The Band has been saddened to hear of the recent death of Jim Cooke (pictured in middle).
Jim started played with Lydney Town Band in the 1940s at the age of seven and he maintained his connection with the band until he retired in 2016. During his time with the band, he played Bb cornet, soprano and baritone and in the 1980s Jim took on the role of Conductor. In the mid-2000s, when the Band was at a low-ebb, Jim was closely involved in the establishment of Lydney Training Band, helping to ensure the long-term survival of the organisation. When the Band returned to contesting in 2012, Jim, alongside many of the young players he'd help to tutor, was part of the team that achieved 12th place in the WEBBA Regional Championships. Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, paying tribute to Jim said: "Lydney Town and Training Band has much to thank Jim Cooke for. His involvement, enthusiasm and loyalty were key to the ongoing future of the organisation and its successful Training Band. Thank you, Jim, your legacy with Lydney Town Band lives on". On Saturday 13th May the annual 53rd Bailey Lane End Music Festival was held at Five Acres High School. As in previous years, the event was organised by A.W. Parker Drybrook Band. The adjudicator for the contest was Jack Lythaby, Principal Horn at Tredegar Town Band, with the music publishers Wright & Round kindly donating prizes for each class. A number of players from Lydney Training Band and our Starter Group took part - Dougie, Jonah, Sadie and Wren (cornet) and Euan (horn).
Commenting on this year's event, the Training Band conductor Kevin Ford said: "Lydney Training Band continues to support this event, enjoying the occasion and gaining valuable performance experience. It was a great morale boost for all our youngsters with super playing by them all. As in previous years, we had expert accompaniment by pianist Dorothy Wilson, who helped to make the performances special. Well done Team Lydney, with many thanks to Kerry who helped all players play at their best." The results were as follows - Junior Brass solo under 11: 3rd – Jonah (Daisy Bell) Junior Brass Solo 11-12yrs: 1st – Sadie (When I Fall in Love), 2nd – Euan (Titanic Theme) Junior Brass Solo 13-16yrs: 3rd – Dougie (When the Saints) Brass Duet/Trio 21yrs and under: 1st – Sadie/Dougie (Be Our Guest) Open Duet: 2nd – Dougie/Kerry (Maccadeus) Congratulations to Jess and George from Lydney Training Band who passed their Grade 3 and 4 exams, respectively, both with a distinction!
Last month, Lydney Training Band was fortunate enough to be recipients of a Build Back Better grant from Gloucestershire County Council. The money has already funded three new instruments and new music for the band’s upcoming summer concert programme. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help and advice of Councillor Alan Preest, Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), pictured here with Band Chairman Kevin Ford.
Commenting on the grant, Kevin said: “The band would like to express our thanks to Councillor Preest and GCC for their efficient handling of the process and the swift allocation of funds. It will enable the band to continue its music education program of youngsters and adults and continue entertaining the Lydney community and the wider Forest of Dean area in the future.” Councillor Preest said of the grant: “As I travel the length and breadth of Gloucestershire as County Council Chairman, I meet so many wonderful people who tell me how the Council has impacted positively on them. The Lydney Division is no exception. Over the last couple of years, I have been able to facilitate “Build Back Better” grants to close on twenty organisations that make such a valuable impact within OUR community. Lydney Town Band are no exception. It is so evident that they encompass positivity, enjoyment, energy, structure, and in young people nurture ability and confidence. It was an absolute pleasure to have been able to help them.” Lydney Town and Training Bands celebrated their annual Achievement Awards on last Saturday at 3 Hill Street, Lydney.
Kevin Ford, Band Chairman, kicked off the event presenting welcome certificates to two of the Starter Group's newest members: Euan and Amanda. Moving onto the Band Awards, the list of winners featured players from both the Starter Group and the Training Band, across various ages and sections within the band. The winners were: Most Promise Award - Gail Thompson (Cornet) Most Improved Band Player - George (Euphonium) Tutor's Award - Millie & Jessica Waskett (both - Horn) Most Improved Cornet Player - Dougie Player's Player Award - Sadie (Cornet) Conductor's Award - Samuel (Cornet) Musician of the Year - Sadie (Cornet) There were also thank yous to the band tutors: Ken and Roger Powell, as well as Dave Wintle (not present). Following the presentations there was drama in the annual awards evening skittles tournament. After multiple rounds of knock-outs, the game culminated in a closely fought finale between Kevin, Kay and George: with Kay eventually emerging as this year's winner! We are looking forward to our awards evening on 4th February 2023 where we can all get together, socialize and congratulate ourselves on an amazing year at Lydney.
