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Name: Paul & Roma Handley
Date: 21/01/2013
Subject: Sunday at SJT
My wife Roma and I made the round trip from Nottingham today.
We debated the weather and studied the forecasts, and decided there was going to be a window of opportunity.
How pleased we are we decided to travel!
Thank you for a very friendly, highly professional, and most entertaining programme; a really enjoyable afternoon.
The snow is now settling again here in Notts.
Best wishes to the Band.
Name: Tom Biltcliffe
Date: 21/01/2013
Subject: Scarborough Concert
Just to say my wife and I really enjoyed the concert on Saturday at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. I think the applause said it all.
You have so many talented members, and as a choir singer I saw how well they follow you. Our conductor has a saying "Keep your eyes on me chaps! I might stand on my head."
The program lists the names including three lads as percussionists. May I say they were all impressive, and one of them would make a lovely girl.
Best wishes, and come again to Scarborough
Name: Sue Gallop
Date: 21/01/2013
Subject: Scarborough
What a wonderful concert tonight in Scarborough!
Wonderful soloists, fantastic variety in the programme, a real sense of a band working happily together and making such a good sound
Come back next year-Bridlington Excelsior Band love to hear you even though we are always in two minds subsequently
Do we give up or do we practise even more?!
Well done
Name: Michael & Anne Tarran
Date: 07/11/2010
Subject: Saltaire Concert
Just a short note to express our sincere gratitude for a most enjoyable concert at Saltaire this evening (6th). May you go from strength to strength.
Once again many thanks.
Michael and Anne Tarran
Name: Shaun Oliver
Date: 08/07/2010
Subject: Brighouse Competition
Hi
Thought I would Comment on last Sunday at Brighouse. I thought you all did a fantastic job, Best Hymn Tune, Best 1st Section Band and overall 2nd place a very commendable performance. Here’s to next year and a rise to the top of the pile
Shaun A Oliver
Stamford
Lincs
Name: Mike & Alison Cole
Date: 24/01/2010
Subject: Sat Scarborough Concert 2010
Thank you and congratulations to the band for most entertaining evening last night. My wife and I have been to all twelve of the bands performances at SJT and have enjoyed them all immensely.
We look forward with anticipation each year to the concert.We felt that last night's performance rated as among the best we have seen. Having been privelege to the delights of some wonderful soloists in the past, it was most encouraging to listen to the excellent young talent coming through. The solos were of the highest standard and made the hairs stand up at the back of your neck.
The overall band have improved and Mr Morgan Griffiths looked more relaxed and enjoying himself this year as he conducted a really compact band. The programme was varied with some 'standards' for the likes of us non musicians but also very technical as well and made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience and great value for money in a most cosy atmosphere!
Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes for 2010.
Mike and Alison Cole Filey
Name: Mr. & Mrs. D. West
Date: 20/11/2009
Subject: Wilkinson Northern Open
Congratulations again to all the band on winning and becoming the Wilkinson Northan Open Champions. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.
Name: Mr. & Mrs. D. West
Date: 10/11/2009
Subject: Quartet Contest
Congratulation at winning the British Open Senior Quartet 2009.
Name: Kerry Hunt
Date: 24/12/2008
Subject: New Year Wishes
Hi just to wish the band best of luck in all events and concerts for the New Year.
Kerry Hunt re/Cottenham Village College Cambridgeshire.
Name: Peter Hargreaves
Date: 25/10/2008
Subject: I read your website with great interest...
I have just read the YBS website with great interest - especially the history section which takes one back to the Hammonds Sauce Works days and even before that. I well remember both H.B. Hawley and his son Horace Hawley. Horace had a son called David who was also a brass player but sadly David died at a relatively young age. In the normal course of events David would probably have become MD of the company.
My father Harold Hargreaves was a big friend of H B Hawley and played in the Hammonds Band (mostly 2nd cornet) from its formation until around the middle 60s. He worked for the sauce company as analytical chemist. I used to go to many rehearsals when the band was at Dockfield Road, Shipley. In the early 1950s a decision was taken to form a Junior Band though your wesbite doesn't seem to mention this. I, along with a lot of other youngsters, were drafted in to learn to play instruments. Mine was Soprano Cornet and I played that instrument with them until 1963 when I left to start work as an air traffic controller. In 1959 I played with the NYBB of GB and was a member of what was then called the Yorkshire Schools Brass Band in which Tom F Atkinson was a leading light.
