During the events at Toddbrook Reservoir, the whole county had eyes on Whaley Bridge.  Despite the torrential rain on Wednesday 31st July which caused the damage to the dam, we still managed to get to rehearsal in our bandroom in Kettlehulsme that evening, even though the road had been closed due to flooding earlier in the day.  And many of the players even drove through the centre of Whaley, little knowing at that stage of the danger they were in.

By Tuesday of the following week the rescue was still ongoing and it was uncertain whether the roads would be open by Wednesday, which would be our final rehearsal for our scheduled engagement at Chatsworth on Saturday.  Reluctantly we decided to err on the side of caution and cancel the rehearsal, and therefore also the Chatsworth engagement.  A difficult decision, but without that final rehearsal we wouldn't do ourselves justice in such a prestigious location.  And Chatsworth, of course, were totally sympathetic and fully understanding given the circumstances, and will invite us back next year.

The sun shone for the Band's annual performance in the bandstand in Buxton Pavilion Gardens.  A good  crowd enjoyed the varied programme and contributed generously to band funds.  A real pleasure to perform for such an appreciative audience.

This year the Band played on the Carnival field at Whaley Bridge Bowling Club instead of leading the the parade.  A break with tradition but a great success, enabling the audience to enjoy a varied programme of music rather than just a few bars as the band marched passed. So a new tradition established for next year. 

A new location for the Whaley Bridge Well Dressing this year at the "Art Box" on the station approach. The Blessing Ceremony was well attended and a small ensemble from the Band accompanied the hymns. 

Whaley Bridge paid tribute on the 75th anniversary of D Day with a small celebration at the War Memorial in the park, with Laurie on hand to play the Last Post & Reveille..

Our first engagement of the year, St Patrick's Night at Kettleshulme Village Hall.
And what a good night it was, to be sure.
Certainly a colourful occasion with the band "Wearing of the Green" in a magnificent array of costumes.  
And a varied programme of Irish music, north and south, old and new with plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in with Danny, Molly and well known Irish figures.

Many thanks to our friends helping us out, Mike on Rep, Andy on Bass Trombone and Dave on Eb bass.  

All members of the Band, some accompanied by partners, enjoyed a meal at The Swan in Kettleshulme last week. Excellent food and a very sociable occasion, time to relax together after our busy Christmas season.  Many thanks to Sheila and Jenny for organising the event,  

The grand finale to our 2018 Christmas Season - a four-hour, fundraising carol fest at Tesco's in Whaley Bridge.  All credit to everyone for their stamina, both playing and manning the collection buckets.  

Huge thanks to Tesco Whaley Bridge, the staff for their hospitality and enthusiasm, and the customers for their generosity in donating a fantastic £700 to our band funds.

Our biggest Christmas event, great to play on "home ground" at Whaley Bridge Bowling Club. The programme included plenty of old favourites, as well as some new pieces.  

Thank you to James and Dave for boosting the Bass section, Andy L on the front cornet row, and Andy C, with an eleventh hour switch to euphonium.  We really appreciate all your support.

Carols at Alderbrook is a real high spot in our Christmas schedule!  The audience are so enthusiastic in both their singing and their applause.  And some even join Sheila on the podium to conduct the band.  
Everything we played went down well, with Rudolph and Jingle Bells the special favourites.
What a privilege to perform for such a receptive crowd of people.