We recognize that young people are vital to our future success and acknowledge our role in the community to provide a musical opportunity for anyone who wants to learn. This is why our Training Band consists of a range of ages from 8 to 80. In order for individuals to develop their skills effectively they need to have an encouraging environment in which to learn and a means to gain pride in what they achieve. Our annual Achievement Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate our success over the previous year. They recognize different levels of achievement and different attributes that contribute to a successful organization. We reward improvement in playing skills and value commitment, team spirit and personal contribution. The award categories this year are:
Lydney Training Band welcomes new players of all ages. This was never more true than when Eric joined the Band in 2019 at the age of 80!
Eric, pictured here in 2020 when he was awarded Most Improved Starter Band Player, became a stalwart of the Band’s tenor horn team. Sadly, Eric has announced that he decided to step back from banding. He visited the Training Band on Monday 16th January to say farewell in person and paid tribute to the Band and its tutors in a lovely speech. We’d like to thank Eric for all his efforts and work with the Training Band, (not forgetting his duet with himself that he put together for one of our Open Mic sessions in 2020!). He is a sterling example that you’re never too old to give something new a try! Over December, the whole band was busy celebrating Christmas and spreading festive cheer. Lydney Training Band kicked things off by playing at the Lydney Lights Switch-On and later performed as part of a Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church. The Starter Group entertained the residents of the Goode Court with their Christmas Showcase, featuring solos from some of our youngest and newest members. Unfortunately, the Town Band's Christmas Concert at the Mount of Olives' Church, Coleford had to be cancelled due to a well timed but overly enthusiastic snowstorm.
As well as having a busy concert schedule, members from all three bands braved the cold and took part in carolling on the streets of Lydney. A number of players also volunteered to help out the Forest of Dean Salvation Army with their Live Nativity service in Ruardean, and a candlelit carol service in Littledean. This morning, Lydney Town and Training Bands came together to perform as part of the Lydney Remembrance Sunday service at St Mary’s Church. It is always a privilege to be able to pay our respects, alongside other local community groups.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came and supported us last night as we celebrated our 130th Anniversary! The opportunity to play to a full house, in our hometown, was just phenomenal!
Congratulations to the soloists who gave us a range of beautiful, exciting and dramatic performances. The evening was topped off with a massed band finale that raised the roof and earned us a standing ovation. Till the next time! Huge congratulations to three of our brilliant Training Band players: Idris, Samuel and Herbie who recently passed their latest music grades.
Lydney Training Band welcomes any and all aspiring musicians, regardless of previous experience. If you’d like to find out more about learning a brass instrument, please get in touch! This afternoon’s Training Band concert in Bathurst Park was the perfect way to wrap up its summer programme of concerts! It was great to see so many people enjoying the music and the Park’s fabulous gardens!
Today saw the return of the Bailey Lane End Music Festival following a 2 year hiatus. Congratulations to all the competitors and to the winners on the day!
Lydney Training Band were there in force, enjoying the occasion and the professional assessment of adjudicator Emily Harding, Principal Cornet at the British Army Band Tidworth. It was a great morale boost for all our youngsters, with special mention for Idris who won each of his 5 sections. Great accompanying by our pianist Dorothy Wilson, who made the performances special. Many thanks also to sponsors Wright & Round, who kindly donated prizes for each class. Junior Brass solo under 11: 1st – Sadie, 2nd – Wren, 3rd - Jonah & Edith Junior Brass Solo 11-12yrs: 1st – Millie, 3rd – Herbie Junior Brass Solo 13-16yrs: 1st – Idris Brass duet under 16: 1st – Dougie/Idris, 2nd – Herbie/Millie, 3rd – Sadie/Luna Junior Brass quartet: 1st - Luna, Dougie, Kerry, Idris Adult/Child Duet: 1st – Idris/Kerry Open Brass Quartet: 1st – Kerry, Mark, Kevin, Idris Well done to all our soloists who performed at yesterday’s Rising Stars concert at Scarr Bandstand! A special mention to our soloists Herbie, Sadie, Millie, Zach and Dougie who were excellent. Other bands were Ross Training, Cinderford Academy & Lydbrook Training bands. At the massed bands finale, we ended up with almost 70 players on stage!
Lydney Training Band were proud to be part of today's Ukraine fundraising concert at St. Mary's church. A big shout out to Herbie, Millie & Sadie, who did superbly with their concert solo/duet debuts!
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NewsNews stories from the Lydney Town and Training Bands, and Starter Group! Archives
March 2024
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