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We were delighted to be invited back to play at the Donington Christmas Fayre again. We played on the stage in the hall of the Thomas Cowley School. We had a varied audience - the hall was also used for the sale of refreshments so we had a fluctuating audience, but we ewere well received.

We were due to start at 12.00 but they were running late and we didn't get started until 12.45. We were due to restart at 2.00pm but, again, they were running late.

Donington Christmas Fayre

5th December - Carols at Sainsbury's, Spalding

First Saturday in December see's us playing carols! We were playing outside Sainsbury's in Spalding. It was very windy but we were fairly sheltered. Lots of nice comments from the public.

5th December - Carols at Band's fund-raising Bingo

We treated our bingo-players to some carols for the December bingo session. We had a good turnout for only playing for 15 minutes. Bingo players sang along with enthusiasm.

6th December - St Nicholas Fayre, Holbeach

Our annual visit to the Holbeach St. Nicholas fayre.The Fayre took place inside the All Saints Church, Holbeach. We followed a series of choirs from local schools, and were the last item before the closing Christingle Service. We played Christmas Concert pieces for about 45 minutes.

6th December - Carols at Holbeach Hospital

Following the St Nicholas Fayre, we went straight on to Holbeach Hospital. The Hospital held their 'Christmas cakes and craft' afternoon and we were pleased to play some carols to close the afternoon. We had nearly a full band at the Church and most went to the hospital. It was a bit of a surprise for the hospital, who were concerned at the noise of a full band, but we were apply to play quietly to the enjoyment of the patients.

7th December - Carols at Masonic Hall, Spalding

A small(ish) group played a few carols for the St Godric Lodge following their usual meeting.

8th December - Holbeach Rotary Club Street Collection

This was our second time helping Holbeach Rotary Club with the Santa collection. We provided Santa (thanks Mike) and group of 12 band members and family/friends followed Santa's Sleigh around the streets of Holbeach. We walked about 7 miles in two and a half hours going from door to door.

11th December - Concert at Donington Church

A return visit to Donington Church of St Mary and the Holy Rood. The heating broke down last year and we played in our winter coats. The heating worked this year, but it was still quite chilly!

Wr played a concert of Christmas pieces mixed with carols. It was a good concert and the audience enjoyed it.

12th December - Carols at Holland Market, Spalding

This was our first time playing carols in Holland Market rather than playing at a supermarket. And it was cold and wet and windy! Fortunatley there was a covered walkway which we used for shelter so we were able to keep reasonably dry although the wind blew the rain at us! Due to the weather, there were not many eople around.

13th Concert at W.I. Hall, Holbeach

Arguably our best concert of the season! We played a range of Christmas pieces mixed with carols for the audience to sing. There was some very good playing by the band to an enthusiastic audience.

We also provided a plentiful supply of sandwiches and cakes for the audience to enjoy afternoon tea (included in the price) at half-time. The band's magnificent helpers (comprising family members and friends) did a wonderful job providing the food, serving the audience with drinks and washing up and clearing up.

16th December - Carols at Masonic Hall, Spalding

A small(ish) group played a few carols for the Welland Lodge following their usual meeting.

18th December - Concert at Tydd St Mary

Another thoroughly enjoyable concert. We were made very welcome at St Mary's Church. It's a small church and we knew it would be a tight fit, but they had removed a couple of fixed pews to give us more room.

The concert went very well, with many good comments from the audience. A choice of soup at the half-time interval was a nice change.

The audience were the best we have had at singing this year. They even snag descants to some of the carols - very impressive.

19th December - Carols at Holland Market, Spalding

Back to Holland Park shopping centre for the last Saturday.The weather was unseasonably mild. Band members who wore jumpers under their winter coats got a bit hot under the collar!

We had a visit from the shopping centre manager who had not been told of our pre-aaranged visit. We then had a visit from the Spalding Community Church choir who had heard us playing and asked if they could sing with us. Thta caused the centre manager more consternation! But it worked quite well.

22nd December - Carols round the Tree

Another visit to All Saints Church, Holbeach. We provided the carols for sining around the Christmas Tree outide the Church. It started so well! Pleasant weather, quite warm. We played for half an hour or so then there was a drop of rain followed by an absolute deluge! We got very wet in the time it took to move into the Church for the last carol.

24th December - Carols at Tesco, Holbeach

Our usual spot in the entrance porch to Tesco Store in Holbeach. We were dry and quite warm, ddespite the wet and windy weather outside.

30th December - Party Time

We had our Christmas Party instead of band Pracitce. It was at the Services Club in Holbeach where there was a licensed bar.Around 50 band members and families came and provided the food for a buffet supper. There was a quiz (thanks, Jess) and games of Bingo and Beetle Drive. And a good time was had by all.

Website designed created and maintained by Mel Hopkin

Musical Director : Mel Hopkin Email address: enquiries@holbeachtownband.org.uk Back Lane, Holbeach, Lincolnshire PE12 7LN (click for map)

Celebrating 40 years of Banding 1971 to 2011

Musical Director : Mel Hopkin

Email address: enquiries@holbeachtownband.org.uk

Back Lane, Holbeach, Lincolnshire PE12 7LN (click for map)