WINGATES WORLD
Engagement Diary • Oct – Dec 2008
QUARTERLY NEWS FROM THE WORLD FAMOUS BAND
Friday
October 3
Saturday
October 4
Sunday
October 5
Saturday
October 25
Sunday
November
9
RECORDING SESSION I FOR
“EXTREMES” ALBUM
(WESTHOUGHTON HIGH
SCHOOL ARTS THEATRE)
RECORDING SESSION II FOR
“EXTREMES”
RECORDING SESSION III FOR
“EXTREMES”
“BLOCKBUSTER BRASS” 
VICTORIA HALL, BOLTON
BOX OFFICE: 01204
696984/07970 131460
HYDE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
PRESENTS A REMEMBRANCE
CONCERT WITH “PROMS”
FINALE
(BOX OFFICE: 0161 342 3489)
RECORDING SESSION
(MANCHESTER STUDIOS) FOR
BBC2 PROGRAMME “LISTEN
TO THE BAND”
Issue No. 59 SEPTEMBER 2008 COMPILED BY: NOVA ADJUTOR
7:00pm
All day
All day
7:30pm
Baton changes!
One day very soon, ANDREW
BERRYMAN will have a gold
medal placed around his neck.
However, it will no doubt come as no
surprise to our readers to learn that
this will not be for any form of
Andy Berryman
John Doyle
athletic prowess: Rather, it will mark
Andy’s 20 years of service to the HALLÉ ORCHESTRA, where he has
been the occupant of the principal trombone seat since 1988.
7:30pm
T.B.C.
Early
November
T.B.C.
December
5-7
LONDON ASSIGNMENT FOR
THE MICHAEL NYMAN
ORGANISATION
T.B.C.
Thursday
December
11
GREAT BUDWORTH,
CHESHIRE
7:30pm
Saturday
December
13
Saturday
December
20
VICTORIA HALL, BOLTON 
CHRISTMAS SHOW WITH “THE
HOUGHTON WEAVERS” (BOX
OFFICE: 01204 334400)
PRESTON GUILDHALL 
CHRISTMAS SHOW WITH “THE
HOUGHTON WEAVERS” (BOX
OFFICE: 01772 258858)
WINGATES BAND
7:00pm
Andy’s last assignment with the Hallé will, in fact, be a prestigious tour
of Germany and Austria, and how appropriate it is that his last concert,
after two decades, should be in a city renowned globally for its music –
Vienna.
Continued on Page 2
Join us for a musical tour of :
7:30pm
T.B.C.
“BLOCKBUSTER BRASS”  VICTORIA HALL, BOLTON,
25 OCTOBER  SEE PAGE 7 FOR FULL DETAILS
This imminent momentous milestone has prompted Andy to conclude
that the time has now come to take his leave of the world-famous
orchestra, in order to pursue some new musical challenges and
opportunities.
The first of these challenges – recently
accepted – is, to say the least, a most
unusual one. Andrew has signed what he
describes as “an extremely flexible contract
of indeterminate length…”, which will see
him become musical director of the police
bands in the United Arab Emirate of ABU
DHABI. Commencing at the end of January 2009, Andrew, together
with his partner, EMMA JOHNSON, will nominally be based in Abu
Dhabi, where Andrew- supported by Emma – will take on the challenge
of restructuring the various Abu Dhabi police musical ensembles, and
generally enhancing their levels of performance. This will involve
working with over 300 players, approximately half of whom comprise
just one band in the capital city – quite an ensemble!
In the city of Al Ain there are various musical groups which will come
under Andy’s tutelage, including a large brass and wind band, a drum
corps, and – most surprisingly – a bagpipe band! (Did someone in
authority in the Middle East think his name was Andy McBerryman?!)
Emma (who has appeared frequently in the Wingates ranks on second
trombone) is to play in the Abu Dhabi band, and will make a little
history when she does so, as she will be the first-ever lady to play with
any of the Emirate’s police musical ensembles. (She is going to be
rather outnumbered, isn’t she?).
