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Creetown Band
News
17th November 2009 The
workshop which was held on Saturday 14th proved to be an
outstanding success. Around 30 players took part comprising mainly members
from Creetown and Dumfries Town band along with a sole representative from
Penicuik silver. Kirkintilloch Band was present to assist and to tutor. To
start with Andrew Duncan, who led the workshop, talked about the music and
illustrated his points with Kirkintilloch band. There followed a time for
sectional work taken by Kirkintilloch members. After this there was a massed
band performance conducted by Stuart McNab and Andrew Duncan. Everyone
spoke of how much they had enjoyed the experience and that much had been
learned. The
Kirkintilloch band was then treated to a meal at the Bowling rink then
travelled to Stranraer for a concert. Thanks
goes to all who took part, those who organised the event, those who provided
the coffee tea etc and to the staff at Newton Stewart Indoor Bowling Rink. 12th October
2009 The
dining room of the Gemrock museum was packed for the social evening last
Friday. To
start the evening the very successful junior group played a few pieces and
were then presented with a certificate to mark their recent achievements.
Everyone present was impressed by the standard of the youngsters. Stuart
McNab then gave a brief outline of Gillian’s career in Brass Bands. She
started lessons at the age of 9, proceeded to the senior band at 11. While
still a regular member at Creetown she played at Benwhat Band for a time and
now also travels to play with the Irvine and Dreghorn Band. Gillian
was a hard working secretary at Creetown from 1988 till 2008 and is still a valuable committee member. She
is a very popular tutor at the junior band. Peter
Fraser, SBBA representative, presented the Life Membership medal to Gillian
and then Harry Heaver the band’s oldest member and president presented a
commemorative glass plaque on behalf of the band. Gillian
was then persuaded to say a few words of thanks after which everyone enjoyed
a tasty buffet.
The
photo shows Gillian with Peter and Harry. 23rd September
2009 The
band is having a social evening on Friday 9th October at 8.00pm in
the Gemrock Museum Creetown. The
main purpose of the evening is to present Gillian McKnight with life
membership of SBBA. All
members, past and present are welcome as are all friends of the band. Contact
Stuart McNab or Jack Norgate. The
event will also be used to celebrate the success of the junior band over the
past year. It is hoped that the group will play during the evening. The
AGM of the band will be held on Thursday 29th October at 7.00pm in
the bandhall. A workshop
is being planned in conjunction with the West of Scotland Brass Band
Association. It
will be held in the Douglas Ewart High School, Newton Stewart and will be led
by members of Kirkintilloch Band. This will be open to any brass player. Look
out for further details. 15th September
2009 The
juniors enjoyed success at the Newtongrange Brass In The Park Festival
recently. See junior section of website for more details. The
band recently completed a very busy summer season, with a variety of engagements
including galas, songs of praise and more formal concerts and at venues from
the Isle of Whithorn to Castle Douglas. One
of the most memorable was the concert at the Isle at which the band
accompanied a video. The subject of the video was the postage stamps of
Scotland and at a certain point the band played a selection by conductor
Stuart McNab called Robert Burns 250. This and the concert as a whole was
thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. 9th June 2009 As part of the Scottish Brass Band Association’s Band Week, Creetown Silver Band started its summer season with a very full week of engagements. These began on Saturday 30th with an appearance at Sorbie Tower at a clan Hannay event. The following night the band led an ecumenical service in Kirkmabreck church. The large congregation was very appreciative of the band’s contribution to the evening’s praise. On Monday it was the turn of the junior band to give its annual concert. The bandhall was almost full of parents, relations and friends including Mr Alan Edmunds, the development officer of the Scottish Brass Band Association, who was full of compliments on the performances. As well as band items, each youngster played a short solo. Special guests for the evening were the brass group from Whithorn Primary school, making a very enjoyable contribution. The band juniors ranged from 8 to 14 years old, but all gave confident and mature performances. The Alan Pearson shield for the most improved junior was presented to Caitlin Kerr by Mr Edmunds. After the normal rehearsal on Thursday the senior band concert was held on Friday. Although the audience turnout was slightly disappointing those present were treated to an enjoyable and at times thrilling concert. The music ranged from a new Burns selection to music with a definite French flavour and from a hymn tune arrangement to James Bond and Glenn Miller. Matt Hetherington impressed all evening with his playing on Soprano cornet which included a swinging solo break in Tuxedo Junction and, by comparison, as part of a duet with Jessica Jenkins in Pie Jesu. Also featuring were Jack Norgate with a superb Bass solo entitled The Bass in the Ballroom and Ralston McKay on Bass Trombone with a comedy interlude in a piece called Robert Burns 250. At the end the audience demanded more and two encores were delivered. 8th March 2009
The junior section had many successes at the
Galloway Music Festival. See the junior section of the website.
