Latest band news.
Novemeber / December 2010
The band attended the GBBA annual test piece and march contest held in Coleford on the 21st of November and were placed 2nd for both the march and test piece in group C of the competition. This is a very pleasing result considering there was a change of conductor only a few weeks before the contest. Now the band are busy in the carolling season playing at various events throughout the region – you may even see us at a supermarket or two near you! Please see our events page for the latest concerts
October 2010
Well the summer season closes and the band head towards the winter season and a contest or two. Over the summer we had a new conductor join the band. Daniel Floyd has been taking the band for the last few months and is currently preparing the band for the GBBA contest. The contest is a march and test piece format held in Coleford on the 21st of November. Throughout December the band will be playing xmas concert and carols throughout he region and will of course be playing numerous events in Marshfield including at the annual mummers event on boxing day
April 2010
The band AGM was held at the start of April and the new commitee were elected. Louise wall is now the bands new chairman with the vice chair posiition now occupied by Steve Ruddell. Thankyou to all the outgoing commitee members for all their hard work over the past year.
Sadly, we would like to say thank you to a few outgoig menbers of the band. Peter Cornford has stepped down as the bands musical director and will be moving on to work with other bands in the area. We would like to to say a big thank you to all his efforts over the past few years and wish him well with his future endevours. We would also like to say goodbye to Robin Fustenheim (sop), Dave Tuck (Eb bass) Alan & Lisa Coomes (Bb bass and cornet) who are also leaving the band. We wish tem all the best for the future.
We have a few new faces around the band and details of this will be in the next news bullitin.
February 2010
All preparations are underway for the bands 4th successive appearance at the West of England regional competition in Torquay on the 13th of March 2010. This year the test piece is Saint Saens variations by Philip Spark. Rehearsals are going well under Jon Griffin ,who is taking us for this years contest. John has a lot of experience in playing and conducting and has previously been assistant principal cornet at the Sunlife band and principal at Bendix kingswood band. He has also conducted many bands in the Bristol area with much success including Bendix, Corsham, Thornbury and Bristol East.band. We are also pleased to welcome a number of players to the band for the contest, Jim Bell (former soprano cornet at Sunlife band) on Soprano Cornet, Julie May on 1st Baritone, Simon Pepper on Bb bass, Dave Alderman on 1st Trombone, Jim Mitchell on 2nd Baritone and Ashley Keyte on Solo cornet. We would also like to welcome Chris Turnbull who has joined us on 2nd Horn. Because of the Regional competition a few players have been playing musical chairs! well not quite : Mark Chapman has moved on to 1st Horn and Robin Furstenheim has moved on to the solo cornet bench. To complete the line up our resident conductor Peter Cornford is playing on 3rd cornet for the contest.
December 2009
Well it has been a busy December which saw the band playing in many venues around the local area. Caroling events in the Mall cribs causeway and local Food stores certainly made it the busiest December for a long time! As usual the band played in the annual Marshfield Christmas concert ad well as around the village itself. The annual Mummers event on the 26th December was preceded by the band playing carols in the street accompanied by the amassed crowd.
So it is all over for another year – now all focus is on the regional brass band competition to be held in mid march. More details on this will be in the next news bulletin. Until then….
October 2009
It is with great sadness to announce the recent passing of our 2nd cornet player Roy Muggleton. Roy was a well loved and committed member of the band and gave many years faithful service. Roy enjoyed being part of Marshfield band and was someone who was universally liked. He was quiet, yet had a big heart. We will miss him very much.
The band would like to offer their full condolences to his family at this difficult time.
September 2009
All set for Wychavon Festival of Brass.
The band have been hard practicing for this years Wychavon entertainment contest to be held in driotwich on Sunday 20th of September. Rehearsals may have been a little disjointed due to it being the holiday season, but an interesting programme is prepared for our 10.00 am start. The pre draw for the contest resulted in us being drawn the number 1 position and so it will be the opening performance of the morning.
Now a few goodbyes; we would like to say thank you to both Lis and Rob Goodman for there time in the band over the past few years and we wish you good luck in the future.