Join us for one (or both!) of our
two great Christmas concerts
with our friends and Westhoughton neighbours:
(See back page for full details)
1873
BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONS
BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
NORTH-WEST AREA CHAMPIONS
THE GRAND SHIELD WINNERS
FRENCH OPEN CHAMPIONS
THE SENIOR CUP
WESTHOUGHTON CIVIC MEDAL
1906,1907,1918,1921,1923,1929,1975
1906,1907,1931,1971
1945,1948,1971,1974,1977,1995
1996
2004, 2006
2007
2007
THE BANDROOM, WINGATES SQUARE, WESTHOUGHTON, BOLTON, BL5 3PS – 01942 819842
ALL ENQUIRIES TO:DAVID KAYE – PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE, APRIL COTTAGE,
46 CHORLEY ROAD, BLACKROD, BOLTON, BL6 5JT
MOBILE TEL:07970 131460
HOME TEL: 01204 696984
E-MAIL: dkaye43@btinternet.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.wingatesband.co.uk
Andy told “WINGATES WORLD” that basically he has carte blanche to
work with the police musicians to attain the stated objectives, and we are
prompted to wonder whether money will be no object in this regard, as
Page 2
Page 19
BAND, (on the “wrong side” of the Pennines, of course!) she decided it
opportune to take it.
In the meantime, two newcomers to the cornet ranks are IAN
RAISBECK, to whom we referred in our last issue, as he recently
married our principal baritone player, KATIE SMALLWOOD. Also in
our last issue we referred to the significant successes of the all-girl
quartet, “SCHERZO BRASS”, with two of their members being in the
Wingates ranks. Emily was one of these, but we are delighted to
welcome another of the quartet, namely SARAH WATKINS.
We also recently said our fond farewells to our second trombone player,
TOM BERRY, who felt the opportunity to join FODEN’S BAND (one
of our historic fierce rivals in the north-west, of course!) too good to
miss.
We shall also soon be saying goodbye to our flugel player, LIZI
SAWYER, as she will shortly be moving to London to join her
boyfriend who lives and works there. Again, we shall be very sorry to
see Lizi go, as she has been a terrific member of the band for
approaching 4 years.
We are currently auditioning for replacements for Tom and Lizi, and
hope to bring you more news in our next issue.
In the meantime, we extend a warm Wingates welcome to our new
players, and say “Thankyou and good luck” to those moving on to
pastures new.
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appears to be the case in another recent high-profile Manchester – Abu
Dhabi link! (Special message to Andy: If there is any chance you could
secure Wingates sponsorship from your new Middle East friends - to the
approximate value of the little toe of a top international striker - then that
would do nicely in keeping the band afloat for the next few years!)
Clearly, a very exciting new chapter in Andrew’s musical career lies
ahead, and he envisages that this may also open up some interesting
opportunities for Wingates players to travel to Abu Dhabi for short stays.
Indeed, that process has already commenced, as our second euphonium
player, LIZ POPE, recently joined Andy on one of his two “trail
blazing” trips to Abu Dhabi, where she held a series of tutorials and
workshops.
At this point, the reader will, no doubt, be wondering what are the
implications of Andy’s new challenge for Wingates Band. Well,
Andrew explained that the aforementioned flexibility of contract is such
that he confidently expects to make frequent return trips to the UK,
enabling him to lead the band in major contests for the foreseeable
future. We sincerely hope that this will indeed be the case, since Andy
has done a truly fantastic job for Wingates Band over the past 3 years,
and we are anxious to maintain as strong as possible a relationship with
him. He clearly shares that sentiment, since, in an interview with
WINGATES WORLD, he said: “I have enjoyed my time with Wingates
immensely, and I have been very proud and privileged to have been
associated with such a famous band. I feel we have come a long way
in recent times, made a lot of progress, and have been fortunate
enough to enjoy many exciting projects – of which the fantastic
relationship with Michael Nyman, our various CD albums, and our
participation in the French and US Open Championships, have been
just a few. However, without doubt, I feel there is some unfinished
business at Wingates Square, and I do hope it will be possible to help
the band to more successes and new heights…” “WINGATES
WORLD” certainly endorses that statement.