3nd February 2009
At a previous meeting the committee decided to
contribute £100 to the Marie Curie Appeal as its Christmas Charity donation
for 2008.
The band gave a concert on Sunday 1st
February in Gatehouse Parish Church. This was the Jimmy Gilmour Memorial
Concert, organised by the members of the band who live in Gatehouse.
Ex band members and friends of the band travelled
from various places in Scotland and England to play in this concert. There
was a very large and appreciative audience.
The concert programme was varied and contained two
marches which Jimmy had played in 1947 as a member of the “I’ll Mak Siccar”
band from Gatehouse of Fleet. There was also two joint items with the
Gatehouse Singers, Deep Harmony and Evening Song and Last Post. The latter
produced many a tear in the listeners
A new medley arranged by the conductor was
premiered, simply called Robert Burns 250. This marked the anniversary of the
poet as well as the Homecoming celebrations.
A collection of about £600 was collected for
Jimmy’s two favourite charities.
25th December 2008
The band has just completed another very busy
Christmas period. This included the band’s Christmas Concert which attracted
a good and vocal audience. The Junior band proved to be once again very
popular with the listeners. Other engagements were at Wigtown, the Isle of
Whithorn, Stranraer, Cally Hotel in Gatehouse, Kirkmabreck Parish Church,
Newton Stewart and Creetown. At every event the band was well received and
much appreciated.
18th June 2008
The junior section gave a very impressive concert
on 26th May. As well as group playing the youngsters played solos,
some with CD accompaniment and others accompanied by a group formed from
their tutors.
John Birse, a local boy, was presented with the
shield for the most improved junior of the year.
For the occasion the juniors wore their new band
polo shirts which were donated by Motorwise, a local garage.
The senior band gave two concerts, one in Gatehouse
Parish Church on the 8th June and the other in the Bandhall at
Creetown on the 13th June. The same programme was performed at
each venue.
The opening fanfare was especially composed to mark
the refurbishment of Adamson Square in Creetown. This was followed by a
programme of mainly light music with a few more serious pieces.
The first soloist was Janet McLennan who gave the
first and then the second performance of a new solo, Mini Variations for
Trombone, composed by the conductor. This was well played and enjoyed by the
audience.
The first half concluded with the jazz classic,
African Waltz. At this stage the Cairnsmore pipers entered to play some foot
tapping pie music.
Starting the second half with Skyward by Daryl
Barry, the next soloist was introduced. Jack Norgate played Four Preludes for
Tuba and Brass Band. This again was well played and showed that a tuba in the
right hands can exhibit many styles and moods.
The final item in the concert was the pop
favourite, Things, written by Bobby Darin. This was much appreciated by all
and an encore was demanded at both concerts.