The summer concert season has now come to an end, and the band played in many parks and venues throughout the area. Our next concert will be in Caoley in Gloucestershire in October and then of course it’s preparation for the Christmas season.
Until next time.
May 2009
The annual spring village concert held in Marshfield community centre on the 16th May was a very enjoyable evening for the band and audience. An enjoyable selection of music including a large selection of new pieces recently obtained by the band provided an excellent and varied programme. The concert has now become a regular event on the calendar and hopefully spring concert 2010 will just as enjoyable!
Moving on into the summer, the band has an active concert season with the usual selection of park engagements throughout the region as well as local events held in Marshfield. The band is also entering a few extra contests later in the year and details will be provided in later news announcements.
April 2009
Preparations are underway for our annual Band Village concert to be held in Marshfield community centre on the 16th of May for an 8.00pm Start. As usual the program will feature a varied selection of music such as Pop hits, marches, Broadway and individual solo’s.
Refreshments will be available on the evening and there will be a raffle held during the interval.
Tickets available on the door. Adults £5, Under 16’s Free, Con £3.50.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Band AGM – March 25th 2009
The recent Annual General Meeting saw a number of new appointments to the band committee and auxiliary positions. A number of positions became vacant after the previous Chairman and Librarian stood down. The following list is the new committee for the next year.
Chairman : Robert Goodman
Vice Chairman : Mark Chapman
Treasurer: Lis Goodman
Secretary : Dave Tuck
Librarian: Sarah Rigden
Assistant Librarian : Jeannie Byham.
Contest Secretary : Lindsay Chapman
Committee Members : Neil Allen, Steve Ruddell, Alex Dunn, Yvonne Gillian, Sarah Rigden.
The band would like to thank the efforts of Rebecca Williams for looking after the library for the last 10 years as well as Ian Philpot for being the band's long time treasurer. Thanks also to Bev Williams for his efforts on the committee.
West of England Regionals Sunday 15th March 2009
Well, the West of England Regionals are over for another year with the whole band pleased with the 7th position achieved from a field of 19 bands. Although perhaps the band did not quite pull off the standard achieved in rehearsals, a 7th place is a lot better than the previous years performance and everyone left Torquay feeling quite jubilant. The day began with an early morning rehearsal which meant for some a early morning start to get to Torquay for the 7.45 practice. Drawn 3rd to play, the band were soon on stage giving a confident performance of the Talisman by Frank Hughes. This year the fourth section was able to play on the main stage (the forum) instead of the sports hall. The remainder of the day was spent watching other bands, socialising, seeking out much needed refreshments and enjoying the fantastic warm sunny weather. Hopefully next year we can repeat this years success.
Above - Happy Horn Players!
February / March 2009
Preparations are going well for the area contest in Torquay on 15th March this year. The Talisman is proving to be entertaining for all concerned as well as providing some challenges for the members.
There have been some changes in the ranks of the band for this event, the first two main ones are linked. Peter Cornford, our well known and respected Musical Director has temporarily stood down to join the front row bench, providing worthy support to our Principal Cornet player, Sarah, as she embarks on her first contest as principal player. The second major change is the introduction of Danny Jones to the band as conductor for the duration of the preparations and on the day of the contest. Danny has brought energy to the band with his enthusiasm for the music and his optimism that we can do well this year….fingers crossed. Many thanks to them both.
We would also like to welcome Louise Wall as our new Euphonium player and thank Clive Rickards for changing positions from Euphonium to Bass Trombone for the contest.
As is standard practice for bands entering contests Marshfield would like to welcome two guest players for the day. Clare Fraley has attended regularly on 2nd Trombone over the past few weeks and we are sure she will do well for us on the day and Paul Hemmings who has agreed to help us on percussion, providing some rhythm at the back of the band. Their attendance and assistance on the day are greatly appreciated.
The Band would like to wish, those in the band for whom this is their first contest, all the best for the day and remember to enjoy yourselves.