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In view of this significant development, the band’s
committee has decided that, henceforth, Andrew should
be designated as our PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR, to be
supported by a newly-appointed ASSOCIATE
CONDUCTOR, who will be responsible for carrying
out much of the groundwork with the band, taking over
the baton for the regular twice-weekly rehearsals (many
more ahead of major contests), and leading the band in concerts where
Andrew is not available.
That new appointment has been accepted by JOHN DOYLE, who,
despite being of relatively tender years for undertaking the
responsibilities of conducting a top band (he is 29) comes to Wingates
with an extremely fine pedigree.
Earlier in 2008, John left BLACK DYKE band, having been the flugel
horn player at Queensbury for over 9 years, and having won all the top
honours in British banding during that time. Prior to joining Black
Dyke, John had spells with Fairey’s and Freckleton bands, and
commenced his banding career with Lostock Hall Memorial Band in his
home town of Preston.
We will tell you a little more about our new associate conductor in our
next issue, but, in the meantime, it is clear that John Doyle is delighted at
the opportunity of joining our famous and historic band, and he is most
anxious to sieze this opportunity to develop his conducting career.
On his new appointment with Wingates, John told the band media: “I am
absolutely overjoyed to be offered the position of Associate Conductor
with this great band. Working with this fantastically-talented team of
musicians, back room staff, and Andy Berryman, will be an exciting
time in my career, and, I am in no doubt, one of the most successful.
This band has been turning heads in the brass band movement for
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again, Peter and Pauline, and we hope it won’t be too long before we
have the great pleasure of meeting up with you again.
(Footnote: Mention of BEN BYERS – a legendary figure in the history
of Wingates, and a member of the truly remarkable Byers “clan” reminds us that we were delighted to welcome Ben’s 82 year old
daughter, NORA SMITH, and her daughter Linda, at the Rivington
Barn concert on September 3rd. Quite a few members of the extensive
Byers dynasty are members of our Supporters’ Club, and maintaining
contact with descendants of the Wingates players of yesteryear is a most
important aspect of our activities).
Player News
With 28 players in the band, and a very young
age profile, frequent changes to the band
personnel line-up are inevitable, for a diversity of
reasons.
In the wake of PETER MOORE’S tremendous
success, so much has happened, and life has become so frenetic for the
whole family that mum JANE has decided she needs to “take a
breather” from her own active banding activities. Jane has been a
valued member of our cornet section since Peter joined the band over
two years ago, and we record our thanks to her for her many
contributions to the Wingates cause. We hope her sabbatical will only
be a temporary one, and perhaps we can welcome her back to the
Wingates ranks at some point in the future.
Another change in the cornet ranks is the departure of our assistant
principal cornet, EMILY DODSWORTH. Emily, who hails from
Ross-on-Wye, recently completed her music studies in Manchester, and
early in 2009 will take up an appointment in Yorkshire. Accordingly,
when the opportunity came to join ROTHWELL TEMPERANCE
Page 17
Two extraordinary supporters
On countless occasions we have written in these columns of the
important rôle which the band’s Supporters’ Club plays in the
perpetuation of the Wingates story. With around 1000 members, the
Supporters’ Club includes many wonderful people who have provided
magnificent support for the band in a diversity of ways.
Two such very special folk are PETER and
PAULINE HAYTON, who are long-time
members of our “international division”.
Originally hailing from the north-east of
England, Peter and Pauline have lived for
many years in Naples, Florida, from where they have supported us in
most generous and enthusiastic fashion. Although we have been in
receipt of their many kindnesses for a long time now, perhaps the most
remarkable aspect of their support is the commitment they have shown to
travelling to support Wingates whenever possible.
A few years back, when we last appeared in the finals of the National
Brass Band Championships at London’s Albert Hall, Peter and Pauline
came over to cheer us on. Then, last November, when we performed in
the 2007 US Open Brass Band Championships, they made the long
journey from Florida to Chicago. Completing this remarkable “hat
trick” of marathon journeys, we were delighted to welcome Peter and
Pauline in Manchester for the Bridgewater Hall concert on 3rd
September.
