002 Carols at Beenham
29 March 2003 Concert at St Mary’s Church, Thatcham
18 May 2003 Young Farmers’ Show, Theale
5 July 2003 Fete at Beenham School
28 June 2003 Newbury Summer Show
6 July 2002 Newbury Carnival
18 July 2003 Open air concert in Beenham
Corn Exchange concert
Our first concert in the Newbury Corn Exchange was in November 2002. The programme featured vocal solos by Gail Hendrickx, and the premiere of The Six Bells. This piece was commissioned by the band, and conducted by the composer, Torbjorn Hultmark. The band was augmented for this concert, by some additional players, including the members of Chaconne Brass. We are very grateful to them, and to Grundon, whose sponsorship enabled us to put on the concert.
Music weekend
The weekend of music on 7 and 8 February 2003, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Robert Roscoe and Trevor Defferd were our guest conductors, and we took pleasure in learning new pieces, as well as good company and the amazing environment. We hope that we have now established the weekend as a regular part of our calendar.
French visitors
Perhaps the most amazing episode in the year was the visit by the band from Dinan in France. They were in the area, but were let down by their intended hosts. They contacted us via the internet, and joined us for a rehearsal on 2 May 2003. There were 27 musicians, plus a few supporters, and we played some of their music as well as some of ours. Together we filled the hall, and just about swamped the Six Bells afterwards, but hopefully, they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs. We shall keep in touch, and hope to arrange a return visit.
Social
26 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal with excellent food in the Victory Hall, Beenham in December 2002; 12 members and friends were treated to an evening’s archery by Eleanor Brooks at Ufton Court in March; and Fiona Benjamin hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2003.
Publicity
The web site (http://www.beenhamband.org.uk/) has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and excellent stand banners have been produced by Ann Moore.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2003 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals. Subscriptions for 2002/03 were £35 for the year or £13 per term. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions for 2003/04 are increased to £60 per year or £25 per term, to cover the cost of new conductors. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was developed in 2001, and reviewed last year. It will be reviewed again in 2004, with our new conductor.
Eleanor Brooks - chairman
9 September 2003
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2003
Committee
Chairperson – Eleanor Brooks, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen, Friends and members – Simon Witcomb, Kathryn Moore
Conductor
Mike Smethurst-Evans has now been with us for four years, and has brought the band on from humble beginnings to a playing force to be reckoned with! He feels that now is probably the right moment to “retire”, and regain his Friday evenings (not to say all the other evenings of planning rehearsals and concerts, and turning out at weekends to wave the baton in the most unlikely and uncomfortable places). His farewell concert will be on 13 December 2003, and we hope that this will be a suitable platform at which the members and our audience can thank him properly for all his hard work and inspiration.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 37 paying members throughout the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals is about 28 (76%). We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School Hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band.
Performances
7 September 2002 Fete at Dunston Park, Thatcham
23 November 2002 Concert in the Corn Exchange, Newbury
16 December 2002 Carols at Beenham
29 March 2003 Concert at St Mary’s Church, Thatcham
18 May 2003 Young Farmers’ Show, Theale
5 July 2003 Fete at Beenham School
28 June 2003 Newbury Summer Show
6 July 2002 Newbury Carnival
18 July 2003 Open air concert in Beenham
Corn Exchange concert
Our first concert in the Newbury Corn Exchange was in November 2002. The programme featured vocal solos by Gail Hendrickx, and the premiere of The Six Bells. This piece was commissioned by the band, and conducted by the composer, Torbjorn Hultmark. The band was augmented for this concert, by some additional players, including the members of Chaconne Brass. We are very grateful to them, and to Grundon, whose sponsorship enabled us to put on the concert.
Music weekend
The weekend of music on 7 and 8 February 2003, at Ufton Court, was enjoyed by all. Robert Roscoe and Trevor Defferd were our guest conductors, and we took pleasure in learning new pieces, as well as good company and the amazing environment. We hope that we have now established the weekend as a regular part of our calendar.
French visitors
Perhaps the most amazing episode in the year was the visit by the band from Dinan in France. They were in the area, but were let down by their intended hosts. They contacted us via the internet, and joined us for a rehearsal on 2 May 2003. There were 27 musicians, plus a few supporters, and we played some of their music as well as some of ours. Together we filled the hall, and just about swamped the Six Bells afterwards, but hopefully, they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs. We shall keep in touch, and hope to arrange a return visit.
Social
26 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal with excellent food in the Victory Hall, Beenham in December 2002; 12 members and friends were treated to an evening’s archery by Eleanor Brooks at Ufton Court in March; and Fiona Benjamin hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2003.
