NEW HORIZONS Tyldesley Band would like to congratulate Philip Bracegirdle on his recent A level success. We are sad that he is leaving us, but wish him all the best while studying Music at the University of Huddersfield. Philip has been our Solo Euphonium player for two years and his sound and professional approach have contributed greatly to the band's success in concerts and contests.
Thank you Phil for all of your hard work and commitment. We wish you good luck for the future and hope you will come back for a blow when you can.

We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Michael Jackson to the band.  Mike is currently in his final year at Salford University - where he studies Music - and will be stepping into Phil's sizeable shoes on the Solo Euphonium seat.

CONGRATULATIONS to Michael Jackson, Jane Smith and Matthew Taylor who, along with Anita Milde won the Anne Welsh Memorial Ensemble Contest run annually by Salford University.

Our Librarian Tom Welsh, who sponsors the contest in memory of his late wife, presented the winners with both a trophy and cash prize. Further to this, their names will appear on the Adelphi building 'Wall of Fame'.

Tom holding the trophy along with the winning ensemble.

CONGRATULATIONS go to Nick Garbett for being the winner of a competition organised by Salford City Reds Rugby Club. The competition involved composing a fanfare for the team, to be played before every match. Students from Salford played the fanfare for judges and Nick was the overall winner of all the entries. He said on BBC GMR "It's a real honour to be part of such a fantastic rugby team.  I hope that my music will inspire the players and the fans at the start of every match.  I'm really proud of what I've achieved."

FORMBY HALL The band, for the first time as part of the Brass Band concert series,performed at the Formby Hall, Atherton on Sunday 15th June. This was the first of 3 engagments that the band has at this venue this year. The band played to a full house and the concert slod featured the first performace by the newly formed wind band from Hesketh Fletcher School. The concert programme, including several soloists was well received by the audience. Videos to follow soon.

NEW PLAYERS The band would like to welcome more new players, including Philip Bracegirlde on Principal Euphonium, and Anthony Mann on Percussion.

NEW PLAYERS The band would like to welcome the new players who have recently joined the ranks including Joe Murtagh on Principal cornet, Vicky Fitzmaurice who returns to the band on 2nd baritone, and Craig Mann who joins on Eb Bass.

BRASSED OFF The band took part in the production of 'Brassed Off' by the St Joseph's player in Leigh. The run of shows were highly successful with many nights being a total sell out. See below for letters taken from the Leigh Reporter on the production.

'Brassed Off' was brilliant. Must congratulate all concerned with the production of 'Brassed Off' at St Joseph's Hall, Leigh. A really entertaining evening highlighted by the inclusion of Tyldesley Brass Band. A fantastic night out enjoyed by a full house. Well done! Keep it coming. M Entwistle, Green Lane,

Leigh St Joseph's Players certainly hit the right note when they selected the popular film 'Brassed Off' as their autumn play what a show! Producer Doreen Johnson cleverly set the scene for the story of Yorkshire miners digging deep to cling on to their jobs, families and self-respect which was told with a gentle empathy and pride. To name individuals would be unjust, this was a team performance from the 'sound and lighting' to the 'set and costume' which accompanied a perfect cast. When not at the pit head, the miners cleared their lungs as members of 'Grimley Brass Band', a role Tyldesley Brass Band assumed with a triumphal flourish. As the audience revelled in a final rendition of 'Hope and Glory' I concluded not only had the Players struck a winning chord but live theatre remains alive and kicking in Leigh. Clare Nash, Redpol Avenue, Leigh

HOME2ROME 2007 Once again, the teams successfully completed the journey to Rome in 100 cars.

MOVING ON Best wishes and the best of luck go to Anne and Phil who are due to move to La Maucariere in France later this month. We all hope they enjoy the change of pace and all the fine wine that the area has to offer!

NEW ARRIVAL Congratulations go to David and Nicolette Hilton on the birth of their daughter on Saturday 30th June. With both parents being cornet players, no doubt Isobel Lydia will follow in their footsteps!

NEW PLAYERS The band welcomes Jonathan Smith and Kirsty-Marisa Peploe from Ellenbrook & Boothstown band who have joined over summer.

HOME2ROME 2007 Four members of the band are taking part in the Home2Rome rally again this year, hoping to raise money for the band. The challenge is to drive to Rome via Calais, Monte Carlo and Venice in 4 days. The only catch being the car must not be worth more than 100. Please see the H2R page for more details, and the opportunity to advertise on the car. To find out about last year's event see the Home2Rome 2006 page.

NEW PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTOR The band is lucky enough to have Brian Taylor working alongside the resident conductor, his brother, Rob Taylor. He is taking rehearsals in preparation for the forthcoming area contest, and summer engagements. Brian has been a member of the Fairey Band for around 30 years, with 20 years spent on principal cornet. He began playing with the Tyldesley Band and in the past had held the position of Musicial Director with the band. He is a brass teacher at the Royal Northern College of Music and Salford University as well as in the Burnley and Tyldesley areas. The band and its soloists will no doubt gain from his expertise and musical experience.

FORMBY HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Once again the annual Christmas concert at Formby Hall, Atherton proved to be a success. The concert featured a solo from guest cornet player Brian Taylor, and a solo from Phil Gornall on Euphonium along wth the usual carol singing and audience participation.

PONTIN'S CONTEST The band played under the baton of Brian Taylor at Pontin's in Prestatyn on Music for the Common Man by Kenneth Downie in the 1st section. The band was delighted with the result of 6th place, after a very musical performance on stage. Rob Taylor was making a return to playing for the contest on solo horn, while John Taylor was playing principal cornet. This was possibley the first time the three brothers had been on stage together since they were all young lads in Tyldesley Band.

HOME 2 ROME The teams have all returned safely from Rome. All 3 teams from the band made it and all 3 cars even made it home. For photos and story of the trip please see the H2R page. With just over a week to go, the 3 teams are all raring to go. The teams will set off on Thursday 19th October on their trip to Rome, via Monte Carlo and Venice in their, Skoda, Volvo and Peugeot, hopefully completing the challenge on Monday 24th. The teams are hoping to raise money for some new instruments and some smaller uniforms for the young people who have recently joined the band. If you would like to sponsor the teams, a penny a mile, or £1 for getting there, please email us. Please see the H2R page for updates For more information about the rally, please see www.home2rome.com

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS CONCERT The band played to an audience of around 500 people in Pennington Park in Leigh, for the annual Last Night of the Proms concerton Saturday 9th September. The band played many of the Proms classics as well as some more traditional brass band music including a cornet feature, and a duet from Phil and Anne. The evening was finished off with a spectacular firework display, and the band looks forward to the same event next year. Thanks go to those players who heled us out on the day. Photos of the event are available in the photo gallery. Letter in the Leigh Journal, Thursday 14th September.