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Ayscoughfee Gardens 2011 |
The Band was formed in 1971 as the Holbeach Community Band and
was renamed Holbeach Town Band in 2000. It is a traditional
brass band and takes its members from the Holbeach and Spalding
areas of South Lincolnshire and surrounding villages.
LINK to history of the band.
LINK to LP record made in the 1970s
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Membership
The Band is very much a family affair with many members having relatives
in the band - parents, children, brothers, sisters. The Band is
always keen to attract new members from experienced players and
from those willing to learn or to improve their playing. Members
pay a nominal subscription of 50p per week, but children are FREE!
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Hovendon House 2010
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Logo on Band Jumper
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Uniform
The Band's first uniform was a burgundy blazer and matching tie.
In the 1980s this was changed to a grey blazer.
The current uniform dates from Autumn 2000, and
is purple jumper with band logo, white shirt, black bow tie and
black trousers/skirt. We have added a cap or panama hat for the
summer. T-shirts are available from the band
shop. In 2008 we added a black straight tie with logo for
informal events. We also added a cravat with logo for the ladies.
In 2010 we added a Winter coat in black with band logo.
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Last Night of the Proms at Long Sutton Church 2008
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Practice details
The band practices in its own bandroom in Back lane, Holbeach, Lincolnshire.
Practices are held each Wednesday evening and start at 7.30pm and
finish at 9.30pm.
From 6.30pm to 7.30pm before practice the band holds training sessions
for its learner group. From 7.00pm members of the main band
join to help the learners play simple pieces. The learners are encouraged
to join the main band. |
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Open
days
The band opens its doors for a half or whole day during school holidays
to allow visitors to look around and to try brass instruments under
the band's instruction. These Open days have resulted in a significant
number of new members, both from those wishing to learn and from former
players interested in rejoining a brass band. In most years
we hold Coffee Mornings which are quite successful in attracting visitors
- visitors are offered a drink and have a look at a display of instruments
and music. Local schools are always invited
to the Open Days.
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Fundraising
The band is totally self-financing, receiving
its income from weekly membership fees (50p per week for adults),
engagements and carol-playing. By far the largest income is from
fund-raising events organised by Les and Brenda.and from monthly bingo which are now organised by a sub-Committee led by Kim and Dennis
Les and Brenda's fund-raising events include a stall
outside the bandroom every Saturday, table-top sales at the Holbeach
Community Centre. Each year they present the band
with a cheque for the proceeds of their year's fundraising. In December
2010 the cheque was for £2,000.
Kim and Dennis re-started the Band's Bingo sessions in August. It was a modest success. The bingo sessions are continuing on the third Friday of every month at the Women's Institute Hall.
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December 2010:
Brenda and Les presenting cheque to Chairman Yvonne Butter,
Musical Director Mel Hopkin and Treasurer Diane Parker
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