At first, the junior band was conducted by Harry Coleman but later he was replaced by Gersham Collison who, as your website states, was a former Sop. with Black Dyke. Gersham conducted both the junior and senior band at this time.
In 1957 both bands qualified for the National Finals in London. The senior band at the Albert Hall and the junior at Kensignton Town Hall. Gersham, not unnaturally, wished to conduct both performances! As I recall the draws were close in time and he just made it from one to the other and I think it was the junior's performance which came second. Sadly, neither band got a "result" but the experience was very memorable.
I have many fond memories of my time with Hammonds and the various contests we did: St. George's Hall, Huddersfield Town hall and the concerts we played, the parks in summer and the football matches at Bradford City.
Regrettably, I lost touch with the band after 1963 and don't really know what became of the original junior band. However, I have a few photographs and if you are interested I will get copies to you.
I am still involved with the Marple Band (in Cheshire) as their secretary and also do some arranging of bits and pieces.
Name: Peter & Joanne Mead
Date: 22/06/2008
Subject: Hertord
Just wanted to say thank you for an excellent concert last night with the Hertford Choral Society in Hertford. It was a superb evening.
Peter & Joanne Mead
Name: Michael & Ann Loftus
Date: 19/04/2008
Subject: Grimsby Central Hall Concert
My wife and I, being brass band supporters, attended your concert at the Grimsby Central Hall last Saturday the 12 April.
We thoroughly enjoyed the show ,everyone in the band put on a marvellous and professional performance.
As I have said we are brass band enthusiastics and have seen most of the Yorkshire based bands when in Grimsby or the local area, but your performance last week was one of the best we have attended. We will keep an eye on your website for future timetable.
Many thanks Michael and Ann Loftus
Name: Mike Cole
Date: 01/02/2008
Subject: Scarborough
Just to say thank you for a memorable concert last Saturday. There was a well balanced programme with excellent soloists(as ever).
We enjoyed very much.
Mike Cole
Name: Derek & Dorothy West
Date: 23/10/2007
Subject: National Championships
Congratulations YBS on your 5th place at the National Championships. We have enjoyed reading the adjudicators reports; something which we normally, as people who sit and listen to the band, do not get the chance to do. Nice one.
Carry on the good work in the future.
D & D West.
Name: Florian Lang
Date: 07/10/2007
Subject: 6th International Brass Festival at Merano
Hi,
only a quick message to say well done at the Open. Congratulations on the super performance, it was indescribable. WOW!
My best wishes for the future, for all at YBS Band.
Regards
Florian Lang
Merano - ITALY
Name: Alan Linney
Date: 21/09/2007
Subject: British Open
Congratulations YBS on a super performance at the British Open. Good to to see and hear the band are on the up and back in business. Looking forward to your performance at the Albert Hall. Good Luck to you all.
Welsh Supporters.
Name: David A. Ashworth
Date: 01/09/2007
Subject: New players
Best wishes to all for the future, good to see Donna in your ranks, I
had the pleasure of working with her at Milnrow.
I am so proud that Nicola has got a seat with you. She was my
Principle Cornet whilst I was Musical Director at BMP Goodshaw and I
always had great confidence in her, she never let me down like I know
she will never let you down.
David W Ashworth.
Name: Colin Wilkinson
Date: 04/03/2007
Subject. Ormskirk
Thank very much you for a wonderful night. I have been inundated with expressions of gratitude regarding that memorable night.
If you return to Radcliffe on Trent later this year Wendy and myself will be there.
Colin Wilkinson.
Springfield Court Nursing Home
Ormskirk
Lancs
Name: Del Thomas
Date: 12/02/2007
Subject: Hafren
Please pass on my thanks to the band and particularly Allan for an excellent concert last Saturday night under difficult weather conditions. The band were a pleasure to host.
All the best in the Yorkshire regionals and I look forward to booking YBS again in the future
Del Thomas
Marketing Manager
Theatr Hafren
Name: Tony Wilson
Date: 23/01/2007
Subject: Scarborough
To you all,
Congratulations on the concert at Scarborough today which we enjoyed very much and good luck for the future.
June and Tony Wilson, Driffield and friend Hilary Walker.
