ANNUAL REPORT CARLTON BAND ORGANISATION YEAR ENDING 31ST DEC 2005

As Chairman of Carlton Brass and in the absence of an elected chairman of the Carlton Band Organisation, it falls to me to make the following report Annual Report on all of the groups within the Organisation:

Nottingham City Transport Band

Sadly, I have to report that at a greatly delayed AGM held 8th May 2005, it was decided by unanimous vote of those present that the affairs of NCT Band be wound up. The final blow was possibly a decision by the regional contesting committee not to accept their late entry for the regional qualifying contest. Subsequently, following an extended period of failure to find sufficiently experienced players to support a 1st Section Band, no officers were prepared to stand on NCT Band Committee (Which was also the Organisation Committee) and in consequence a only a small  Committee was selected to wind  up affairs , comprising Dave Hill, Andrew Allison, John Gregory and  John Davis. It was proposed that one further engagement be honoured with the co-operation of Carlton Brass, and this last performance very successfully took place in the Market Square, Nottingham on 29th May, with a combination of players, under NCT colours. It was further proposed that a final Reunion of NCT players past and present, along with other invited guests, should take place to celebrate the considerable success and achievement over the period of operation. It was also proposed, that a Trophy/cup be engraved to provide some ongoing tribute to NCT Band. Although windup and transfer of assets to the ongoing Organisation was forecast to take only 3 months, this remains incomplete.

Carlton Brass

The association with Lakeside, continues to work well and under the greatly valued encouragement of David Bond, our President , Carlton Brass has enjoyed another highly successful year, entering seven contests under Tony’s baton and attaining Four 1st places and Two 2nd Places. The band has consolidated its place at the upper end of the second section and is poised for further progress.

In addition to 7 contests the band performed at a further 26 varied events, held a social and organised an open entertainment contest for other bands.

Facilitated by David Bond who took a very active part in proceedings, this contest was held on an island in the grounds of Lakeside, and for me it was the highlight of the year. Whilst motivated by Tony, our first attempt at organising such a contest for others, made use of Janet and John Bailey’s vast experience the Brass Band world to co-ordinate the event. It must certainly have enhanced our standing in the eyes of the Band movement. The efforts of David’s team of staff at Lakeside to make all welcome and their hard work as ever was greatly appreciated by our members. Hopefully, this great social event is to be repeated this year but not only this, the prospect of the possibility a second visit to France by the Band will also keep Janet and John very busy again this year.

Last year, and ongoing, events continue to be recorded on Ray’s brilliant Carlton Brass Website, relieving me of the need to give a blow by blow account.

The most tragic event of the year has to be the sudden and unexpected loss of Hayley. With deep regret I have to report the tragic death of Hayley Donze caused by a rare but highly virulent form of Meningitis. The loss was devastating to all who knew her and our thoughts continue to be with Martin, Michelle, Kim and their family, but her spirit lives on.

In addition, again with deep regret, I have to announce the untimely death of former member Lorraine Briggs. Fondly thought of by all, she will long be remembered as one of the bands truly outstanding characters.

Carlton Brass Training Band

The Training Band continues to make sustained progress under Claire’s Musical Directorship, supported by Gwen and the sub-committee, which now on the verge entering its third year unchanged except for the addition of Martin as Band Sergeant. Promisingly there are a number of family ties of varied age within the make up of the Training Band, and this bodes well for future stability. During the Year the Training Band undertook 25 public performances of which 14 were during the 3 weeks up to Xmas. Again the Training Band website which Phil Scott organises relieves me of the need to provide the details. Perhaps the two highlights of the year were the Burton Joyce Concert, our first official full length concert and the unusual Xmas event a for the National Trust at Southwell Workhouse, where amazingly the audience not only sang along, but knew all of the words to even the little known Carols, which was just as well because the whole event carried out was in almost complete darkness.

Sadly I have to report the death of Pauline Kirk who will be greatly missed. Pauline, a late comer to learning to play Horn, was also librarian to the Training Band. With family ties to membership of Bestwood Black Diamonds Band, it was appropriate that a few of their members teamed up with the Training Band to provide music at Pauline’s funeral.

Carlton Brass Training Band Beginners

Gwen, as Assistant MD Carlton Brass TB, continues to provide greatly valued training to beginners,

of all ages. Amongst a host of other roles within TB, Gwen keeps track on attendance and has provided the following interesting statistical information:

Training Band commenced the year (2005) with 36 members, losing 6 during the year. Of these 5 simply discontinued attendance and we sadly miss Pauline Kirk who died last Sept.

We finished the year with 36 members having gained 3 new people with some experience, plus 3 from the beginner’s band.

Carlton Band Beginners started the year with 9 beginners, losing 3 to the training band and one left in April after 9 months. We also had 3 children visit short term.

The beginners group finished the year with 11, having gained 2 new adults and 4 new children.

Carlton Band Organisation.

Despite the loss of NCT and other setbacks, the organisation faces a bright future with Tony providing much of the motivation and Michelle shouldering the brunt of organisational effort.

However, with Carlton Brass now taking over the lead position within the organisation, the ongoing committee takes on additional responsibility so it will mean a lot of hard work, and will demand co-operation and support of all parties. May I thank you all for your efforts last year, without singling out individuals for praise, and if I am re-elected I am confident that I can rely all of you to play your part in 2006.

John Hunt

Chairman Carlton Brass