Derby Central for Guisborough 125

The Derby Central Band (Bandmaster Alan Losh) helped the Guisborough Corps Band celebrate their 125th anniversary with a weekend visit 17 – 18 October 2009.

The weekend consisted of a Saturday evening festival, Sunday morning meetings and a Sunday afternoon festival. When the Derby Central Band arrived on Saturday, they were provided with an excellent meal.

The hall was full for the evening festival which included solos from David Purkiss (cornet), Darren Willis (euphonium), Andrew Jones (xylophone), Jonathan Finnity (flügelhorn), Paul Robins (vocal). In addition, a trombone ensemble and a male voice quartet (four members of the Derby Central Band) were featured. There was also a testimony from Martyn Page and a message from David Morton. The program was well-received by the people of Guisborough and many of the band heard positive comments about the evening.

After excellent suppers and a good nights’ sleep the band led the Sunday morning meeting. Unfortunately, John Jordan had been too ill to travel with the band, but had already prepared the sermon. His words were read by John Floyd and brought blessing to many. The meeting featured the Guisborough singing company and songsters who both sang beautifully.

The afternoon meeting/festival started at half-past four and included solos by Martyn Page (euphonium) and Colin Sneade (bass). The male voice quartet performed again, and also the Guisborough songsters and band. The message was brought by Graham Eacott.

The Derby Central Band was pleased to have Ceri Hammond and Andrew Dickinson helping out the horn section. The weekend also saw the retirement of James Hunter from the horn section, and the band took the opportunity to thank him for all his efforts over the last six years.