Briton Ferry Silver Band

On Sunday, 12th February 2012, the Band held their AGM.  At this meeting it is tradition that we present two awards; Bands Person of the Year and Most Improved Player.  Even though all band members are volunteers, throughout the year, they all show a great deal of commitment and dedication to the band and these awards are given to show our appreciation. This year, the Most Improved Player award went to Cara Pearce (repiano) and the Bands Person of the  Year award was given to Christian Jenkins (former MD). Congratulations to you both and thank you for your hard work and dedication.  Embarrassing photos to follow!

Due to the retirement of our current Musical Director,  Christian Jenkins, Briton Ferry Silver Band would like to announce and welcome our new MD, Rhodri Griffiths.  We are very much looking forward to new challenges ahead and to achieving great things with Rhodri.  More information on Rhodri to follow!

Whilst it is exciting times, it is also a time of mixed emotions.  Christian has been our MD for the past 8 years and has worked hard and has achieved a lot with us for which we are very, very grateful.  So, on behalf of all at Briton Ferry Silver Band, I would like to thank Christian for all his hard work, effort and dedication. 
 
It is not all sad though as we will not be loosing Chris completely as he is now going to be a playing member of the band taking up his seat on 2nd Euphonium.  Just in time for  the Christmas Carolling period!

Over the coming weeks, events will be taking place in Victoria Gardens. We will be ‘kicking things off’ on Saturday, 26th November at 1pm with a range of music (including Christmas carols to get you in the Festive spirit!) and there will also be a Family Craft workshop. 

We will also be taking part in the Victorian Christmas event which is taking place on Saturday, 17th December from 2pm.  Also taking part in this event with be the Neath Bell Ringers, NPT College Catering students will have a food stand and a Christmas Service with Carols will end the evening in true Christmas fashion. 

To find out more about different events taking place in Victoria Gardens, contact Sarah Mayberry-Thomas (Monday to Wednesday) on 01639 686775 or email victoriagardens@npt.gov.uk

This Saturday (12th November), the band is very pleased
to be taking part in the Royal British Legion Concert in Maesteg Town
Hallin anticipation of Armistice Day on Sunday. Also
taking part in the concert will be Noteworthy Mixed Choir and Maesteg Gleemen
Male Voice Choir. The concert starts at 7pm (tickets available at the door).
 The Band are also taking part in Briton Ferry Remembrance Service. 4pm at the Cenotaph in Briton Ferry.

A good result was had at this contest with the band winning 3rd prize in the Second Section playing an own choice test piece called Triptych by Philip Sparke.  The band played very well  and the adjudicator made some very positive comments along with some points to improve on. Overall a pleasing result.  Due to an unfortunate accident, conductor Christian Jenkins was unable to take us to the contest and Jeff Pearce kindly stepped at the last minute and we would like to thank him very much for doing so.  You’ll be pleased to know that Christian is on the
mend and will be in rehearsal again this week!
Full coverage of the contest can be found at http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=14054

A lovely afternoon of music was had at Victoria Gardens, Neath as part of the National Bandstand Marathon.  The weather was pleasant and the park was busy with people passing through and others staying to listen.  The Band performed an enjoyable and varied 2 hour programme.  The Band would like to thank Sarah Maybery-Thomas of Victoria Gardens for looking after us very well and supplying us with tea and coffee at half time!  We were also featured in the Evening Post with a very lovely picture of Charlotte Jones and Allan Maggs. http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Band-hits-high-notes/story-13404628-detail/story.html

We will be back in the Bandstand on Saturday, 26th November and also on Saturday 17th December as part of the Christmas festivities.  Further details on these events to follow.

On Sunday, the Band will be performing at Victoria Gardens taking part in a national event, the Bandstand Marathon.  On this day, at the same time, bandstands across the country will be filled with the sound of music.  Please come along and support us.  It will be a lovely afternoon of music (weather permitting)!
For further information, please visit Neath Port Talbot’s ‘What’s On’ guide. http://www.npt.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=2487&event_id=7833

A bit of a disappointing result for the Band today, coming 9th in a combined section contest (2nd, 3rd and 4th section former colliery bands).  However, the Band enjoyed their performance of MacArthur Park, Sandpaper Ballet, I’ll Walk with God and Jubilation. 
Sandpaper Ballet, the Band’s entertainment piece, was well executed and received featuring Peter Neill (2nd Cornet), Elinor Williams (Percussion) and Christian Jenkins (Conductor), playing sandpaper blocks!!  Adjudicators comment “It’s still a classic!”
A write up on the contest and full results can be found at www.4barsrest.com
No rest for the wicked though as the Band has to rehearse hard for their next contest in Burry Port on Saturday, 8th October 2011.  Back to it chaps!!

A very lucky little cat has today been rescued having been found in the bandroom car park, very undernourished, dehydrated and cold.  Having made several calls to various organisations, the RSPCA put us in touch with a local vet (Afon Veterinary Surgery) who took care of her and gave her the medical treatment that she needed.  Carylann Battenbough named her Triptych.  There is a happy ending to this story, after spending a few days in the care of the vet, Conductor, Christian Jenkins and Secretary, Hayley Jenkins have adopted her.  We are pleased to announce that she is doing well although she does have a long way to go as she is very undernourished.  We will keep you updated on her progress! Here is a photo of her now. 

Briton Ferry Silver Band brought home some silverware from this contest after coming 2nd in the Third Section with a performance of Celtic Suite.  A full line up of results can be found at www.4barsrest.com