Not content with simply turning up to support their favourite band, they
also presented us with a marvellous gift – an excellently-preserved copy
of the band’s 1931 recording (on the REGAL label) of “THE JOKER”,
written by Harold Moss, and played by the band’s solo trombone, Ben
Byers, coupled with “CLICK-CLACK POLKA” by William Rimmer.
Peter had spotted this 77 year-old item for sale on the internet, and
bought it for donation to the band’s archives. A thousand thanks, once
Page 16
some time now, and I want to continue the hard-working traditions
that have become synonymous with Wingates”.
Speaking of John’s appointment, Andrew Berryman commented: “John
has been conducting the band whilst I have been away working on
other projects, and his enthusiasm and work ethic with the band is
second to none. He really does make rehearsals fun, and I cannot
think of any other young conductor who is making such an impact on
the brass band movement at this time”, whilst band Chairman BARRY
BENTLEY added: “John fits in perfectly with the band at this exciting
time. He and Andy Berryman work perfectly together, and the band is
sure to move forward under the direction of these two young innovative
and enthusiastic musicians”.
Peter’s “P.S.”
The lead story in our last issue highlighted the
tremendous success of our 12 years old solo trombone,
PETER MOORE, in becoming the youngest-ever
winner of the BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE
YEAR AWARD. We concluded our piece by saying
that, in this issue, we would give you a taste of the
many exciting things which have happened for Peter in
the wake of his historic achievement. Well, first and foremost, there
have been two high-profile appearances on national TV for Peter, and no
doubt many of our supporters saw one, or both, of these. Firstly, on
Sunday August 24th, Peter took part in the official “HANDOVER
PARTY” for the London 2010 Olympics, where he played in front of a
40,000 crowd in the Mall, rubbed shoulders with numerous great sport
stars, pop stars and other famous personalities, and was interviewed live
by Claudia Winkleman, co-host of the event.
Secondly, on Saturday 13th September, Peter featured prominently in the
“PROMS IN THE PARK” concert broadcast from Belfast on BBC TV
Page 5
and Radio 2 as part of the regional contributions to the “LAST NIGHT
OF THE PROMS”. It was a very poignant occasion for Peter to play
two solos (“Arrows of Time” and Michael Nyman’s “If”) with the Ulster
Orchestra, since both his parents were once professional musicians with
that orchestra, and, during their time there, Peter was born in Belfast.
One of the world’s most iconic venues for music recitals is London’s
WIGMORE HALL, and Peter is particularly excited about playing
there on 14th October, quickly followed by a performance with the BBC
National Orchestra of Wales in Cardiff on 20th October, when he will
give a repeat performance of the TOMASI CONCERTO, which
constituted the second half of his award-winning performance in the
Young Musician of the Year victory. Many other important dates have
been entered into Peter’s diary since his victory, and he will performing
recitals and concertos up and down the country for months to come, and
will be making guest appearances with many other brass bands.
Unsurprisingly, many members of Wingates Supporters’ Club have sent
messages of congratulation and goodwill via “WINGATES WORLD”,
and one of our members, noted Lancashire author and poetess,
GWYNETH CLEWORTH of Bolton, even wrote a special poem as a
tribute to Peter’s success! An iconic figure on the Bolton music scene
for decades, HOWARD BROADBENT, also visited the bandroom to
hear Peter playing at rehearsals, and presented him with a copy of a
composition he penned some years ago entitled: “SILVER
TROMBONE”.
Peter’s mother JANE (herself a very valued member of the band’s
cornet section until recently, when she felt compelled to “take a
breather”, in order to support Peter in his manifold post-triumph
activities) told “WINGATES WORLD”: “Pete has received a
tremendously exciting invitation to perform overseas, which, if
everything comes to fruition, could represent the opportunity of a
lifetime. We are reluctant to say more just now, as we are still in
discussions with regard to the details of the proposed trip, but
Page 6
our good friends and neighbours, “THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS”) at
the picturesque and atmospheric venue of Rivington Hall Barn. Again,
the event was a complete sell-out, and it was very frustrating to have to
disappoint so many people looking for tickets.
