MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Chandlers Ford Methodist Church was turned into a recording studio for two days of highly concentrated activity. Bryan Hilson and his team spent Friday preparing the ideal acoustics in the church for the recording of the bands next CD. We are delighted to report that after something like 11 hours spent in the lovely surroundings of the church 18 tracks have been laid down.

We are greatly indebted to Brian for his patience and great skill in guiding us through the recording process. He has of course worked with hundreds of musical groups over the years but this was his 8th recording of a CD with Bandmaster John Bird. Now of course he will have to work even harder in the editing and patching together of the final version. We hope to have the new CD ready for the autumn and readers of this site will be the first to know of further details!

Check back often for news on the progress and content of the new CD.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Chandlers Ford Methodist Church for their warm and co-operative hospitality and to others such as David Mallett and John Ellwood who lent their time and expertise to the project.

The journey continues...

UP AND RECORDING!

At the time of posting this news the band are currently half way though their demanding schedule of recording the new CD. Another day in front of them Saturday 18 July. Solo items from Callum Carter and Martyn Thomas have been recorded along with Joy Webbs Angels Watching Over Me, the Marches Bognor Regis and our own Martyn Thomas's South Coast. Much more to come today, including, no doubt, tired embouchures!

When there’s Constabulary Duty to be Done……

SFB was delighted to receive an invitation to play at the inauguration of the Havant and District Volunteer Police Cadets and the attestation of the new Cadets at the Park Community School, Leigh Park on Thursday 25 June 2015.

An ensemble played a series of marches to the assembling audience, Star Lake, Fill the World with Music, Bognor Regis, Liberty Bell: and South Coast for the “march-in” of the cadets. “Finlandia” accompanied the inspection of the Cadets by the Chief
Constable of Hampshire Andy Marsh, and numerous run-throughs of the Radetsky March accompanied his presentation of certificates to the cadets.

It was our pleasure to support this initiative, the 30 or so young people who had committed themselves to the group, successfully completing an arduous six-week
course: and the leaders who had given their time freely to the project. Apposite appreciative comments of the young people and their leaders were made by Rob
Jarman the Deputy Commissioner for Policing and Crime, the Chief Constable of Hampshire and Councillor Faith Ponsonby the Deputy Mayor of Havant.

They are fine youngsters, impeccably turned out, well drilled and well lead, who will make a positive contribution to the Community.

Generous comments were made about the band and considerable gratitude expressed for our support. And whilst this might be a slight step outside our usual range of activity it was right to support an initiative involving youngsters prepared to give their
spare time to the benefit of the community in which they live.

Our last two events have involved playing to and for young people. Two different sets of children, one with almost unimaginable learning and support needs: the other at the top end of the ability and capability range. Our role has been both to entertain and by our presence to give our full support to those caring for and leading the groups.

We are content. [DD]