30th April 2008Jack Norgate has taken over as secretary from Gillian McKnight. At a recent committee a band development plan was approved. This sets out targets for the next few years in attracting new members, young and old. The main focus will be taking the message of bands to as many local groups and schools as possible. The band members have agreed to give over the hall to a special committee so that funds can now be raised for the refurbishment of the hall as a local amenity. The band has laid down certain conditions which will be drafted into a legal agreement before further action can be taken. 4th January 2007 The year 2007 finished as usual with a very busy Christmas period. A new engagement was at the Ryan Centre at Stranraer where the band played for the Salvation Army at a carol service. Once again the band made a good impression and a request was made for a repeat next year. Rehearsals start on Thursday 10th January with the Junior section on Monday 14th. A special general meeting will be held on Monday 7th January at 7.30pm followed by a committee meeting. All members have been notified. 16th November On 30th November the band starts another very busy Christmas period of engagements. A list is given in the concerts page. On Armistice Sunday Jimmy Gilmour played the Last Post at Gatehouse for the 55th consecutive year. Well done! A small group from the band played at a short Armistice service at Creetown. Conductor Stuart McNab played the last post and reveille. This was his third performance of the day, having previously played at Minnigaff and Newton Stewart war memorials. Report on AGM 19th October 2007. Harry Heaver, a band member for about 60 years was elected as band president. Other posts filled were: Chairman: Dr David Hannay Treasurer and membership secretary: Denis Samways Committee members: J McLennan (Minute secretary), J S McNab (Conductor), J Norgate (Depute Conductor), Mrs J Warnock, Mrs C Kerr, Mr A McCornick and Mr G Currie. Gillian McKnight retired after 20 years as band secretary. The Chairman thanked her for all her work and made a presentation to her on behalf of the band. Unfortunately no member was willing to take up this position. The committee will attempt to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. In the meantime some of the tasks are to be distributed among the committee. Other points from the meeting. Despite not having a full band, all engagements were fulfilled last year. The band made 21 public appearances. The band urgently requires new members and efforts will be made to attract more learners to the junior section. The band finances are healthy but there is concern about the heating costs. There was much discussion about the future of the hall with respect to the Creetown Initiative. Members will be kept informed and consulted at every stage. The AGM will be held on Thursday 18th October 2007 in the bandhall, starting at 7.00pm. Members of the band were saddened to hear of the death of Jim Owen. Jim retired from the band two years ago and only recently was presented with a picture to mark his 56 years in the band. The band will be taking part in the funeral service on Friday 17th November. Jimmy Gilmour played the last post in his church at Gatehouse for the 54th year in a row. We wonder if this is a record? Can anyone better this? CREETOWN SILVER BAND IS SEEKING NEW PLAYERS. IF YOU LIVE IN THE CREETOWN AREA AND YOU PLAY A BRASS INSTRUMENT WHY
NOT GIVE US A CALL? CORNET PLAYERS PARTICULARLY WELCOME. PHONE GILL AT 01671403306 OR STUART AT 01671402542 At present our members travel from Kirkudbright, Gatehouse, Newton
Stewart, Whithorn and Colmonell. 16 October 2006 The band's AGM was held Thursday
5th October.The main change in the officebearers was that Ralston McKay
resigned as treeasurer after 15 years in the post. Denis Samways took over
the position. Four new committee members were appointed: Janet Mclelland
(minute secretary), Jack Norgate, Mrs Warnock and Mrs McRobert. Jack Norgate has agreed to conduct
the band during the christmas period in the absence of Stuart McNab, the
conductor. Dr Hannay, chairman, reported that
the request for a lottery grant had been submitted and that the result should
be known within a month. There was a discussion on the shortage
of players especially cornet players. Several had left recently for various
reasons. There will be a publicity campaign to try to attract new p[layers
and learners. 18 June 2006 The training band concert in May
was a great success. With a good audience composed of parents, relations,
friends and other members the young players produced an enjoyable concert.
