"Mereside Celebrate 10 years over the Christmas Period"  21st December 2012

Mereside brass ended a busy and successful Christmas season with a packed Christmas Concert at their home in Plumley Village Hall.  Here's to another successful 10 years.

 

"Annual Awards 2012"  15th December 2012

 

The band had a wonderful Christmas evening and were pleased to announce the winners of their annual awards at the party.

Henry Ash Award for Bandsman of 2012 June Sedgewick

 

Bill Lacey Award for most improved player of 2012 Ben Wilde

 

 

 

Mereside Brass are featured in Cheshire Life (Knutsford got Talent) September 2012

"The musical group has gone from strength-to-strength with members from 15 to 74-years-old, many of whom have years of experience. Some members have gone on to success including 22-year-old cornet player, Jonathan Probert. He joined Mereside when he was 13 and now plays with the renowned Fairey Band, originally formed in 1937 by employees at Stockport’s Fairey Aviation Works. It has won many accolades including National Champions of Great Britain."

 Chris Hardy, band secretary, said: ‘We have members who come from all over to play in the band and it’s something we get a lot of enjoyment out of.

 

Read the full article here

http://cheshire.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/knutsfords-got-talent--meet-the-people-who-make-this-community-lively-43670/

 

Mereside Brass lead the Paralympic flame march                              ITV 26th February 2012

Mereside Brass had the privilege of  playing on the March to welcome the Paralympic Flame to Mid Cheshire.  They also delivered a concert at the welcome party in Winsford and featured on ITV news.

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2012-08-28/paralympic-flame-on-final-stage-of-tour/

 

 

"A Special Day for two Special Mereside Ladies"  15th August 2012

Our top euphonium player Megan Latta turn's 16 today so Happy Birthday from all your friends at Mereside Brass.  Megan started playing with our training band at the age of 11 and soon progressed to our senior band where she took up the second baritone seat. She was quickly promoted to 2nd Euphonium and has enjoyed a lot of success in that seat playing two area contests and a European tour. 

 

We would also like to wish our 1st Horn player June Sedgewick who shares the same Birthday.  June joined the band on 2nd horn and again was soon promoted to 1st Horn.  June has been band secretary and is still an active member of the band management team.  Mereside brass would like to wish you a happy birthday and thanks for all your hard work both playing and on the management team.

 

Mereside Brass "European Tour"  20th July 2012

Mereside Brass completed an successful 3 country European tour. The band were based out of the German city of Aachen and completed 3 concerts, the park at drielandenpunt (the 3 borders), the second in the Beautiful city of Luxembourg and finally in the main square of Maastricht.  The band has a great time and the programme of music proved a huge success to the European audiences.

 

Mereside Brass "New Uniform"  June2012

Mereside Brass ordered their new uniform ready for their European tour and wore it our for their first tour concert in Hollland.

 

 

Mereside Brass "Co-operative Community Grant"  20th April 2012
 

Mereside Brass secured a boost to band funds with a huge grant of £1,500 from the Co-operative.  It was in recognition of the great work we do in the community and our ambitious plans for the future to "Keep Brass in the Heart of Cheshire".

Mereside Brass "Buxton Band Stand" 15th April 2012

Mereside Brass had their annual trip over the hills to Derbyshire to entertain people enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the Pavilion Gardens.

 

 

 

Mereside Brass "A Fantastic Wedding Evening"  6th April 2012
 

Mereside Brass played at the Mereside Golf club at a fabulous wedding. In the first half the band did a dance set, in the second half all things British with a great Proms theme.  The band and the wedding party all had a great time.

 

 

Mereside Brass "Confirm Four Country European Tour" 16th March 2012

The band will be going to Aachen, located on the German border; from where they will play  The Netherlands - Maastricht,  Belgium - Spa,  Luxembourg - Place d’Armes, Aachen, Germany - Kurpark Terrassen. The tour starts on the 20th July and we have a few places left for any players and non bands people.  Your don't have to play with Mereside Brass to come with us, so if you fancy an action packed break banding or watching  just send us an e-mail and we will be in touch ( enquiries@meresidebrass.co.uk ).

 

 

 

Mereside Brass "On the Way Up" 26th February 2012
 

Mereside Brass played in the 4th Section of the Regional Finals of the National Brass Band Championships on Sunday 26th February 2012. This being only the second time they have entered. Last year they managed 19th out of a field of 22   BUT...on this occasion they managed 14 place in a field of 25 which included several winners of other competitions in the past year.

Mereside Brass fielded a band which included 4 players under the age of 16 and three players over 70.Musical Director Mike Phenton says that the band played out of their skins to demonstrate the progress made of the last year.