Publicity
The web site (http://www.beenhamband.org.uk/) has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and excellent stand banners have been produced by Ann Moore.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2003 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals. Subscriptions for 2002/03 were £35 for the year or £13 per term. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions for 2003/04 are increased to £60 per year or £25 per term, to cover the cost of new conductors. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long-term plan for the band was developed in 2001, and reviewed last year. It will be reviewed again in 2004, with our new conductor.
Eleanor Brooks - chairman
9 September 2003
Friday, September 27, 2002
Annual report 2002
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2002
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen, Friends - Eleanor Brooks
Conductor
Mike Smethurst-Evans has been our conductor throughout the year. He continues to lure the best out of us, maximising our mixed abilities, and captivating audiences. We are most grateful for his efforts on our behalf.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 35 paying members throughout the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals was 27 (77%). We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School/Community Hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. During the year, we commissioned a piece of music for the band, to be composed by Torbjorn Hultmark, a local musician. This will be performed at our November concert in the Corn Exchange, Newbury.
Performances
1 September 2001 Fete at Dunston Park, Thatcham
24 November 2001 Concert at St Mary’s Church Thatcham
9 December 2001 Carols at Savacentre
19 December 2001 Carols at Beenham
23 March 2002 Concert at Ashford Hill
2 June 2002 Jubilee celebrations Beenham
22 June 2002 Fete at Beenham School
29 June 2002 Newbury Summer Show
7 July 2002 Newbury Carnival
19 July 2002 Open air concert in Beenham
Music weekend
A significant event during the year was a weekend of music on 24 and 25 May 2002, at Cold Ash village hall, organised by Lis Allen. Robert Roscoe was our guest conductor, and we enjoyed learning new pieces (which we performed for family and friends), as well as some good food and company. We hope to repeat this concept in future years, possibly travelling further afield (abroad?).
Social
20 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal at the Six Bells in Beenham in December 2001, and Helen Groves hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2002.
Publicity
The web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and stand banners are being produced.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2002 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals, free of charge. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions remain at £35 per year or £13 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on these subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long term plan for the band, which was agreed last year, will be reviewed at the AGM.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
27 September 2002
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2002
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Janette MacPherson, Treasurer – Fiona Benjamin, Librarian - Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen, Friends - Eleanor Brooks
Conductor
Mike Smethurst-Evans has been our conductor throughout the year. He continues to lure the best out of us, maximising our mixed abilities, and captivating audiences. We are most grateful for his efforts on our behalf.
Constitution and object
The band is a registered charity, and its constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
We have had 35 paying members throughout the year, and our average attendance at rehearsals was 27 (77%). We rehearse every Friday during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Beenham School/Community Hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. During the year, we commissioned a piece of music for the band, to be composed by Torbjorn Hultmark, a local musician. This will be performed at our November concert in the Corn Exchange, Newbury.
Performances
1 September 2001 Fete at Dunston Park, Thatcham
24 November 2001 Concert at St Mary’s Church Thatcham
9 December 2001 Carols at Savacentre
19 December 2001 Carols at Beenham
23 March 2002 Concert at Ashford Hill
2 June 2002 Jubilee celebrations Beenham
22 June 2002 Fete at Beenham School
29 June 2002 Newbury Summer Show
7 July 2002 Newbury Carnival
19 July 2002 Open air concert in Beenham
Music weekend
A significant event during the year was a weekend of music on 24 and 25 May 2002, at Cold Ash village hall, organised by Lis Allen. Robert Roscoe was our guest conductor, and we enjoyed learning new pieces (which we performed for family and friends), as well as some good food and company. We hope to repeat this concept in future years, possibly travelling further afield (abroad?).
Social
20 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal at the Six Bells in Beenham in December 2001, and Helen Groves hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2002.
Publicity
The web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and is maintained by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have a logo, and stand banners are being produced.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2002 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals, free of charge. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions remain at £35 per year or £13 per term. Being a charity, we are able to recover income tax on these subscriptions.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The long term plan for the band, which was agreed last year, will be reviewed at the AGM.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
27 September 2002
Thursday, September 6, 2001
Annual report 2001
BEENHAM BAND
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2001
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Mel Poyda, Treasurer - Eleanor Brooks, Librarians - Janette MacPherson and Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen
Conductor
We are very fortunate to have Mike Smethurst-Evans as our conductor. His charm and persistence continue to raise the standard of our playing and performances.
Constitution and object
The band adopted a new constitution on 18 May 2001, which enabled it to be registered as a charity on 3 August 2001. A copy of the constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
Our average attendance during 2000/01 was 27, compared with 20 last year. We rehearse every Friday during term time at 7.30pm in Beenham School hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. Next year we hope to commission a piece of music for the band, and have already received a grant of £500 from West Berkshire Council towards its cost.