The full group of 11 opened the concert. Most of them then played a solo with
CD accompaniment with the 4 more senior members plating as a quartet. At the
end the audience was treated to a cup of tea, cakes and biscuits provided by
some of the parents. On 17 June the band played at the wedding of Duncan the conductor's son
who was principal cornet before leaving to attend university. The band entertained
the guests in the hotel garden between the ceremony and the reception much to
the appreciation of those present. 22 April 2006 The band has donated £125 to Brass Band Aid. This amount represents the
band's 125th anniversary last year and was raised at the band's carol concert
in December 11th April 2006 3 months of hard work with Andy Holland as conductoir culminated in 3
concerts. The first was in the MacMillan hall, Newton Stewart, on Saturday
25th March. The following afternoon the band performed in the Council
buildings at Wigtown and the mini series was completed with a concert in the
bandhall on Thursday 30th March. At each concert the band played a wide
selection of music with solos being provided by Hugh Uriarte, Ralston Mackay,
A Holland sen and Jack Norgate. Despite low audience numbers at the first two
concerts the band gave creditable performances which were very well received
by those present. The training is now hard at work preparing a concert for
the end of May. 16th December 2005 Band menbers have decided not to contest the Scottish Championships in
2006. In order to give Stuart McNab a break, Andy Holland will take over as
conductor of the band from January 2006. This will be for a period of about 3
months and his spell as conducter will culminate in a concert or in the
production of a CD. 17th November 2005 See members section for news on two of our longest serving players. The AGM took place on Tuesday 15th November. As usual there was much discussion
about finance and the appointment of officials. Several new policies were
adopted including Child Protection, Employment of Offenders and Disclosure of
information. 2nd November 2005 The 125th anniversary celebrations came to a climax at the weekend with
the reunion social evening and the concert. On Saturday over 100 members, ex-members, relations and friends met in
the tea room of Creetown Gem Rock Museum for a social evening and buffet. Dr
Hannay, the band chairman, welcomed everyone and asked former treasurer, Mr
John Cutland, to propose a toast to the band. In his short speech Mr Cutland
traced the band's survival through many crises and how it always managed to
overcome them. Denis Samways thanked Mr Cutland and recited a short poem about the
best part of band practice, the tea break. Conductor Stuart McNab then gave a short talk on why he thought the
band had survived for so many years when others close by had not. The main
reason being the people who gave of their time to work for the band. The 125th anniversary raffle was drawn and then the company had time to
circulate and talk about the old and not so old days with the band. The following afternoon the reunion concert was held. The band
comprised 38 present and past players. With a good sized audience in the
school hall, including the secretary of the SBBA, the first half of the
concert was devoted to music from the band's history such as "The Black
Prince" and "Gems Of Scotia". In the second half a lighter and
more modern programme was played including "You Can Keep Your Hat
On" and "Jubilation" At the end both listeners and players agreed that the whole yearlong
venture had been very successful and worthwhile. 15th October 2005 The 125th Anniversary guest concert given by the Whitburn Band was a
huge success. Whitburn gave a high class performance which delighted and
impressed the large audience in the Newton stewart Cinema. The programme was
well chosen by the conductor Michael Marzella and included music by Porter,
Miller, McNab, Duncan and Arnold. Several soloists were featured, the star
being Katrina Marzella on Baritone. The reunion weekend on the 29th and 30th
October will comprise a social evening including a buffet in the Gem Rock
Museum tea room on the Saturday with a concert in the Douglas Ewart High
School on the Sunday at 2.oopm. 28th August 2005 The band has just completed its busy summer period of engagements which
seemed to be well received by listeners. Preparations are now in hand for the
band's "guest concert" featuring The Whitburn Band. As well as
being part of the band's 125th anniversary celebrations it is also part of
the Gaelforce Music festival. The concert is on 25th of September in the
Newton Stewart cinema. Tickets are now on sale and there is the prospect of a
sell-out. Plans for the reunion weekend are well advanced and the band is
practising hard for the concert. The music will include pieces which the band
has played throughout the years and which are mentioned in the history of the
band. Any ex band members who wish to attend this weekend are asked to
contact Gillian or Stuart (numbers given below) 11th June 2005 The band has just completed a very busy period in which events were
organised for the anniversary year as well as being included in Scottish Band
Week. A capacity audience attended the concert by the training band and
juniors. This was a great success. The band concert the following week was also well attended. The