Without doubt, part of the appeal of these
concerts is that there is always one or more
surprise items to delight the audience, and this
time around it was the appearance (completely
unheralded) of world champion whistler, DAVID
MORRIS, a uniquely-talented man with a
background in brass banding, who hails from Saddleworth. David’s
performance really added something ultra-special to the evening’s
programme.
For the second time in three years, Wingates was invited to perform the
opening concert of the 2008 GREAT NORTHERN ARTS FESTIVAL,
held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Saturday 6th September.
This day-long event, comprising a series of concerts by some of Britain’s
top bands, attracts thousands of attendees, and hence was a terrific
showcase for our band.
Our 75 minutes programme was played to great acclaim, and featured
solos by Andy MacDonald (cornet), Peter Moore (trombone), Mick
Morris (tuba) and two pieces by guest soloist Glyn Williams, principal
euphonium of the famous Foden’s Band.
Without doubt, the Wingates performance got the festival off to the best
possible start, and the complimentary comments which reached our ears
following the concert were extremely heart-warming, as were the
subsequent reviews in the band media.
Worthy of mention in this report is attendance at the concert by:
Page 15
(Shostakovich, arr. Peter Kitson); FOR FLUGEL HORN AND BAND
(Michael Nyman, arr. John Parkinson); MAMBO No. 5 (Perez Prado,
arr. Andy Berryman); ETERNAL FATHER (J.B. Dykes, arr. John
Parkinson); KRONOS (a new composition by Richard Rock); IF
(Michael Nyman, arr. John Parkinson); WICKED (by our own
composer-in-residence, Lucy Pankhurst); LABOUR AND LOVE (Percy
Fletcher); LITTLE PRAYER (Evelyn Glennie) and CUTE (Neil Heftie).
Andrew Berryman intriguingly told us that there could well be a
“surprise additional track” on the album, but he was keeping his cards
very close to his chest in this regard, so we will all have to wait until the
next edition of “WINGATES WORLD”, which will also give details of
the anticipated release date for “EXTREMES”, plus cost and purchasing
details, etc.
On the concert stage
Since our last issue, the band has
performed on stage on three occasions,
although the pedant might argue this
ought to read six, as, once again, we were
the band selected to play on all four days
of the 2008 SOUTHPORT FLOWER
SHOW. For the third year in succession,
we were able to secure this most prestigious booking, and, thankfully,
the weather was somewhat kinder to us – and the thousands of visitors of
course! – than the previous two years.
Over the four days (August 21st-24th) it was again a pleasure to
welcome quite a number of our friends and supporters to the bandstand.
Wednesday 3rd September saw the 14th in the hugely successful and
enduringly-popular “FOLK & BRASS” series (performed jointly with
Page 14
hopefully we will have some more positive news for you ahead of your
next issue”. Well, that certainly sounds intriguing and fascinating, and
wherever the destination might be, we do hope the plans come to a
successful conclusion – watch out for our next issue!
JOIN US FOR “A MUSICAL TOUR OF HOLLYWOOD”
As many of our supporters and regular readers of
“WINGATES WORLD” know, our favourite local
concert venue (where we have been performing for no less
than 104 years!) is Bolton’s VICTORIA HALL, and we
know our spring, autumn, and Christmas concerts there
are always eagerly awaited, and invariably well supported.
Our traditional autumn concerts are frequently themed, and this year our
Musical Director (sorry, principal conductor!) ANDREW BERRYMAN
has decided upon a concert programme comprising almost entirely of
theme music from hit Hollywood films, and hence the title of the concert
– “BLOCKBUSTER BRASS”.
Although the programme of music is not yet fully finalised (and, as ever,
Andrew likes to keep a few surprises up his sleeve!) we are, once again,
promised an entertaining programme with “a variety of musical styles to
suit all tastes”. (Although this shouldn’t be taken as any guarantee that
this music will be played, your editor has observed some of the music on
the stands at rehearsal in recent times, which has included: JOHN
WILLIAMS’ EPIC THEMES; JAMES BOND THEMES; DISNEY
THEMES; and the themes from a variety of hit movies, including
“DANCES WITH WOLVES”, “THE MISSION”, “WEST SIDE
STORY”, “OKLAHOMA””, “GLADIATOR”, “HARRY POTTER”
and “BORN FREE”.
