Closing date for the participation list for this event is Friday 5th October. Event is on Saturday 20th October (honest), and is essentially a training band trip to the Llangollen Steam Railway. The TB will play on the station platform during a Thomas The Tank Engine event...... Questions to Ian 07714 157 351

OK, I know - it's not the first date I've got wrong! Eggs and omelettes come to mind.... Sunday October 7th. We're looking at the possibility of running a workshop for band members, and interested friends and local players. Although short notice, we already have interest from some Championship players to lead things along. There may be a small charge to cover expenses. the aim would be to work on a couple of pieces during the day, with sectional sessions and input from experts! Watch this space for more info - we will decide before Friday! Questions to Ian on 07714157351.

NWBBA workshop has been cancelled. However we're looking to see if we can run one in Chester, at Mickle Trafford Scout Hut in its place (also on the 9th). If you're interested in participating (and it's not for beginners!) then contact Ian, [email protected] or phone 07714 157 351 If you're an 'expert' who lives locally but would like to give up some time and help out, please call!

This week we placed an ad in The Bandsman for new players. We've had 3 hits so far. One Championship Band looking for a Pontins rehearsal room (they're in the bandroom over that weekend!), One band looking for Merv Hughes, and tonight.... someone looking to play Bass Trombone. If you're out there wondering if you should call, do it now or miss out!!

It is with great regret that we have to announce that Margaret Blythin passed away earlier this week, after a spell in hospital. As many will know, Margaret came later to brass than most, and played Euphonium in the Training Band. Her spirit and determination were only outweighed by her enthusiasm. She always had a smile and words of encouragement to all, and was a demon raffle organiser! She will be sadly missed by us all, and our thoughts are with her husband and family at this time. Her funeral will take place on Thursday September 20th, at 12 O'clock at Blacon Crematorium. Should you wish, any donations will go to Boxer Rescue, a charity for unwanted dogs (where her own dog came from). Donations can be passed through Ian Clowes 07714 157 351.

The North West Brass Band Association are holding their second workshop for 3rd/4th section players. It's on October 7th. Interested? Contact Ian Clowes. 07714 157 351

On Nov 10th (Saturday), Fodens Championship Band will play at Chester Town Hall. Don't miss it. Look out for posters/tickets.

Congratulations to Chris and Kathryn on there a new arrival - a baby boy - which arrived on Thursday monring weighing in at just over 9lb. Both mummy and baby are fine, and will spend the next few days in hospital before returning home.

OK – the summer’s over! Or at least it seemed to be last Sunday at The Groves. Actually following the band room floods, the actual session wasn’t too bad, with a small but enthusiastic audience…. Time to get back to crisp evening rehearsals and prepare for the winter! Fantastic news for those who don’t know. Second Cornet player Alison Lewis is now a proud mother of daughter Georgia, born recently. Mother and Daughter are reportedly doing very well. As usual a tremendous back row performance! Also good luck to Kathryn, who’s baby is due anytime now! On the study front, Philip (2nd Horn) gained an A and 2 C’s to see him off to Sheffield Hallam to study Computing (Business Information Systems) – he’s promised to keep the web site going whilst he’s away, but your technical support calls will be long distance from Sep 16th. No details from David P. yet, but he got 3 A-levels according to The Chronicle so he too might be on his travels. Also, congratulations to Christine Champion in the training band who got 4 A's, 1 B and 5 C's in her GCSE's! As a result of all this and our pending Euphonium ‘birth’, our numbers are struggling at present. We’re advertising for main band players next month. If you’re reading this and can play but don’t…. then come along and give it a go! Remember we’re fighting in the 3rd section in 2002…. Word of warning – Derek’s just back from the Edinburgh Tattoo, so expect a healthy dose of counter-marching and so-on at future Sealand events!!!!! Might even see him throwing the mace about! On a sadder note, Margaret (TB Euphonium and expert raffle organizer), is in hospital for a serious leg operation. Countess ward 41. Margaret had her op today, and is in good spirits. She sends her best wishes and hopes to be back soon. We wish her a speedy recovery…..

Members area is now well on the way to completion, and should be open in the next week or two...