A new loss to the band, however, has been that of front row cornet and flugel player, Basil King.   For the past five years Basil has given immense help to the band, not only with his playing and conducting, but also passing on his expertise to younger players.  At Christmas, however, Basil decided to retire from brass band playing and we thank him most sincerely for his work.

Welcome

The loss of six first class players at the end of 2007 has rather put a lot of pressure on those that are left and we will have to work hard to get over this setback. I am pleased to say though, that not all is gloomy because we have four new players. Claire Webber, previously with us for a short time, has returned on front row cornet and Iain Smith has joined us on back row. The trombone section has recruited Alison Richards, on 2nd trombone and the bass section has benefited from the membership of Jan Appleton on Eb Bass, both having come through from the training section.  We hope they have all have a happy and long association with the band.

Other moves.

While Stephanie Hunter had her baby, another little boy, and we send our congratulations to Stephanie and Jonathan, Eloise Brooks moved into the principal cornet seat and has been playing there for some time.

Stephanie herself has taken up the position of Bandmaster. She has been looking after the Training Band on Saturday mornings and now takes the step up to the full band, so we wish her the best of luck.

Liane Squibb has taken over as Principal Euphonium and Steve Rogers has become Principal Trombone. We are very lucky to have such accomplished players who can move into these seats.

Simon Parkin has become Assistant Band Sergeant, with responsibilities for the weekly running of the band, and Helen Parkin has taken over the responsibility for band uniforms.

It has been a pleasure to welcome back Steve Hutchins on BBb Bass who has been away for most of the year through a hip operation.  We have missed him and are very pleased he is now back playing.

David Watson

Froxfield Memorial Hall, the spiritual home of Phoenix Brass and which is maintained by the band for the people of Froxfield, has been granted a Lottery Grant towards it’s refurbishment.  This will go a fair way to paying for the improvements and the current chairperson of the management committee, our MD, David Watson, is to be congratulated on the success of his hard work in the submission of the bid.

Web-master