Band Trip to Bournemouth - 29th/30th May 2010
After such a successful trip up to Whitby last year this year’s band tour took us in the opposite direction though we still headed for the seaside. Bournemouth was our destination and as we set off the prospects for better weather seemed hopeful. As we approached Bournemouth the spots on the windscreen began to suggest otherwise.
Amazingly the whole band, having travelled down independently managed to all arrive at the bandstand in the Lower Gardens just back from the seafront ready to begin playing at 10am. Horizontal rain meant that during our hour and a half slot we were really only playing for the enjoyment of our most ardent supporters being the partners, families and friends of the band members and one or two passersby. Despite this it is my feeling that the one soaking wet person walking through the park who we managed to give a smile to as they looked up from under their Mac makes it all worthwhile. If nothing else the Saturday was a good warm up for the following day.
Our programme consisted of a diverse range of music from popular marches such as Punchinello, items from musicals and films to classics like The Dambusters and The Great Escape.
Once the band had finished playing the time was our own until 10am the following day. A number went for some lunch and then went shopping and threw cash into the amusement arcade machines. The rain had subdued a little by this stage so it was possible to go and wander down the pier and watch the surfers and fishermen go about their activities. In the evening the Band went out for dinner and drinks in town and then games back at the hotel.
It is felt that it is important for a band not only to spend time together making music but also to have free time such as on a weekend like this to get to know each other better. This tends to boost morale and the band’s playing improves as a result.
Sunday felt like an entirely different day. The sun was shining, people sat in the gardens on deckchairs and on the grass and kids played whilst everyone enjoyed our music. The Bournemouth bandstand was a very good one and particularly well designed to have helped us cope with the weather the previous day. The bandstand was enclosed on all four sides yet the front opened up to allow our sound to fill the park and entice people over by the beach to come and listen. The bandstand was on a bank with a stream in front of it and then the gardens beyond with a crazy golf course on which a hotly contested competition took place amongst the band members after we had played on the Sunday.
Despite the mixed weather which we almost come to expect in the UK now, Bournemouth was a very successful and enjoyable trip for which thanks must go to our musical director Jenny Barrie for organising it all. Where will next year take us?
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