From: Ian Gregson
Date: 23/01/2007
Subject: Scarborough
Great to hear the band again beside the seaside. I attended both concerts and could not believe the standard of playing, It was as good as ever!
Well done to Ian Cullross who was outstanding, what a player!
Morgan fitted into his old shoes effortlessly and Andrea on percussion was outstanding.
Well done to all, I can’t wait for next year.
Ian
From: Michael Cole
Date: 21/01/2007
Subject: Scarborough
Having been to all the Scarborough concerts by YBS (and thoroughly enjoyed them), it was interesting to see the new clientele. Once again we enjoyed the show with a varied programme. Congratulations particularly to Iain Culross who was wonderful. I am sure that YBS will redevelop to reach its usual high standards. Commiserations to your cornet player who looked to be suffering from cramp in is right hand. Best wishes for the future.
Name: Stephen Whylde
Date: 18/01/2007
Subject: Wow!
To all at YBS Band its great to see you fill the Principle seats with the calibre of Morgan Griffiths and Iian Cullross. Although it was sad to see Sheona and Stuart leave they will forever be revered by YBS supporters!
Bringing back Morgan more than compensates as he is “The One and only” euphonium of YBS.
Best of luck to you all at the Yorkshire Area and other contests in 2007 and beyond.
Name: Matthew Kay
Date: 09/01/2007
Subject: YBS Band
I'm sorry to hear about the departure of David, Stuart and Sheona. I wish you the best of luck in the coming year.
Matthew Kay (ex cornet player)
Name: Jim Davies
Date: 07/01/2007
Subject: YBS Band
I was interested to read about the resurgence of the band after Dave Kings departure. I have spent the past two years re-building the EYMS band and I empathise with your situation. I am sure that YBS will continue to go from strength to strength and l wish you every success in 2007.
Jim Davies (ex principal cornet Brighouse&Rastrick/Cory Band)
Name: Gerard Klaucke
Date: 05/01/2007
Subject: Succes with the new players in YBS
Dear all,
I wish Iain, Morgan and Claire all the best on their new 'hot seat' in YBS. I also want to wish the band all the best in this new year. Keep up the good playing! (I am still impressed on your performance in 2004 in Glasgow)
Greetings from Gerard Klaucke
GK Graphic Design
(designer of a number of the band's CD booklets)
Name: Brian Holmes
Date: 02/01/2007
Subject: Iain Culross
Happy New Year & Best Wishes to YBS Band and in particular Iain Culross from Unison Kinneil Band.
We all knew that once he lost the 'pony tail' he would go far!
Brian Holmes
Band President
Unison Kinneil Band
Name: Richard Hirst
Date: 30/12/2006
Subject: YBS Band
I can't think of any better words to say than Baldrick has said. The weeks before Christmas was a worrying time for everyone (past and present) associated with YBS, but it looks like those that care have taken everything in their stride and the future is looking brighter. I hope that everyone sticks together and helps each other through the coming months.
I for one, will be shouting very loud for YBS at the Area.
Good luck for 2007.
Richard Hirst (Band Manager 1994 - 2004)
Name: Phil Adams-Howell
Date: 29/12/2006
Subject: YBS Band
Just wanted to wish the band all the best for the coming year - I have been a great fan of YBS since starting to play again a couple of years back after a few years off , and have particularly enjoyed the "Essays in Brass" series ( I used to be an SA bandsman ) , and "Kings of Europe" introduced me to a genre of brass band music I had never heard before .Good to read today of your new signings and I am sure that YBS will continue to be a byword for banding excellence in the coming months and years.
Name: Kevin Donaldson (aka Baldrick)
Date: 27/12/2006
Subject: YBS Band
Just a short message of luck for the band in the future. I'm sure you will bounce back from the recent loss of Dave, Sheona, Stu, and Steve. The band was a great unit under Dave and I'm sure that with the right person in the middle you will continue to create the style and quality music that you have been trained to do, it is in your YBS blood. Just think of all the people Dave has been associated with; no matter where they are they carry his ethos of music making with them and although the pundits will and are sounding the death knoll of this great band, the music lives on in the people remaining with the band. Dave may have left the band but he left behind a part of himself in every one of the remaining members lucky enough to have been led by him.
A new chapter is about to be written in the bands history and you are lucky enough to be writing it.
Again good luck for the future,
Regards Kev Donaldson
PS Great news about Grezzy coming back, what a signing and a great boost for the band.