audience was treated to an enjoyable concert by a band on top form. The tour of the area was marred by cold weather and strong winds but
the players overcame the conditions to complete the planned tour. Starting at
Newton Stewart the bus, courtesy of James King, picked up members to start at
Gatehouse at 10.00am. There followed short concerts at Cream O' Galloway,
Creetown, Whithorn, Wigtown, Kirkcowan and finally Newton Stewart. The next special anniversary event is the visit of the Whitburn Band in
September. Ex members should remember the reunion social and concert in October. 29th April 2005 CALLING ALL PAST PLAYERS All past players are invited to attend the 125th anniversary reunion
weekend on 28/29/30 October 2005. A social evening is planned for the Saturday Evening (29th) with a
massed band concert on the Sunday afternoon. Rehearsals for this will be held
on Friday 28 and Saturday afternoon if necessary. A recording may be made at
the concert. This will be a good opportunity to meet old friends (and not so old
friends) and once again to make music with them. Contact Stuart at 01671402542 or stuart@mcnab.org.uk or Gillian at
01671403306 7 April 2005 Events and concerts during the band's 125th anniversary year. Friday 20 May. Concert by juniors and learners including the training
band ans pupils of Creetown Primary and Minnigaff Primary Schools. In the
bandhall. Saturday 21 May. Galloway Garden Festival. Thursday 26 May. Band concert in Bandhall. Saturday 28 May. Anniversary tour of the area including Gatehouse and
towns and villages in the Machars. Thursday 9 June. Concert in Colmonell. Sunday 25 September. Anniversary concert by The Whitburn Band in the
Cinema, Newton Stewart at 2.00pm October 29/30 Past and present members' social event and massed
concert. Details to follow. 27 August 2004 At the recent committee it was decided that the AGM for 2004 would be
held on Thursday 7 October. The conductor proposed a calendar of band
concerts for the forthcoming year. The possible dates are 12 November, 16
December and 3 June 2005. These will be held in the Bandhall. 2005 will be the 125th anniversary of the band. A small sub committee
will be set up at the AGM to organise some event to recognise this occasion.
A concert with as many past members as possible is one suggestion. Further details of band engagements and the 125 year celebration will
appear on this site. 16 June 2004 On Friday 10 June the band held its annual summer concert in the
Bandhall. With a good audience present the band started with the march
Jessie's Dream followed by other pieces with a local flavour. The highlight
was the cornet solo The Caledonian superbly played by Andy Holland. Also
featured were two arrangements by the band's conductor: a duet called
Farewell My Love and a gaelic air, How Sweet This Lone Vale. The training band
then took the stage and played several short items, the star being Simon
McCormick who played Chitty Chitty Bang Bang unaccompanied. The second half
was more modern including My Way, Hymn To The Fallen and See You Later
Alligator. The final piece, the Best of ABBA, was received to rapturous
applause. A questionnaire given to members of the audience confirmed that
this had been a most enjoyable concert with a well chosen programme and a
high standard of playing. 26 April 2004 The exhibiton in Newton Stewart has created some interest. One section
is devoted to the mystery of the bass drum. From 1889 to 1950 a highly
decorated bass drum inscribed "Creetown Brass Band" was always on
display in photographs. After that date it was always a plain drum, which the
band still has. The band is requesting any information about that original
drum. It is also interesting to note that the name Creetown Brass Band does
not appear in any of the minute books or written histories of the band. 16the April 2004 The band has settled down to rehearsing for forthcoming concerts after
the concentrated effort put in for the Championships. The final placing of
6th was slightly disappointing but on listening to the recording, the
adjudicators' remarks seemed to be justified. A few of the training band have
now started attending the senior band and are settling in well. The band is
again having a display in the Newton Stewart Library as part of Scottish Band
Week. The one last year proved to be very successful and there have been many
requests for a repeat. The sections this year will be: miscellaneous photographs, the mystery
of the bass drum, a display of concert and other programmes. There will also
be a request for the public to subnit any stories, funny or otherwise, about
the band and its members. 27 February 2004 The band has entered the Scottish Championships at Motherwell in March
and is working very hard on the test piece. There have been some enforced changes to personel. Donald Munro, who
had only recently moved to Soprano, has now left the district to work.
However the band has secured the services of ex-player Eilidh Snell on
Soprano. To boost the horn section Ralston McKay (junior) has been persuaded to
return for the contest. The band is also delighted that Andy Holland (senior)
is now back in the fold and has slotted in to a vacancy on first baritone. Band members are keenly anticipating the visit of Richard Evans.