Andrew also tells us that the band has just obtained an exciting new
score entitled: “MARY POPPINS – A SYMPHONIC SUITE”. He
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adds: “This sounds as if it might be a bit cheesy – but it is far from that
– it is a fantastic piece!”.
So, we hope you will come along and support your favourite band once
again for the concert on 25th OCTOBER (7:30pm). Tickets are £9.50
(Concessions £8.50) and are on sale at the Albert Halls Box Office in
Bolton (01204 334400), or can be ordered via David Kaye in the usual
way. (Cheques payable to Wingates Band please, and, as usual,
inclusion of a SAE would be much appreciated).
It’s a Small (Wingates) World!
A very well-known and highly-respected name in
brass circles is that of TIM MUTUM, who has
contributed most significantly to the band
movement over many years, as author, concert
promoter and music critic. We are delighted to say
that Tim – who lives in Ipswich – is a long-time
WINGATES BAND
member of our Supporters’ Club, and he recently
sent us a most intriguing letter. He holidayed in
Jersey in the summer, when, one evening, he became engaged in
conversation with a couple at the adjacent dinner table. It emerged that
they were brass band fans, so Tim enquired where they came from.
“Westhoughton, near Bolton… we are supporters of Wingates Band”
came the reply. “So am I!” retorted Tim.
Unfortunately, he didn’t get their names, and didn’t see them again as he
hoped he would do, we so are left wondering just who Tim’s brief
acquaintances were. If it was you, please do let us know.
However, that does mean it is now approaching 2 years since our last
album was issued, and more than a few of our fans and supporters have
told us how they eagerly await the next Wingates offering.
Well, we are delighted to report that the wait will soon be over, since,
under the baton of Andrew Berryman, the lads and lasses will be
closeted in the recording studios for many hours during OCTOBER
3rd, 4th and 5th, recording the tracks for our new album, which is
entitled “EXTREMES”.
Andrew explained to “WINGATES WORLD” that basically there were
two reasons for this choice of title: Firstly, the twelve (possibly more!)
tracks represent some extremes of musical styles and genres, and
secondly, what might be termed the title track is a truly stunning piece
entitled “EXTREME MAKEOVER”, written by the Dutch composer,
conductor and trombonist, JOHAN DE MEIJ, as the test piece for the
2005 European Brass Band Championships, held in Holland. (De Meij
is perhaps best-known for his symphony “THE LORD OF THE
RINGS”).
Attendees at some of our recent concerts may have
heard the band play truncated versions of
“EXTREME MAKEOVER”, (shortened because
of its length), but the large audience who
witnessed Wingates play a tremendous opening
concert at this year’s GREAT NORTHERN
BRASS ARTS FESTIVAL (at Manchester’s
Bridgewater Hall) heard the entire 13 minutes’ version of the tour de
force, which elicited prolonged and enthusiastic applause. It really was a
most memorable performance.
Although there may possibly be one or two late changes, as we go to
press, the other tracks on the album are likely to be; William Rimmer’s
famous march RAVENSWOOD; FESTIVE OVERTURE
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Page 13
Well done to you both, thanks for your great efforts on behalf of
Wingates over the years, and we hope you will be with us for a long time
to come. We also wish you every success in your on-going music
careers.
We have really no idea just how many times Wingates Band
has featured on national radio (an aspect of the band’s history
which we must attempt to research before publishing our
definitive story), but we do know that our broadcasting career
began in the early 1930s. We are delighted to say that, approaching 8
decades on, Wingates Band remains very much in the minds of the
Corporation’s music producers, and we have recently received an
invitation to record another programme for the long-running “LISTEN
TO THE BAND”, broadcast on BBC Radio 2 every Friday evening. We
don’t yet have a date fixed for the recording (nor the broadcast) but it is
likely to be some time early in November. Look out for more news in
our next issue.
Going to extremes  our new cd album
In Wingates Band, we are very proud of our long
“recording pedigree”, and we believe that only three
brass bands in the world have a longer recording history
than ours. This important chapter in the Wingates Band
story began way back in the dark days of World War I
(1915), since when we have made approaching 200
recordings.