An Open band practice is being held on the 13th March from 8.00pm until 10.00pm in the community centre, Marshfield. Anyone interested in hearing the band play the test piece before we travel down to Torquay on the Saturday morning are more than welcome to pop in, either for 10 minutes or for the duration of the practice.
10th January 2009
The band held their Christmas event on Saturday where two presentations were made to band members. Mark Chapman, band Chairman, made a speech announcing both awards.
In memory of a former player, the Bernard Fishlock Memorial Shield has been created to commend a band member each year for their contribution to the band. After a secret ballot which was held before the evening, in which all members of the band were able to cast their vote, the award for Band Person of the year was given to Dave Tuck. Dave, as band secretary, always ensures that band members are kept informed of forthcoming events and works hard behind the scenes on the committee to keep the band running smoothly – as well as being a keen musician on the EEb in the bass section.
The second award was a one-off, a special one, made to Derrick Ruddell, 2nd trombone player of the band who joined the band in February 1948. To commemorate this important occasion, Derrick was presented with a beautiful time piece, adorned with a plaque saying ‘D W Ruddell, 60 years dedication to Marshfield Band, 1948 – 2008.’ This tremendous milestone could not go un-noticed and the band members were unanimous in their applause for this popular band member. Derrick stood to make a speech saying how honoured he was to be recognised in such a way and regaled us party goers with stories from the past and emphasised the importance of a band that socialises together as well as performing together, this is what makes Marshfield band special. Now in his 80s Derrick is still a regular band member, coming along each week to play the trombone and practice night would not be the same without him.
Derrick was featured on Radio bristol on Friday 16th of Jan.
Here is the interview.
January 2009
A very Happy New Year, 2009, to visitors of our website.
The band finished 2008 with a busy Christmas schedule which included a Christmas Concert at Marshfield Community Centre. This was an enjoyable evening with local children performing before the band took to the stage to play a variety of Christmas music, including a newly discovered arrangement by our conductor of Wombling Merry Christmas which entertained both adults and children. A presentation was made during the evening to Joshua Gammie as Youth Player of the Year.; This award was created some years ago but had been all-but forgotten until it was decided, considering the number of young players we have within the band, to resurrect the trophy. This was a conductor’s choice award and was made in recognition of Joshua’s regular attendance to practice nights and for his continuing progress.
As well as this event the band were busy with outside carolling in the village of Marshfield, the New Cabot Circus shopping complex in Bristol, Tesco at Brislington and a variety of other venues. As a result of this hard work the band are pleased to say that we have managed to raise in excess of £1500, which will help to pay for coach travel for the band to the area contest in Torquay on 15th March 2009.
The band are now busy preparing for the aforesaid contest, the Talisman is proving to be an interesting, entertaining and sometimes tuneful test piece, with all band members ensuring they get as much practice in as possible for the big day
November 2008
There was standing room only when the band held its charity concert in memory of Bernard Fishlock on 18th October. Bernard had been a member of the band for many years and the popularity of this event was an excellent testament to his memory. The band performed a varied programme ranging from the popular tunes; You Raise Me Up and Misty to the more complicated; Journey into Freedom, an edited version courtesy of our talented conductor.
Over £1100 was raised on the evening through ticket sales and the amazing raffle, with some interesting prizes having been kindly donated. All of these proceeds will be donated to the Dorothy House Cancer Fund.
With festive season looming ever closer the band are now busy preparing their Christmas music programme and look forward to playing out and about in the area. See our events page for further details.
September 2008
The band finished it’s summer season on Sunday by playing in the sunshine at John Coles Park in Chippenham. It was good to have an appreciative audience after our last visit in August in the pouring rain where play had to be abandoned when the elements took over the afternoon.
We are now devoting all of our practice time towards the next event on Saturday 18th October. This Charity Concert will be in memory of Bernard Fishlock, a former member of the band who passed away earlier this year and all proceeds will be going to the Dorothy House Cancer Fund.
This should prove to be an entertaining evening at Marshfield Community Centre and doors will be opening at 7:00pm for an 8:00pm start, with a fully licensed bar on the premises and refreshments being available throughout the evening. Look out for posters displayed locally for further information.