Performances
26 August 2000 Fete at Chapel Row
25 November 2000 Concert in Beenham
9 December 2000 Carols at Savacentre
18 December 2000 Carols at Beenham
24 March 2001 Concert at Ashford Hill
31 March 2001 Concert at St Mary’s Church Thatcham
1 July 2001 Newbury Carnival
7 July 2001 Fete at Beenham School
21 July 2001 Garden party at Beenham
27 July 2001 Open air concert in Beenham
· We raised £88 for Save the Children charity, by playing carols at Savacentre.
· Our concert at St Mary’s Thatcham was attended by about 150 people, and was favourably reviewed in the Newbury Weekly News.
· We won the first prize for live music at the Newbury Carnival for our float, Music at the Movies. Members dressed up as characters from films, and played theme tunes from great films, squashed onto a 40 foot trailer. We also raised £63 for the Newbury Cancer Care charity.
· For the open air concert in Beenham, we were joined by members of the Goring and Streatley Concert band, and the South Berks Concert Band. As the weather was warm and sunny, over 100 villagers enjoyed a programme of varied music, whilst picnicking.
Social
40 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal at the Six Bells in Beenham in December 2000. Katherine Moore organised ten pin bowling in June, and Eleanor Brooks also hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2001.
Publicity
We have a web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and implemented by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have agreed on a logo, and stand banners are being produced.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2001 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals, free of charge. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions next year will be £35 per year or £13 per term.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The Committee has developed a long term plan for the band, which will be discussed at the AGM.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
6 September 2001
Registered Charity – number 1087848
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2001
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Mel Poyda, Treasurer - Eleanor Brooks, Librarians - Janette MacPherson and Ann Moore, Publicity - Mike Cooney, Events – Lis Allen
Conductor
We are very fortunate to have Mike Smethurst-Evans as our conductor. His charm and persistence continue to raise the standard of our playing and performances.
Constitution and object
The band adopted a new constitution on 18 May 2001, which enabled it to be registered as a charity on 3 August 2001. A copy of the constitution is available to all members. The object of the band is to advance the education of the public by raising the aesthetic taste through the performance of music.
Membership and rehearsals
Our average attendance during 2000/01 was 27, compared with 20 last year. We rehearse every Friday during term time at 7.30pm in Beenham School hall.
Music
We are building a library of music comprising arrangements of popular tunes and marches, music from shows and films, and light classical music, as well as pieces written specifically for wind band. Next year we hope to commission a piece of music for the band, and have already received a grant of £500 from West Berkshire Council towards its cost.
Performances
26 August 2000 Fete at Chapel Row
25 November 2000 Concert in Beenham
9 December 2000 Carols at Savacentre
18 December 2000 Carols at Beenham
24 March 2001 Concert at Ashford Hill
31 March 2001 Concert at St Mary’s Church Thatcham
1 July 2001 Newbury Carnival
7 July 2001 Fete at Beenham School
21 July 2001 Garden party at Beenham
27 July 2001 Open air concert in Beenham
· We raised £88 for Save the Children charity, by playing carols at Savacentre.
· Our concert at St Mary’s Thatcham was attended by about 150 people, and was favourably reviewed in the Newbury Weekly News.
· We won the first prize for live music at the Newbury Carnival for our float, Music at the Movies. Members dressed up as characters from films, and played theme tunes from great films, squashed onto a 40 foot trailer. We also raised £63 for the Newbury Cancer Care charity.
· For the open air concert in Beenham, we were joined by members of the Goring and Streatley Concert band, and the South Berks Concert Band. As the weather was warm and sunny, over 100 villagers enjoyed a programme of varied music, whilst picnicking.
Social
40 members of the band, including family and friends, enjoyed a lively Christmas meal at the Six Bells in Beenham in December 2000. Katherine Moore organised ten pin bowling in June, and Eleanor Brooks also hosted a BBQ at her house in July 2001.
Publicity
We have a web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and implemented by Mike Cooney. This is kept up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and provides members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band. We have agreed on a logo, and stand banners are being produced.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2001 is attached. We are very grateful for the continued support of Beenham Parish Council, which allows us to use the Beenham School Hall for rehearsals, free of charge. It will be proposed at the AGM that the subscriptions next year will be £35 per year or £13 per term.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making, whilst meeting the objective of the charity. The Committee has developed a long term plan for the band, which will be discussed at the AGM.
Simon Witcomb - chairman
6 September 2001
Wednesday, August 30, 2000
Annual report 2000
BEENHAM BAND
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2000
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Mel Poyda, Treasurer - Eleanor Brooks, Librarian - Janette MacPherson
Conductor - Mike Smethurst-Evans
Constitution
The band was formed in August 1999, with the object of providing the opportunity for members to develop their musical talents by rehearsing together, and to provide entertainment for others by performing in public. A copy of the constitution is attached, for approval at the AGM.
