Last Sunday (23rd June), the band held it's second contest workshop, at The Scout Hut, Mickle Trafford. This year, organiser Ian Clowes had the support of Leon Renilson and Andy MacDonald, both Championship Cornet wizards. Making a superb double act (Morecombe and Wise, Laurel and Hardy, Starkey and Hutch? Don't know, you tell us), Leon and Andy took the workshop through many playing and contesting fundamentals, and even the more experienced players agreed they'd learned alot!! Thanks to Leon and Andy for their time and expertise!! The work piece was Divertimento by Eric Ball, and the mixed group of TB and Senior Players turned on a good final perfomance. Highlight for the younger players was the beatles classic Ticket to Ride, with the blow/no-noise train impressions in the opening bars. The afternoon was rounded off by a 1/2 drum BBQ - yep real charcoal! Superb fare organised by Sylvia McDonald and partly subsidised by the social fund and donations on the day. Thanks to all who helped cook, and tidy up! And thanks to Denise for teas and coffees during the day. A 3rd workshop is planned, sometime in Spetember, when we'll probably run through the Pontins Test piece.

Thought that might make you look: Training Band Mickle Trafford Fete Success!! A 24 strong training band put on a good performance at Mickle Trafford School Fete last Saturday. Supported by only a few senior band members (thanks!!!), a good afternoon was had by all! Conducted by Paula Bell, the band played for the procession of the Rose Queen, and then played 2 half hour slots - without repeating a single piece!!!

A small group of 10 players, marched and played at the 3rd Mickle Trafford Well Dressing. This is developing into a significant event, and looks established as a 'new' local tradition. Look out for photos, 'cos Rob F. was there with the digital camera!

For the first time for a long time, the band lead the Lord Mayors Parade. Well done to all especially the youngsters fighting with the rather large banner in the wind! Now the only proper band marching in the parade, it was a great outing. Any newspaper cuttings (except Standard and Chronicle) to Ian C please for the archives. Any photos please also send them through. Ian

OK chance to learn and have fun. 2nd contest workshop. Starts at 10am, and finishes with a BBQ. Not a band member, no problem, phone Ian on 07766 087 243 to discuss. Sign up by Tuesday to participate. Contest and fun piece will be worked on, supported by Championship players from several top bands.

It's back! To get your copy of e-news register your email address in the box on our home page, or email [email protected] This week sees the return of our e-newsletter. Enjoy!

Donna is doing a great job on trombone, but would like a friend! Ideally a good standard, but enthusiasm prequisite! Contact Ian on 07766 087 243 Come along and have a blow - you might like it

Firstly apologies at the disappearance of the e-news. Technical problems forced us off the road for a few months…. But we’re back! It’s planned to issue every week or so. We’d love to include YOUR news – even outside of banding, so email it (and photos) to Ian on [email protected]. We’re always looking for news stories for the local press and national brass publications, so you might be famous. Recently Paula and some of her Training Band were seen in The Bandsman… it could be you next.

Last Thursday, our new Chairman Phil Mottershead, represented the band in the presentation of the £500 cheque to The Countess of Chester Breast Care Appeal. This was the money raised from the joint concert recently with The Chester Male Voice Choir. Phil was assisted by band member Helen Clowes. Keep a look out in The Chronicle for coverage…. Phil has taken over as Chairman following the retirement of Ian MacDonald. A longstanding member of the band, Phil had the following words for e-news: "Just a short 'message from the Chairman' to say how pleased and honoured I am to take on this role and I will of course carry it out to the best of my ability. Also to thank everyone both in the Training Band and the Senior Band for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the task of ensuring that together we have a bright musical future. On behalf of the Band, I would also like to thank Ian McDonald for all the time and effort he has devoted to the band over the years, both as Chairman and in the trombone section." Phil has seen the band through many successes over the years, and takes on the role at an exciting time. Good luck Phil! We’ll profile Phil in later editions of e-news… all stories please, anonymity will be respected… old photos even better!

Although the audience wasn't a Town Hall capacity, over £500 was raised for the Countess of Chester Breast Care Appeal on Saturday night. A tremendous performance from the Training Band, under the baton of Paula Bell, started an excellent concert, bringing together the band with The City of Chester Male Voice Choir. We're now looking for another opportunity to combine services! the reduced audience wasn't apathy, but reflected the 5 musical events on in Chester on Saturday night! A musical diary does exist in Chester to coordinate events, but unfortunately not all groups subscribe....