The band received a great early Xmas present today, with confirmation of the award of a 900 pound grant to fund new instruments for the Training Band. The Grant is from the National Foundation for Youth Music, and will be used to purchase training band cornets. More details will follow in the e-news. Check out the website, www.youthmusic.org.uk for more info on the NFYM! Merry Xmas.

Training Band will be in Chester Tescos on Saturday 22nd from 12.15, collectors welcome. You can also spot main band members out and about in town during the day, and again in Tescos on Monday 24th

A Xmas outing at Christleton Country Club was interupted last Sunday evening by a rogue smoke detector!!!! Immediately after the 3rd of our opening numbers the alrm sounded, and the band were moved to the car park to await the arrival of 2 fire engines form Ellesmere Port. Quite an exciting outing for our new members from the Training Band! A band member was heard to say 'if they didn't like us they only had to say.....'

The Training Band, supported by Main Band players, played Carols for the Mickle Trafford Scout Group last Sunday as a thankyou for using the hut during the year for their rehearsals. The TB pays a hire charge for the hut, but Sunday was a chance to get together and have a good time!

A third training band member has been promoted to a main band seat. Helen Clowes has taken up the vacant 2nd Baritone seat. This brings to 3, the training band members in the main band, as Helen joins Lauren Hunt and Lizzy Knight. All 3 are year 7 pupils at Upton High School, and live in Mickle Trafford.

Yep the e-newsletter is back. If you don't get it, subscribe on the home page, or just read on-line via the news section.....

A closed rehearsal with Yeovil Championship Band members is on offer on Sat 27th Oct (7.30pm). Numbers are limited but all TB and main band members who are interested should check with Ian Clowes re availability. Chester 'Guides' required to support the visitors in a gentle exploration of Chester watering holes afterwards.

A mixed 'Training Band' of 22 players, entertained the public at the Thomas The Tank Engine Day at Llangollen Steam Railway. They even managed 'Singalong number 1'. Thanks to our friends who joined us. The band of 22 players plus many more 'hangers on', also enjoyed the ride on Thomas's trip to Carrog (and back); although the compartment of 9 energetic TB'ers where threatened with eviction at one stage! Only thing missing was a bit of sunshine, but certainly one to consider for the calendar next year. Oh yes, and we would like bacon butties next year. Pictures to follow in the e-news.

Welcome to our new 3rd cornet players, Lizzie Knight and Lauren Hunt. Both front row TB members. They are the first TB members to be given main band seats. Other TB members have been grouped, and depending upon the grouping may also attend main band rehearsals Pictures in the next e-news (out once Philip has sorted the technical problem!)

This Sunday 7th October - Mickle Trafford Scout Hut Chester Set piece workshop in conjunction with players from Wingates Championship Band. For Experienced Training Band members and Main Band players. arrive 10.30 for an 11.00 start Training Band invited from 3.30pm Audience, friends etc welcome from 4pm, before by arrangement For full programme, or to add your name to the list, contact Ian on 07714 157 351 or email [email protected]