 

Mereside Brass annual awards night and christmas dinner"  17 December 2011  
 

Mereside had a wonderful Christmas evening and were pleased to announce the winners of their annual awards.

Henry Ash Award for Bandsman of 2011 Alan Freeman

Bill Lacey Award for most improved player of 2011 David Lunt

 

 

 

"Bit Of Brass is a Hit For Prom Park Gig"  27th July 2011  The Guardian

 Mereside Brass recently supported the Mayor and her chosen charity with a proms gig at Verdin Park Northwich.  The band, audience and Mayor all had a great night and managed to raise lots of money.

 

 

 

 

"Mereside Brass raise over £800 for help the heroes"  11th June 2011  
 

Mereside and the Weaverham high school delivered a joint concert to over 150 people in aid of the help for heroes charity.  The night was a raging success with a standing ovation for all the musicians who performed that night. Weaverham have already asked when we can come back and do a similar event.  Here are a few pictures of the evening.

 

 

"Mereside For Heroes Concert"  11th June 2011  

Mereside Brass and Weaverham High School choir will be holding a joint concert in aid of our soldiers serving around the world.  The band and choir hope to raise lots of money for our heroes by entertaining all those who wish to come along.  Tickets are just £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and £10 for a family ticket.  To reserve tickets just send us an e-mail  with how many you would like and we will hold them for you on the night. enquiries@meresidebrass.co.uk

"Mereside Brass take part in their first contest"  27th February 2011  
 

Mereside took part in the North West Regional Contests 2011 at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, as part of their vision to develop further.  The band got a lot from the experience and came 19th with some really encouraging comments from the adjudicator about the bands playing standards.  In true Mereside style the day was about learning, developing and having fun and all 3 boxes were ticked by the band members.  As the band continues to develop they are now looking forward to taking part again next year, another workshop weekend in September then a European 10th Anniversary tour in 2012.

 

 

"Annual Christmas Dinner and Awards Night"  18th December 2010

Mereside Brass enjoyed a great night of food and drink at their annual Christmas party and Awards Night 2010.

The first presentation was the Henry Ash Award for Bandsman of 2010.  The award went to Roy Burrows who is loved by every member of the band not only for his great bass playing but for being a wonderful friend.

The second trophy was the Bill Lacey Award for most improved player of 2010.  This award went to Rob Archer for moving from 3rd cornet to the dizzy heights of repiano in his first year with the band.  He also snatched loudest player of the year from Les Moore in a fiercely fought contest on our training weekend.

 

 

 

"Mereside Brass Training Weekend and a Surprise Star"  19th September 2010  
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?offset=25&id=12210

Mereside enjoyed a weekend of training from the World Famous Fodens Band and a days training from a surprise guest. World Famous Baritone player Katrina Marzella also spent a day with the band conducting and training.  From all at Mereside Brass thank you Fodens and Katrina for a great weekend.  The band learned a lot as they continue to look forward to the areas in Blackpool 2011.

 

Mereside set for police custody 15th September 2010

 4 bars rest http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=12180
 

Mereside Brass will be keeping an eye out for the officers of the law this weekend with the help of Foden's Mark Wilkinson.   The players of Mereside Brass will be congregating at Greater Manchester Police's Sedgely Park facility this Friday for a weekend workshop. 
First appearance
The band is looking to make it's first contest appearance this season and is using the event to improve all aspects of their performance.
The highlight is the Sunday workshop lead by Mark Wilkinson and his colleagues from Fodens.
Fun and entertainment
Secretary Chris Hardy told 4BR: "To promote the band's new found contesting philosophy of hard work and fun, a solo/ensemble competition with an emphasis on entertainment will take place on the Saturday evening. 
"Fancy dress and unusual combinations of instruments are encouraged and the results will be announced after extensive consultations in the bar. The police have been informed to watch out for us all!"

 

"Mereside Brass start the Search For Andy "Bb" bass"  15th May 2010  

Andy you are very much missed and the band are looking forward to your return.  We all look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

 

 

 

 

"A Workshop with Jef Sparkes"  26th March 2010  

As part of the bands Vision for 2011 to develop the band with a view of contesting in March, Jef Sparkes kindly came down and helped Mereside Band.  Jef who is the conductor of Championship Band Crewe Co-Op helped the Mereside improve and gave them all a few pointers to work on over the next twelve months.  The band all enjoyed Jef's workshop and he left to a rapturous round of applause from all at Mereside Brass.  Thanks Jef from all at the band. 

http://www.unitedco-opbandcrewe.co.uk

 

"Annual Christmas Dinner and Awards Night"  20th December 2009  

Mereside Brass enjoyed a great night of food and drink at their annual Christmas party and Awards Night 2009.