August 2008
Well, what a busy summer so far, with concerts in Parade gardens in Bath, Coaley in Gloucestershire, Frenchay flower show, Victoria park (Bath), John coles park (Chippinham) and an excellent day at Aston Court in Bristol amongst others. This year the weather has been fairly pleasant with no rain at concerts! The band has been lucky to have strong attendance for all events and is looking forward to the remaining summer concerts. Preparations for a large charity/memorial concert in October are underway, more details of this in the near future.
New members! a number of new faces have been seen round the band in recent months. We would like to mention Robin Furstenheim (sop), Allen Coomes(Bb Bass) Lisa Coomes (2nd cornet) , Lis Goodman (3rd cornet) Sarah Rigden (solo cornet) and the return of Cllive Rickards on Euphonium. A number of younger players from the village have also been arriving, including Josh Gammie (cornet) and Will Snell (Tenor horn).
New Brass! The arrival of a shiny new flugel horn in the band room is one of a number of new investments the band is making this year, with new stand banners due shortly as well as new music, music stands and other items.
May 2008
A fantastic village concert on the 3rd of May was enjoyed by the audience and band with a varied selection of music including a number of well played solo items from band members. The following weekend had no let up for the band as both Saturday and Sunday saw the band out playing for the Marshfield May fair and Castle Coombe steam rally. Clear skies and hot weather made for an excellent few days (although perhaps a bit too hot after 2 hrs playing!) all this in contrast to last year when the event was called off due to rain! Our next event will be Parade Gardens in Bath on the 15th of June.
April 2008
On the 3rd of May, Marshfield band will be performing in Marshfield community centre for this years "Village concert". This year the band will be performing a large selection of music, including a number of solo items, including Black magic woman, Manhatten skyline and part of this years regional testpiece "London". Tickets are available on the door and the concert starts at 8.00pm. (£5 adults, under 16s free, £3.50 conc)
March 2008
Well, despite having no percussion the band managed to get a near full band to the regional contest held in Torquay on the 8th March. The day was enjoyed by the whole band, and for a number of members this was their first competition so well done to them and also a BIG thank you to all those who helped out.
Most of the engagements for 2008 have now been posted on the events page and this year looks like a good line up of concerts including the Coaley concert, Parade Gardens in Bath, Castle Coombe Steam rally and new for this year, Frenchay Flower Show.
The band would like to say a big thank you to Stewart Lewins who has recently left the band following relocation. Stewart has been the bands Multi talented Soprano cornet player and secondary conductor for a number of years and will missed by all.
Feburary 2008
Well its a new year and the preperations are underway for the regional contest to be held in Torquay on the 8th of March. this years test piece is "Four Cities Symphony" by Rodney Newton. The band has managed to secure some extra players to fill the vacant cornet seats and are now looking forward to rehersals with a solid line up.
Of course, this year the band will be playing in various parks and bandstands around Bristol and Bath throughout the summer and a list of engagements for 2008 will posted shortly on the events page.
December 2007
Marshfield band are pleased to announce that this website has been voted 'website of the month' by members of the brass band community forum themouthpiece.com. The website will now be entered into the website of the year contest, running during december.
We are now well and truly busy with caroling and xmas concerts, however we have a strong eye on preparing the band for next years area contest in Torquay. Currently we have a strong band line up, but are short of cornets. If you are interested in playing with the band please contact us.
November 2007
Well its been a few months since the last update (apologies from the webmaster for being ill for 4 months) so lets begin by thanking all the people who helped out at concerts throughout the summer while players were out on holiday or being ill. Now the summer/autumn season has come to close the band is preparing for the Christmas events in the village and local area.
The band website has been nominated for the website of the month competition at themouthpiece.com. Voting is underway now, so please visit to make your vote count.
The band is currently looking for new band members (esp cornets) after a few members have left to go to university.
June 2007
The band have elected a new chairman and vice chairman following Steve Ruddle’s and Bev Williams decision to stand down from the positions in April. Many thanks from the band for all the hard work they have put in over the years and hope they continue to have enjoyment playing with the band. In May, Mark Chapman and Brain fuller were elected as the bands new chairman and vice chairman, we hope they find the new roles rewarding and good luck!