Conductors
We are very fortunate to have Mike Smethurst-Evans as our conductor, and hope that he will continue for 2001. We are very grateful to Trevor Defferd, Jennie Stevenson, Bob Peel, Daniel Nicholls, David Wootton and Pete Singer, who conducted us in the early days.
Members
We now have 30 members who pay subscriptions. We are hoping to increase the membership through a recruitment campaign this autumn, mainly with the hope of filling some gaps in the band line up (trumpets, basses and percussion). The best form of advertising is through word of mouth, so we hope members will continue to spread the word.
Rehearsals
Our first rehearsal was on 17 September 1999, and was attended by eight members. We now meet every Friday evening in term time, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Music
We are very grateful to Beenham Parish Council, for giving us a grant of £200 to buy music and for allowing us to use the school hall for rehearsals, free of charge. We are also grateful to Goring and Streatley Concert Band for lending us music and a tuba. Our library now includes twelve scores which we own.
Performances
Our first performance was in a concert in Beenham church, and we also played Christmas music in Beenham, at Bucklebury School and at the Caversham Club. Our first concert was on 8 April 2000 in Beenham School Hall. This was attended by over 100 people, and made a profit of £327. We have also performed for the Beenham Millennium Madness celebration, and the Beenham school, Midgham and Chapel Row fetes.
Social
A barbecue for band members and their families was held on 1 July 2000, which was great fun. There is also a chance to socialise during the coffee break, and after rehearsals.
Web site
We have a web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and implemented by Mike Cooney. We intend to keep this up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and hope it will provide members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2000 is attached. We intend to continue buying music, to ensure that our repertoire is varied and expanding, and also instruments, as the opportunity and need arise.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making. We hope that by attracting more members, the band will produce a full and exciting sound, which will be good to listen to and to be part of. Our next concert is on 25 November 2000 in Beenham, although we shall also be performing in Ashford Hill church on 17 November 2000.
Simon Witcomb
30 August 2000
Report of the Committee for the year ended 31 July 2000
Committee
Chairman - Simon Witcomb, Secretary - Mel Poyda, Treasurer - Eleanor Brooks, Librarian - Janette MacPherson
Conductor - Mike Smethurst-Evans
Constitution
The band was formed in August 1999, with the object of providing the opportunity for members to develop their musical talents by rehearsing together, and to provide entertainment for others by performing in public. A copy of the constitution is attached, for approval at the AGM.
Conductors
We are very fortunate to have Mike Smethurst-Evans as our conductor, and hope that he will continue for 2001. We are very grateful to Trevor Defferd, Jennie Stevenson, Bob Peel, Daniel Nicholls, David Wootton and Pete Singer, who conducted us in the early days.
Members
We now have 30 members who pay subscriptions. We are hoping to increase the membership through a recruitment campaign this autumn, mainly with the hope of filling some gaps in the band line up (trumpets, basses and percussion). The best form of advertising is through word of mouth, so we hope members will continue to spread the word.
Rehearsals
Our first rehearsal was on 17 September 1999, and was attended by eight members. We now meet every Friday evening in term time, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Music
We are very grateful to Beenham Parish Council, for giving us a grant of £200 to buy music and for allowing us to use the school hall for rehearsals, free of charge. We are also grateful to Goring and Streatley Concert Band for lending us music and a tuba. Our library now includes twelve scores which we own.
Performances
Our first performance was in a concert in Beenham church, and we also played Christmas music in Beenham, at Bucklebury School and at the Caversham Club. Our first concert was on 8 April 2000 in Beenham School Hall. This was attended by over 100 people, and made a profit of £327. We have also performed for the Beenham Millennium Madness celebration, and the Beenham school, Midgham and Chapel Row fetes.
Social
A barbecue for band members and their families was held on 1 July 2000, which was great fun. There is also a chance to socialise during the coffee break, and after rehearsals.
Web site
We have a web site (www.beenhamband.org.uk), which has been designed and implemented by Mike Cooney. We intend to keep this up to date with copies of newsletters, music and performances, and hope it will provide members, prospective members and concert organisers with information about the band.
Finances
A copy of the accounts for the year to 31 July 2000 is attached. We intend to continue buying music, to ensure that our repertoire is varied and expanding, and also instruments, as the opportunity and need arise.
Future
Our main aim is to ensure that all members enjoy their music making. We hope that by attracting more members, the band will produce a full and exciting sound, which will be good to listen to and to be part of. Our next concert is on 25 November 2000 in Beenham, although we shall also be performing in Ashford Hill church on 17 November 2000.
Simon Witcomb
30 August 2000
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