The first presentation was the Henry Ash Award for Bandsman of 2009.  The award went to Roy Craig for his hard work and his commitment to always putting the band first.  Thanks You Roy.

The second trophy was the Bill Lacey Award for most improved player of 2009.  The award went to Megan Latta for her dedication to playing second baritone for Mereside Brass.  Well done Megan.

 

 

 

 

 

"A True Bandsman"  December 2009  

The band had some sad news recently that Henry Ash passed away. The band will miss him in the practice room and especially down the pub.  Mereside Brass turned out at his funeral to say a goodbye to a great cornet player and friend, a true bandsman.

 

 

"Remembering Bill with a brass salute from friends" Warrington & Knutsford Guardian  October 2009  

More than 200 people bid a fond farewell to a well-loved man at a tribute concert.    "It was a wonderful evening and a very special tribute to a very special man" Jean Lacey.  The concert raised a massive £1214 for East Cheshire Hospice which was presented to two of the nurses that cared for Bill

 

 

 

 

Henry Ash's 75th Birthday August 2009  

Mereside Brass played and celebrated 3rd Cornet Player Henry Ash 75th Birthday playing at the Big Lock Middlewich.  The band played right on the Canal to a packed Big Lock pub.  A great concert and happy birthday Henry.

 

 

 

Whit Friday Marches June 2009  

Mereside Brass took part in the famous Whit Friday Marches under their assistant conductor Lynne.  The band played the March "The Cossack" at 7 venues across Saddleworth and Tameside.  Although the weather was against the band they put in some fantastic performances and a great day was had by all.  Enjoy our fun video of a wet day!

 

 

In Memory of Mr William Lacey (Bill)    1928 - 2009

Mereside brass sadly lost one its finest members of the band.  He was the kindest and most encouraging person, and always made you feel good even when you got it wrong.  He was an asset to the brass band movement and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.  We will all remember his kindness. 

 

From all at Mereside Brass, Thank You Bill for choosing Mereside Brass to play with and grace all our lives.

 

Please go to Bills site and give generously to Cancer Research (click on the logo).

 

Link to Cancer Research UK main site

 

 

Germany Tour a Musical Success July 2008  

Mereside Brass has returned from a tour of the Rhine Valley in Germany where they played 4 fantastic concerts.  The concerts were loved by the German Public who commented on what a unique and beautiful sound a traditional British Brass Band is.   All members of the band enjoyed it and are already talking about what next year will bring.  The band also had the pleasure of accompanying a German Baritone Singer from the Guild Hall School of Music London, which brought real variety to the bands concerts.

 

Mike Phenton MD said "This tour has produced some wonderful brass playing and set an even stronger foundation for Mereside Brass's continued success".

 

 

 

Brass Night Goes down a storm 6th February 2008  

A Brass night for all the family proved to be a real success in Middlewich at the weekend.  Mereside Brass played a concert at Middlewich Methodist church, in Booth Lane on Saturday night.  Organiser Susie Treeton, church and community worker said "Mereside Brass played to a full house and they were even people on the balcony.  The music was rousing and fantastic and everyone had a wonderful evening- so much so that we invited Mereside Brass back to do another concert at Christmas." 

 

 

Mereside Brass move home 3rd August 2007

After 5 wonderful years rehearsing at Pickmere Village Hall the band has sadly had to move on.  The band has grown in numbers so much that the room is no longer big enough.

The band has found a new home at Plumley Village Hall just down the road and would like to thank the people of Plumley and look forward to playing there.

 

 

Mereside Brass form Training Band 4th March 2007

Mereside brass will be forming a training band to build on the success of the senior band from 13th April 2007.  If you have always fancied learning to play a musical instrument but have never had the chance, here is your chance.  Mereside Brass Training Band will be led by assistant conductor Ian Turner and his team, with one objective to teach young and old to play a brass instrument for FREE.

 

 

Mereside Brass gain support from Virgin Media 8th February 2007Virgin Media Logo

After hearing about Mereside Brass and the great work it has done over the last five years in the community, Virgin Media gave financial support  for the next twelve months to the band.  To coincide with the launch of the biggest Virgin Company in the world on the 8th February Mereside Brass were proud to announce their link with the company.   The support came from the top of the organisation by Steve Birch himself CEO of Virgin Media.  Steve seen below with Richard Branson on launch day 8th February recognised the successes of Mereside Brass and felt their "thinking differently philosophy" matched the same values as Virgin Media.  Steve Birch cannot wait to see Mereside Brass perform and said he will be coming to see them soon.

Mike Phenton Musical Director of Mereside Brass explained how the money will help continue the work the band has done in the community and keep bringing brass to the heart of Cheshire.  Mike went on to "Thank Steve and the Virgin Media Team for all their support".

