Today at Glapwell Carnival accompanied by Matthew Wolfenden who plays David Metcalfe on Emmerdale

 Hot and humid at the Glapwell carnival. Sunshine all the way. It was quite a long parade in the weather but the Band were up to it. Thanks to Phil in the beer pavilion, no not just for the beer but the tap full of water we needed when we got to the field. The event was well supported by stall holders and people attending. lots to do. We played a sillection of traditional and slightly more modern tunes.

Thank you to the band members for attending and helping put on such a good show

For the fourth year we have played at the Blists Hill Victorian Town over the May Bank Holiday. Saturday was I can only describe as very wet, It rained all day.

There is a picture of us playing in the coconut shy just to keep us dry but despite the weather our spirits were high. We were allowed again to play in the foundry which has great acoustics.

The Sunday was very similar but there were breaks in the rain and again we gave eight performances throughout the day.

Yet the Monday was glorious sunshine for most of it and the museum had substantially more visitors.

The commitment of Band members never ceases to amaze me. Weather caravan, guest house, traveling every day or traveling on one day that they are available. The playing this year was superb on all three days. Thank you to all of you.

One thing that makes the weekend also are the staff at Blists Hill who are so friendly and helpful it is like meeting old friends again.

A big thanks to all who came along as guests, band members, family and friends to support the 48th annual dinner. The Oakham suite did us proud with their outstanding quality of food and service. The bar staff were amazing as usual. Thanks to DJ trev for filling the dance floor, to Jack for selling all the tombola tickets and to every band member that did their part to make the evening go so well.

Special mention - we now have a permanent bass drummer Jacob who joined us recently and played so well on his first public performance. Also a good rendition of amazin grace for Courtney.

Thank you Shirley for remembering your ipad. we got a picture to post. This is the photo of our mini Band at a small exclusive event at Worksop Masonic Hall. From left to right is Gordon Dale,  Stu Gullen, Shirley Dale, Alex Smith and Bob Orridge.

We piped the guests into the dinning hall. piped the haggis around the room before Alex spoke to it, toasted it and stabbed it. Then we played a mixture of modern and traditional tunes.

We were much appreciated and it was very enjoyable

Christmas market at Turner Hall, Mansfield Woodhouse.

A great atmosphere, lots to see and do. It is looking a lot like christmas.

A bit tight on stage due to the number of Band members able to attend this event but I am pleased to say we played well and had a good time. Thank you Turner Hall.

The Band has been out today. Unfortunately the "official Photographer" was otherwise engaged so I have no pictures to post.

We have been to The Portland College Christmas Market.  The market was jam-packed full of craft stalls, delicious local food and beers, together with entertainment for all the family and Santa’s Grotto.

We had the pleasure of marching up the driveway at the opening and then went round most of the stalls hopefully bringing some Christmas fun

We led the Remembrance Parade at Mansfield on this cold but dry day, as it usually is. I am sure that this parade is getting bigger each year and I am sure the crowd was bigger. Thank you to all the people who turned out to remember.

The band played well and sounded superb with the new matched chanters. Gordon kept a good but fantastically loud beat with the felt beaters on the “old thumper” (bass drum).

Kev West had his debut as a side drummer with this band and well done Kev, looked good and reportedly played well.

Well done to Courtney one of our novice pipers who turned out and marched at the rear of the band.

Thank you to each member of the band superb job, I could not be prouder.