This should have been a picture of the Band playing this afternoon at the Christmas Trees Festival in
Trinity Church in Whaley Bridge.  The day got off to a brilliant start in sunshine, but this didn't last and by
mid morning the snow had started.  Not just a few light flakes, but serious stuff settling on already icy ground.

Rather than risk players' safety on treacherous roads, we took the decision to cancel our performance at the church, who were very understanding and fully agreed that safety comes first. 

And with the benefit of hindsight........it was exactly the right decision as the snow continued throughout the afternoon and by 4pm, when we would have been driving home, was lying several inches thick.  Disappointing that we couldn't play, but always better safe than sorry. 

Whaley Bridge woke up to winter this morning after heavy overnight snow turned the village white.
But that didn't stop the celebrations and it was "Christmas as Usual" in the village.  When the Lantern parade arrived in the station car park the nativity service got underway with the Band accompanying the carol singing.

The villagers were in good voice and just to prove it sang a verse of Hark the Herald all on their own without the Band.  Well done the choir!

And after the service, more carols - plus of course Rudolph and Jingle Bells - outside the Mechanics Institute.  Although the warmth inside the Mechanics was very tempting on such a cold evening, we stayed "covid safe" in the fresh air with our Christmas spirit keeping us warm. 

After missing out last year due to Covid lockdown, Remembrance Day was once again celebrated in
Whaley Bridge, with the newly restored War Memorial looking magnificent.

The Band started the service with a stirring march to inspire the procession as it climbed up the hill bearing flags and standards, and accompanied the congregation for the hymns and two verses of the National Anthem.

And of course, the Last Post and Reveille.  Many thanks to Javan a very moving performance.