Name: Rod Haslam
Date: 21/12/2006
Subject: Radcliffe on Trent
I wanted to say how much we enjoyed the 2 concerts at St.Mary's Church on Saturday.
I had lots of compliments on your performance.I hope you had a good concert in
Whitley Bay.
Kind Regards
Rod Haslam
Chairman
Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir
Name: Bernice Morledge
Date: 19/12/2006
Subject: Radcliffe on Trent
Thank you so very much for arranging my special request for the band to play Nimrod at the St.Mary's church, Radcliffe-On-Trent on 16th December. My brother was absolutley surprised when it was announced. I hadn't mentioned it. I really didn't expect that you would be able to manage it.
It made a lovely evening of music into a truly memorable one.
Please pass on my thanks to all concerned. My best wishes for the future, for you
and the band.
Regards
Bernice Morledge
Name: Erwin Helfenstein-Mitchinson
Date: 15/12/2006
Subject: YBS Band
So sorry to hear about the loss of conductor Prof. David King and some of the top players.Never the less I wish you all the best for the future and hope to hear you soon in Lucerne Switzerland
Again Your performance last September in the KKL Lucerne was just outstanding.
Best wishes
Erwin Helfenstein-Mitchinson
CH 6210 Sursee
Switzerland
Name: Murial Wilde
Date: 11/11/2006
Subject: Wellingborough
Me and my Husband Raymond have just returned home from what can be described as a festival of enjoyment and friendship. Of course, we talk of your concert in Wellingborough.
From the opening notes to the end of the concert you had me gasping. Thankyou eternally for an evening that i will remember. I haven't heard anything this good since The Black Dyke Band visited some months back. We hope to see the band again soon
Name: Craig Ridley
Date: 10/11/2006
Subject: Guestbook
Ladies and Gentlement of the band.
I was lucky enough to be one of the 1100 plus singers at The Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. It was a truly memorable and and at times emotional occasion.
I know some or most of you have played at the Hall so many times but I achieved a long time ambition to sing there at the weekend and the old bottom lip quivered a few times, including the rehearsal.
May I take this opportunity to congratulate you (as I have Sellers) on your superb contribution to the programme. Although not a brass player I do enjoy Iistening to brass bands and music. My Stepfather, who conducts one of the other choirs who took part Saturday (Rainham Ladies Choir) was in the audience. He was in The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers for nearly 30 years, including a spell under the baton of Major Peter Parkes. He said it was the best that he has ever heard 'Buglers Holiday' performed.
Once again thank you for your wonderful playing on Saturday. The whole evening was something I shall remember for a long time and I hope our choir will be there in 2009.
Craig Ridley
Treasurer
Gillingham MVC
(in the yellow jackets!)
Name: Dewi Griffiths
Date: 27/09/2006
Subject: Hello everyone!!
Hi...Only a quick message to say well done at the Open...I thought u deserved better (but I am rather biased!!)
Anyway, hope u all have a good time at Switzerland...all the best!
Dewi
Name: Anne Grete Haugetun
Date: 14/09/2006
Subject: Great website!
Congratulations with your new website... it looks great!
Wish you all the best of luck for the World Brass Festival in Lucerne!
Earlier this year I bought your cd- recording "Mellow Moments" with Iwan Williams, flugelhorn. It has in fact become one of my favourite CDs. I listen to it very often.
I have been playing flugelhorn for several years and I have listened to many recordings and concerts, featuring many different flugelhornplayers. Actually, I have never really thought of anyone as beeing my favourite flugelhornplayer..... until I heard Iwan Williams! He plays so brilliant, so softly.... such a beautiful sound. I really enjoy listening to him playing. But I really do hope that he will recover to full health again and that he will make many CD-recordings in the future.
I would like to give him my support with this mail and to wish all the best for him, his family and his friends during a difficult time.
Anne Grete Haugetun
Name: Thomas Furrer
Date: 13/09/2006
Subject: British Open
Congratulations to your fantastic performance of Philip Wilby's Vienna Nights. It was full of emotion and the interpretation of David King was outstanding.I assume that you are disappointed about the result. So was I.
In my opinion the first three places should go to YBS, Black Dyke and Fodens.
We have to accept the result and I hope you get a better draw in London. Just play as in Birmingham!
Regards
Thomas Furrer