It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Martlesham Brass has always held her in great esteem and we will miss her dedication and constant care for us.
We have followed her example of making our organisation open and welcoming to all.

We look to the future when we can celebrate her life and that of our new sovereign, King Charles III.

Newsletter

Brett Baker

We have an exciting day planned for the 28th of February. Brett Baker, from the Black Dyke Band will be visiting us for a day workshop. In the evening, he will be performing in concert with the main band.

The day workshop is structured as follows:

10am â�" 1pm Main Band Workshop and Rehearsal
1pm â�" 2pm Lunch
2pm â�" 4pm Beginners, Prelims and Inters Workshop

The tickets for the concert are now available â�" priced at £3.50 each (children of band families aged up to 16 free), which are available now. Weâ��re busy publicising this event at the moment, so please make sure you get your tickets soon, as we donâ��t want you to miss out.

Preliminary Band â�" Change of Practice Venue

From the 27th February, the Preliminary band will be rehearsing at Birchwood School, which is just around the corner from St Michael�s Church.
If you have any questions about this, please speak to the Preliminary Bandleader, Ian Harvey.

Gig Bag Donation

The band are pleased to announce the donation of 10 gig bags to Hillside Primary School. This follows the previous donation of instruments to the school, and provides them with lightweight soft cases to carry their instruments in.

AGM, 6th March, 7:30pm

This year, our AGM will be held on Friday 6th March at 7:30pm after Beginner, Preliminary and Intermediate practices.
Please make every effort to attend as this gives you the ability to find out more information about the band and the way that the organisation operates.
All committee positions are available for nomination, and we ask that you consider the posts that are available â�" weâ��re always looking for new people to be involved!
If you would like to apply for a position, nomination forms are attached to this newsletter.

Martlesham Brass Summer Fayre 2009

Please note the date in your diaries for our fantastic summer fayre, it is on Saturday 13th June 2009 this year. This year we are asking families to get involved to run your own fundraising stall, I am sure there are some wacky ideas out there, the band are happy to provide prizes if necessary, see it is a chance to get creative! Any ideas to come to Jayne Howlett or Chris Beale please.
More Fayre news to follow in future newsletters

Beetle Drive Update

"Dateline January 31st 2009 - 15 teams gather at St Michaels for the annual beetle drive. The atmosphere is tense as the competitors arrive, despite the friendly atmosphere nerves are being rubbed raw as the dice are laid out and pencils provided.
It was a good start from most teams with the "older" Benyons moving into an early lead and with Mary and Colin Aldous managing the first "non beetle" of the evening. The referee overlooked some brutish behaviour from several teams that involved the breaking of shakers, much to the annoyance of some.
After a break for nibbles, used by many as a chance to rest the throwing arm (but not the drinking arm) the "older� Benyons surged forward with some really aggressive throwing to run out winners on the night by twenty clear points.
Goodwill was restored at the end of the evening as Paul distributed his prize chocolates to all participants. Roll on next year."

49 Club Winners

10/1/2009 The Porter Family
17/1/2009 The Porter Family
24/1/2009 William Woodruff
31/1/2009 The Porter Family

All numbers are now sold, thanks to those who have purchased them and good luck!
Please can any monies outstanding be paid ASAP, thank you