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History : 2017

part two

Remembrance Service Parade Remembrance Day Farnham 2017

Alder Valley Brass led the Remembrance Service parade through the streets of Farnham this morning. It was an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces.

The event began with the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Mike Hodge and local dignitaries joining the parade and assembling at the War memorial for 10.45am. The Last Post was played by principal cornet player, Steve Burgess. At 11am, everybody paused for a two-minute silence. This was followed by Reveille also played by Steve Burgess.

After the service, representatives from the services, armed services and youth organisations took part in a march past led by Alder Valley Brass. The salute was taken outside Farnham Town Council’s office in South Street by the Mayor of Farnham and visiting dignitaries including Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Bill Biddell. The morning concluded with a service at St. Andrew’s Church.

St Andrews church service Farnham 2017
Alan and Tracey Frampton presenations Frampton presentations

Alan Frampton and his wife Tracey, have now moved from Aldershot and gone to live near their daughter in Essex. This has meant that Alan has left Alder Valley Brass. There was a presentation to Alan and Tracey at the end of the church service in Farnham recently. Alan was presented with vouchers for the garden by Roy Hancock, Trustee and chairman of Alder Valley Brass, and thanked for the many years of service which he had given to the band. Tracey was presented with flowers, for the support which she had given at concerts and when collectors were needed for charity, by Liz McGrath, Trustee and solo horn player.

2017 Woking Poppy Appeal Launch Woking Poppy

In October Alder Valley Brass were at the launch of the 2017 Woking Poppy Appeal. There were many hours of music played in the centre of Woking.

scaba Autumn 2017 contest
Steve Burgess scaba

Congratulations are in order for Steve Burgess, who was awarded Best Instrumentalist for the first section at scaba (the local association for Brass Bands in the Southern Counties of England) autumn 2017 contest.

Well done also to The Band who came 4th for the hymn tune and 6th in the test piece.

The band at the scaba contest 2017
Farnham Bandstand August 2017
Farnham Bandstand

Every Sunday during the summer, Farnham residents enjoy live music from 3-5pm in Gostrey Meadow under the title Music in the Meadow. In August Alder Valley Brass entertained the crowd, who brought along picnics or enjoyed the refreshments from the tea tent, while they listened to the music.

The Emsworth Show August 2017
Emsworth Show

The Sun shone and there was a light breeze - a perfect day for the 98th Emsworth Horticultural Show. A marvellous show was enjoyed by thousands of visitors. Alder Valley Brass played for the show goers and in the marquee exhibits were of a very high standard. In the main arena there was a succession of entertaining events including the quack pack and falconry, and in the small arena the dog show was as popular as ever. There was really something for everyone. After this event AVB had their summer social, spending time on a boat trip before going for an evening meal together.

Andy Short
Andy Short

We are sorry to say goodbye to Andy Short, who is leaving us to go to University. We wish you well Andy.

Andy has been a member of the band for 9 years and has played in various bands at school and the East Hampshire Schools Brass Band. When he went to college he played in the Jazz Band and Big Band. When he left college he stopped playing for a few years, and then decided he wished to resurrect his playing and joined Friary Guildford Band on Eb Bass. After a few years a vacancy arose on 2nd baritone, which he filled, and felt more suited to this instrument, also having less to carry around! He subsequently joined Alder Valley Brass on baritone.

The Bourne Show August 2017
Bourne Show

The Bourne Show, with its idyllic setting and carnival atmosphere, is one of the high points of the Farnham summer season. The traditional village show, which has taken place on the Bourne Green, Lower Bourne in Farnham for nearly 90 years, provided a great afternoon out for all the family and raised money for local charities and good causes. The band played at Bourne Show for several hours on what was a lovely summers day. There were hundreds of people there to listen to the music, take part in the show and also bring along their classic cars.

Henley Royal Regatta finals day July 2017
Henley Royal Regatta finals day

The sun shone and the crowds were out for Henley Royal Regatta finals day, which this year was on Sunday July 2nd 2017. The band took part in the ‘Music by the River' series of concerts. People came along with their picnics, sat in the park and listened to the popular music which was played.