Christmas concert success at cricket club

The annual Christmas concert at Milnrow Cricket Club went ahead on Sunday (20 December) and was a resounding success despite the difficulties caused by the weekend snow fall.

Frances Thewlis, manager of the Co-operative Milnrow Band, spent most of Sunday watching weather reports and contacting players to ensure none were likely to be snow bound and Musical Director John Ward arrived in Milnrow early, having spent two hours on what should have been a forty minute journey from Leeds.

Mr Ward lifted the baton to commence the concert on time at 8.00pm, the first item "Christmas Joy" giving some indication of the festive atmosphere to be enjoyed by those present.

Donna Towse (Principal Cornet) wowed the audience with the first solo of the evening "Charivari" and other soloists to grace the spotlight were Chris Binns (Principal Trombone) with a special arrangement of "Silent Night", and Joanne Ward (Flugel Horn) playing "Away in a Manger".

Heather Crow (Second Horn) was nominated by the horn section to take a solo,and it was announced that it would be "Solo Secondo". The solo part consisted of the playing of only one note in various forms and tempos, ably played by Heather with band accompaniment. This item caused much hilarity with those present.

There was scope for some audience participation with such well known Christmas items as "Jingle Bells", "O Come all ye faithful"," White Christmas"," Christmas Song", "Comfort and Joy" and "Snow Waltzer" and of course "12 Days of Christmas" in which the audience, cajoled by Louise Plant, joined in with gusto.

Louise also persuaded several young members present to help her sing "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" in which one youngster excelled with his microphone and stage presence.

John Ward had obviously given much thought to the programme which also included "Yule Dance" and well known concert items "The Hustle", "Stop the Cavalry", "Shine as the Light" and "Letter from Home".

A show stopper in the form of Toccata in D Minor featuring "finger gymnastics" from most of the band was so well received that the band was persuaded to perform a couple of curtain calls before being allowed to leave the stage.

During the evening the usual raffle and collection were organised by Jim and Val Fitton, Band Chairman and Secretary, assisted by John and Gwen Smith. These were well supported and the amounts received will help to fund the band`s next contest appearance, which will be at Butlins Skegness on the weekend of 23 January 2010.

Band President Ken Watts said: "The successful Co-operative Milnrow Band members, Officials and Committee would like to thank the Management and Committee of Milnrow Cricket Club for the use of facilities and for its continued support.

"We also extend thanks to The Co-operative for support given over the past 11 years and also to you our local viewing and listening public for supporting our efforts to keep Milnrow as a first class Championship Section Brass Band.

"Christmas Greetings to you all and may 2010 be as brilliant for you as we anticipate it will be for the Co-operative Milnrow Band."