As we had a particularly hectic schedule in the recording studios
throughout 2006 (when we made no less than 5 recordings), a very full
concert and contest schedule in 2007 meant that we needed to take a
breather from this aspect of the band’s life last year.
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Your Letters
Dear Wingates World,
We very much enjoyed reading the new format of “WINGATES
WORLD”. Over the years we have been receiving the newsletter we
think this was the best yet – a most interesting read…
With best regards, Andrew and Freda Graham, Hindley
(Editor’s Note: It has been very gratifying to receive many
complimentary messages with regard to the new A5 booklet format of
our quarterly missive. It certainly seems to have been very wellreceived, so we will continue with it!).
Dear Wingates World,
Thankyou very, very much for sending me the
outstanding CD. (“FROLIC FOR TROMBONES”). Your band is
fantastic… Thankyou also for the most interesting band newsletter… I
will try to ensure that I can attend a Wingates concert during my next
trip to the UK… In the meantime, I will monitor the band’s progress via
regular website visits.
With best regards, Bob Lawrence, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(Editor’s Note: Bob is the latest overseas member of our Supporters’
Club).
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Dear Wingates World,
Just in case they haven’t come to your attention
already, here are a couple of Wingates-related items:
firstly, the enclosed newspaper cutting(*) has been on my desk for a little
while now, so not sure whether the special offer will still be valid.
Secondly, I noted that, some weeks back, Wingates Band featured on a
BBC Radio 3 programme entitled “LATE JUNCTION”, playing music
from the Nyman Brass LP. However, as the programme wasn’t
broadcast until 1:30am, I didn’t stay up – I have the CD anyway!
With best regards, Rev. Peter Hewis, Oxford
(*) – The cutting which Peter sent us was a Readers’ Offer from “THE
OBSERVER”, relating to the MICHAEL NYMAN CD COLLECTION
– including, of course “NYMAN BRASS” recorded in 2006 by
Wingates.
Obituaries
Since our last issue we have been saddened to learn of the
deaths of three valued members of our Supporters’ Club:
AMY BERRY was a truly wonderful character, who, at
95 years old, was arguably the oldest member of our
Supporters’ Club. She was the mother of Tony Berry
(founder member/lead singer of THE HOUGHTON
WEAVERS – who is also a Wingates Band trustee) and,
knowing Amy as we did, we could see where much of Tony’s
marvellous personality comes from! The band was represented at Mrs.
Berry’s funeral at Westhoughton’s Sacred Heart church, and we extend
our sympathy to Tony, Jim, Theresa and all members of the Berry
family.
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In registering our appreciation of their support for our band over the
years, we also extend our deepest sympathy to the families of JOHN
BROMLEY of Bolton, and NEVILLE COLLIER or Horwich, both of
whom died recently in untimely fashion.
CROTCHETS AND QUAVERS
We are sure that everyone will wish to join WINGATES
WORLD in extending CONGRATULATIONS! to our good
friend TONY BERRY (founder member / lead singer of THE
HOUGHTON WEAVERS, and a band trustee) on being
awarded the WESTHOUGHTON CIVIC MEDAL FOR 2008. The
medals are awarded annually to Westhoughton residents who have
rendered distinguished service to the town for at least 20 years, and it
may be recalled that an exception to the “individual” rule was made in
2006, when the band became the first group to be awarded this honour.
In a diversity of ways - and not just as the front man for THE
HOUGHTON WEAVERS for so many years – Tony has been a fantastic
ambassador for HOWFEN, and no-one could be more deserving of this
prestigious award.
Tony will be presented with his medal at a ceremony in Westhoughton in
October, when it is hoped that band members will be present to share the
occasion with him. Well done, Tony!
CONGRATULATIONS! are also due to band members
PATRICK NOONE (our fantastic drummer) and principal
baritone, KATIE RAISBECK, who were recently awarded
university degrees. Patrick was awarded a first class honours degree in
music by the University of Salford, whilst Katie received her degree
from the Royal Northern College of Music.
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