Richard who will be in the area preparing Dalmellington has agreed to take a
rehearsal at Creetown. His input and advice will undoubtedly add something to
the performance and give conductor and players a great boost before the
contest. 19 October 2003 At the AGM on 9th October Mr Terry Lee was elected as a new committee
member. Terry will assume the responsibilty for publicity and public
relations, having had considerable experience in this line. At the meeting he
outlined his aims and started discussions on a new logo for the band. A discussion took place on the proposed new uniform. A sub committee will
continue to look into possible designs and prices. Andy Holland has rejoined the band on his return to the village and has
taken the position of principal cornet. Donald Munro has moved to soprano. Alex Reynolds, who has recently moved to the area, has joined on Eb
Bass. With only a couple of positions to fill, the band is aiming to compete
in the Scottish Championships in March. Stuart McNab, who has conducted the band for 20 years, has gained a BA
(Hons) Band Studies from Sheffield University after three years of study at
Accrington and Rossendale College. At present 21 people are receiving instruction through the band
including 4 adults. This number also takes account of 6 pupils of Creetown
Primary who receive tiution from the conductor as part of an after school
club. 26 JUNE 2003 The band's conductor Stuart McNab has been awarded life membership of
the Scottish Brass Band Association in recognition of his fifty years service
to Brass Bands. The band participated in Scottish Band Week (17 to 31 May) by running
an exhibition in Newton Stewart Library. This was mainly a photographic
display which traced the history of the band from its inception in 1880. A brief history of the band was incorporated to supplement the
pictures. Added to this, several old documents, music, posters and programmes
were laid out for the public to view. This proved to be extremely popular and the band has since received
requests to repeat the exhibition. This will be done at a later date with
even more exhibits. All the photographs are now on permanent display in the bandhall thanks
to the carpentry sklls of Gordon Stafford. These can be viewed on request. The band concluded its input to the Scottish Band Week with a concert
in the Bandhall on Friday 30 May. To a capacity audience the band gave a very polished performance of
light music, the highlight being a vocal contribution from some of the senior
players of The Old Rustic Bridge. The training band, comprising 13 players of varying ages who receive
tuition at the band, contributed several items to the concert. Their
musicianship and obvious enthusiasm delighted the audince and resulted in a
well deserved encore. Committee news. The committee has conducted a survey among the band members to seek
their opinion on various topics including how to attract new players. Action
will be taken once the results have been analysed and fully discussed. 13 January 2003 At the AGM which was held in October Dr David Hannay was elected as
Band Chairman. He replaces Walter Wrigley who sadly passed away in April
2002. Walter will be sadly missed as he did much for the band in his time in
office. Gordon Stafford and Penny Munro were elected as committee members. It was reported that the band had carried out 27 public appearances in
the preceding year and had gained a reasonable 5th place at the Scottish
Championships. However, due to lack of players in key positions, it was
unlikely that the band would compete in 2003. 26-DEC-2002 The most improved Junior for 2002 was Kirsty McCann! Kirsty is a local girl and receives lessons the band's conductor. She
has recently been promoted from second cornet to repiano. 25-FEB-2002 The most improved Junior for 2001 was Repiano player Kathy Snell. Kathy
also plays the flute and piano. Not only did Kathy's playing improve
throughout the year, but also her attitude and attendance were excellent. Gordon Stafford was the most improved Senior player. A retired
gentleman, Gordon started to learn in January 2001 and such was his keenness
and application that he was playing in the Baritone section by September. During September and October 2001 the conductor visited several local
Primary schools in the area to give a talk on Brass instruments and Brass
Bands. As a result the band played at Minnigaff Primary School's carol
evening. A joint concert has been arranged with Wigtown Primary School and an
after school club will start very soon in Creetown Primary School. At this
club the pupils will be loaned instruments from the band and will receive
tuition from the conductor. More schools will be visited in March. Progress has been made in procuring funds to decorate the hall and
replace some windows. Talks are ongoing with the council with regards to the boundary wall. |
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