As well as performing in this area, the band have travelled to various towns around the country and have been abroad on several occasions.

We have had trips to Oxford (twice), Bedford, London, Waterford (Ireland), Bielefeld (Germany), Neerpelt (Belgium), Paris (France), plus the following:

CENTER PARCS 2006 (Whinfell Forest, Penrith)

A bit of a band trip with a difference this one - we didn't take our instruments!! Due to the recent baby boom within the band, we decided to stay in this country and go on a more "family orientated" trip. We offered to play a concert at Center Parcs but they didn't really want us to so that meant more room for beer and meat! Each of our Exclusive lodges had a barbeque so we took up £300 worth of meat and bread for our "Family Orientated" parties.

The journey up there took 3 hours due to an accident on the motorway so eventually we managed to start the barbeque and had a couple of glasses of wine each (which for some reason took until 5.00 on Saturday morning to drink!). Somewhere along the way, someone decided to put bubble bath in the whirlpool bath and a mass soaking duly followed with most people having a dunk at some point.

Saturday was either taken up by doing some of the activities (swimming and golfing in my case), recovering from Friday night or "warming up" for the Saturday night! Saturday night came and most people went to the pub to do the quiz (good excuse) except me, Sue Chris & Kath who stayed in for a "quiet night" to babysit. Despite the fact their quiz team was 28 strong, they managed to win bugger all and when they arrived back at the lodges, me and Chris decided to have one last drink with them and go to bed so that we'd be fresh in the morning. 3 hours (and a couple of boxes of wine) later, we went to bed.

Again Sunday daytime was taken up in much the same way as Saturday with some people trying out the Spa, some going abseiling and such like and some going out for Sunday Lunch. The evening started off with another barbeque but I think most of the meat ended up being cooked in the oven as it seemed the coals we were using were actually lumps of rock rather than charcoals! The evening ended at a more reasonable time.

Despite the weather's best efforts to spoil the weekend, everyone seemed to enjoy it. Speaking personally, I thought it was great - to be away from reality for a weekend in a gang of 32 people who, by and large, all get on really well together is something many people will never experience and it's one of the great things about being part of the band. It's not just about the drinking (even though it may sound that way!) but it's just about being with the members of the band in a relaxed atmosphere and no worries and I think we are all very lucky to be able to do things like this (if anyone didn't enjoy themselves, then just ignore my ramblings - I always get depressed when I come back from these trips!!). Here's to the next one!!!


COLOGNE 2005

On 11th August 2005, 42 members and followers of the band travelled to Cologne, Germany for our 'band trip'. On Sunday, 41 of us came back, but more about that later! We were met at the airport, and helped all weekend, by Manfred who had been contacted by Peter Bamber who once again did an excellent job in arranging this trip and the concerts for us (helped by Kath and Pete). Manfred helped us and took us on several small tours and the band are very grateful to him for this.

We had free time on the Thursday to suss out our drinking spots for the rest of the weekend, which turned out to be quite an easy and enjoyable task - especially for some members of our group who shall remain anonymous! On Friday, many of us went to the Chocolate Museum - a 10 minute walk that took us at least 1 hour - maybe a map (or at least someone who could read one) would have been a good idea. This was followed by a visit to the town hall and our first concert later in the afternoon just outside a pub/restaurant. Again certain people took advantage of this situation, and sampled the local brews to excess (non-players, I might add!). Another night out followed and another Armoured Carrier was ordered by the Irish Bar to take away the nights takings!

On Saturday, we had a guided tour of the town by Manfred and then a boat ride up the Rhine before our second concert in a park. Again the local bar provided the band with welcome refreshments during the 1 hour performance. Manfred's father, Adi conducted the band for a piece (The Stein Song) and then Manfred was presented with a gift from the band for all his help. As it did the day before, the weather managed to stay fine until we had packed up when the rain came. To most of us this meant the signs were good for another night out. And so it was. Another tour of the town saw one or two of us try to make the most of our last chance to try the German Beer which led on to what will perhaps be one of our funniest moments, (once he's had chance to look back on it).

One of our supporters (and I'm really sorry Andrew for making light of this, but it IS an absolute classic) was walking through the x-ray machine at the airport on Sunday when he was asked to lift his arms. At this exact point, the beer he had been drinking last night decided to make a re-appearance (along with the usual serving of carrots), narrowly missing the frosty-faced security guard and ensuring that Andrew was forbidden from boarding the aircraft with us, and having to spend another night in Cologne before (hopefully) catching Monday's flight! Several people had to take pieces of equipment with them, and his was the conductor's stand, so presumably he has been wandering the streets of Cologne with a suitcase in one hand and a conductor's stand in the other looking for a hotel!

I know this report makes us sound like a bunch of "alecans" but that's only because it was written by one. There were a fair few drinks consumed by many of us in the evenings but the daytimes were just as enjoyable and the people who had a bit of sense when it came to their choice of beverage, also had a really good time.

There will very soon be pictures in the Gallery of this trip. Once again thanks to everyone who helped make the trip a success.

PRAGUE - 2004

Our trip to Prague included 2 concerts in the city centre watched by a large crowd on scorching hot days. Needless to say we had to recover in the bar afterwards! We were well looked after whilst there with a our own personal guide and an evening river cruise and gala dinner. Hopefully we will return there within the next few years to take part in the Bohemia Music Festival with other bands from all over Europe. A selection of pictures from this trip are at the foot of the page.

DUNDEE - 2003

This trip was to partake in the National Finals in the 4th Section, which we won!! Again, we had to behave on the night before the contest and there was some practicing to be done but it paid off and resulted in another excellent trip.

TORQUAY - 2002

This was to play in the National Finals in the 3rd Section, where we came an excellent 2nd place!! Trips like this tend to be a bit more serious due to the importance of the contest, but this doesn't stop us having a great time whilst there, and a few drinks after we've played!!

EDINBURGH - 1999 & 2001

These two trips were to take part in the Cavalcade Parade as part of the Edinburgh festival. Both were excellent weekends and the parades themselves took part in lovely sunshine in front of around 100,000 people. The first time our hotel was actually about 1 hour away from Edinburgh but the 2nd time we were next to the airport which gave us an even better chance to see the sights.

BLACKPOOL - EVERY YEAR!

Our annual pilgrimmage to Blackpool takes place in March for the Areas. We try a different hotel each time just in case they remember us from last time! Friday night is 'party night' and then we behave on the Saturday ready for the contest on the Sunday. Then after this starts the annual argument about what time the coach should come to pick us up from the Winter Gardens!

PONTINS, PRESTATYN - MANY TIMES

With a few exceptions, we quite often go to Pontins for their contest in October. where over the years, our successes there have been varied. Anyone who knows about the brass band scene knows "there's just something about Pontins........"