 

"Brass at Christmas"  The Guardian 20th December 2006

Children and staff at Middlewich nursery were treated to some rousing musical merriment on Monday.  Members of Mereside Brass Band dropped in at Leaps and Bounds Day Nursery, in Booth Lane, to play traditional festive tunes for children to sing along with.  Staff member Sarah Moore, whose dad is Mereside Brass's principal baritone Player, said "we all look forward to the band coming in-it always makes it feel like Christmas."

 

 

 

"A Busy Christmas 2006"  December 2006

After playing all over Mid Cheshire this December bring Christmas to the Heart of Cheshire the band have received many letters to thank them for their performances.  Here are a few of those letters and cards from St Lukes Hospice, Castle Methodist Church and Knutsford Town Council. (click the letters to enlarge)

 

"Come Join the band"  The Guardian 25th October 2006

"Mereside Brass is preparing for its concert in November and currently has vacancies for second trombone and cornet players as well as percussionists.

With Mike Phenton at the helm as new musical director, the band has a full season of concerts ahead and accomplished players are welcome to join the band for rehearsals at Pickmere Village Hall from 8pm on Friday nights.

 

The next concert takes place at Victoria Hall in Holmes Chapel on Sunday, November 19.

 

 

 

 

Mereside Brass thank Albert Oldfield Musical Director 18th August 2006

When Albert Oldfield left the position of Musical Director after over 3 very successful years the band and friends wanted to thank him. No gift could ever fully reflect the hard work and dedication he has given to the band since he formed it, however the band managed to find something that could at least say Thank you.  In 2003 at a JPD best kept station event in Helsby a painting of the band was commissioned by one of Cheshire's top artists Bernice Barrett-Brown.   The band managed to obtain the original water colour that has appeared in Cheshire Life and the book "The Baggin Man Takes The Train".   Albert was presented with the water colour on the 18th August by Mike Phenton on behalf of the band. Thank you Albert from all at Mereside Brass.

 

 

Mereside Brass appoint new Musical Director 4th August 2006

After over 3 successful years as Musical Director and one of the founders of Mereside Brass Albert Oldfield sadly decided to leave the position due to health reasons.  On the 4th August 2006 the band were pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Phenton as their new Musical Director.  Mike is an extremely accomplished Trombone player and brings with him a vast amount of banding and conducting experience.  The Band are extremely excited at his appointment and wish him every success in the future.

 

 

Teenager blows his own cornet for Easter 30th March 2005

"Cornet player Jonathan Probert, of Sandringham Close, is spending a week on the 2005 Easter course of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.  He blew the competition away at an audition held in November. The 14-year-old headed off to Harrogate on Saturday to join the band, which was founded in 1952.  It gives gifted young brass instrumentalists the opportunity to perform advanced music and receive high quality teaching.  Jonathan, a pupil at the County High School Leftwich, has been playing the cornet since he was nine years old and has just achieved his grade seven qualification with distinction.

This musical marvel is principal cornet for the Pickmere-based JPD Mereside brass band".

 

 

 

 

The  Guardian Series, 15th October 2003

"There was standing room only when JPD Mereside Brass entertained a packed Castle Methodist Church at a fund raising concert.  13 year old cornet player Jonathan Probert was the star of the show.

The congregation sang along to well known hymns and trombonist Mike Phenton's solo of Angels Guard Thee received an ovation"

The Chronicle Series, 4th February 2004

"Under the direction of Albert Oldfield, the band lifted the roof with two hours of entertainment, including numbers Somewhere over the Rainbow and Silent Worship.  The Mereside Young Brass gave a performance and the audience san along to a selection of Cliff Richard's favourites."

Passing Comment...

Judy Popley - Arley Hall & Gardens

"...there was certainly a garden party atmosphere on Sunday with literally hundreds of people sitting out listening to the Mereside Brass Band on the Furlong Walk. The Pimms sold well too!"

Clr Val Godfrey, Mayor, Vale Royal Borough Council

"What an experience.  Visting Helsby railway station and being welcomed by a brass band.  Volunteers at their best"

Judy Povet, Regional Fundraiser, Barnardo's

"Many thanks to JPD Mereside Brass and Plumley Village for donating the proceeds of the Station House Carol Singing to Barnardo's.  It was a marvellous evening"

Blowing our own trumpet...

 

A Captains' Commendation. Music to one's ears.  Salvation Army Citadel, Chester

The bandstand.  People sit. Notes are compared.  Chester at its best...The Groves, Chester

"A wonderful complement to Tony & Rachel's Wedding"Willington Hall Hotel, 14th June 2003

A wonderful performance, can you come back next year? Arley Hall Estate

 "A evening with JPD Mereside Brass"  Much more than a brass band concert.  Plumley Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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