The band website has been nominated for the website of the month competition at the themouthpiece.com (a brass band news and discussion forum). Voting starts in early June so please sign up for forum membership and vote for the Band!
The village concert at the end of April was very successful and enjoyed by both the band and audience and it is hoped that similar concerts can be staged more regularly in the village. Looking ahead, the band are busy preparing for a number of summer engagements in parks and bandstands around the area (please see the events page) Preparations are underway for the Coaly Concert on the 30th of June. This year the theme will be ‘musicals through the decades’ and some new music has been bought for the occasion and for the other summer events including : Grease, The Magnificent 7 , Robin Hood, Flintstones and many others
April 2007
It’s been a few months since the last news article from the band. However there is much to report! Firstly, as you may see the website has been re-designed and improved with a clearer look and feel. The use of white space and a ‘horizontal band’ style layout help give the impression of free space. With improved graphics and PHP coding the website is easier to maintain and has better features.
Finally, the band got to wear the new red / green jackets ! for our first appearance in 10 years at the west of England regional contest in March. Although disappointed with our 18th placing we gained national press in the bandsman and 4 bars rest.
Due to last minute changes we were forced to put our Sop player, Mr Stewart Lewins on both percussion and Sop at the same time! Quite a challenge! Later that week an article appeared in the Bandsman magazine and on 4 bars rest.
The summer season will see a number of engagements at various parks and venues, so be sure to check out the events page for the latest.
December 2006
After the committee meeting on 3rd of December, it has been confirmed that the band will play in both the GBBA entertainments contest on the 4th of February and also the West of England area contest on the 10th of March. In the new year the band will have an extra permanent practice night on friday evenings. This will be held in the same hall however the community centre may be used on occasions nearer the contests.
Pssst!..The word is the band are also going to get new band Jackets! , this will mean we will have a full set to use at contests. Full details of this will appear in the January news bulletin!.
More recruits. We would like to welcome Craig Goldsworthy who is joining us on Solo Cornet. Craig is a local freelance brass player and brass teacher and has already made an impact on the front row. We are also looking forward to the arrival of some new members in the new year, more information to follow shortly.
Finally, the band Christmas meal on the 8th of December went really well and the good spirit should help the band start the new year with aplomb. The band would like to thank Lindsay and Mark Chapman for the efforts in organising this event.
The events page has been updated to include some confirmed dates for next year.
November 2006
We are now a registered band! Its been nearly 10 years since the band last contested as a registered band, (although a number of un-registered competitions have been entered) and we will be entering in the 4th section for the GBBA Coleford contest on 26th of November. We are also entering for the areas contest in march next year.
New Recruits! We have also seen a number of new band members join over the last month or two. We would like to welcome back Karen Rickards who will be joining us on Tenor Horn. We now have a solid back row cornet section with the arrival of 2 new players. Tony Beazer will join Roy on second cornet while Robert will fill out the section on 3rd cornet next to Chris. We also have a new trombone for the contest as Clive Rickards will be covering the 1st trombone part.
The band has built up a strong core of players, but we are still in need of a few front row cornets to complete the cornet line-up. We also have room for an extra Eb or Bb bass, baritone and bass trombone. We also need some Percussion players. Please see the contact page for more details.
September 2006
A Band logo has been designed so that other websites can use it for linking purposes. The new logo is simple clean and effective.
The band is pleased to welcome Stewart Lewins on Eb Sop, who is already adding very nicely to the Cornet section. The band has not had a regular Soprano Cornet player for a while and it certainly makes a difference in practice!
Ian Ford (Cornet) has taken over the Principal Cornet position since Neil Allen joined the Polysteel band in April. Neil still continues to play with the band and takes an active role as a band committee member.
Plans to enter the band for competition in the 4th section are afoot. It is likely that the Coleford contest in November will be the first time the band has been registered since the mid 90's. Following this, entry in to the regional contest in 2007 is the goal for the band.