11 December 2011 - More New Signings!

The Band is pleased to announce that Rothwell's James McCabe has taken over as our new principal cornet. James has one of the most impressive cornet CVs in the country. He is a former British Open Solo Championship Cornet champion, and has held the principal seat at Rothwell with great distinction over the years – a real a mainstay of their outstanding success. We are delighted to have a player of his ability in our ranks and look forward to officially welcoming him after the Christmas break.

Also joining in time for our anniversary year is percussionist Naomi McFadyen. She is a former member of the Leyland Band, helping them to lift the All England Masters title in 2003. She has been busy raising children since another Stockport band - British Telecom - folded a few years ago. She is relishing the opportunity to get back into the thick of things in such an important year for Faireys! 

30 November 2011 - 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner!

2012 sees the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Fairey Band. Amongst other events, the band are staging a Gala Dinner and Dance at Stockport County Football Club on Saturday 26th May. The evening will include a three course dinner, with champagne reception, guest speaker and entertainment to follow. The band will be giving a short concert at the start of the evening to get things underway. Fairey's would like everyone who has had a past or current association with the band as player, conductor, supporter or friend to join them for what will be a truly memorable evening in the long and proud history of the band.

Faireys Chairman, Martin Gernon highlights what the evening will be about. “We want to a host a truly remarkable celebration of 75 years of one of the greatest bands in history. Fairey's has undergone huge highs and lows over the years and the fact that it survives today as strong as when it started, is testament to every single person involved in the band over its illustrious history. We want to welcome as many as possible to share this evening with us and help to remember not only the last 75 years, but to also welcome the next 75!! This will be a party night to remember!!!”

Tickets are £25 each, or alternatively you can book a table of 10, and can be reserved by contacting Martin Gernon on 07545 025628, or e-mailing marting2004@hotmail.com. Dress is black tie/cocktail dress.

21 October 2011 - New Composer in Residence

The Fairey (Geneva) Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Dobson as its new composer in residence following the departure of Phil Lawrence over the summer (full story here). Everyone at the Band is excited by the prospect of working on a more regular basis with one of the movements most exciting young composing talents. Simon had the following to say in response to the news:

"It is going to be a great opportunity to be working on a more regular basis with the Fairey (Geneva) Band, I had a blast with them in preparation for the Europeans and was lucky enough to hear a wonderful premier of my piece "A Symphony of colours" in Montreux earlier this year.

The band seem very open to the approach and sound of new music and it will be great seeing what Russell Gray and I can come up with when we put our heads together. I'm expecting some very interesting and exciting music to happen in the next few years."

16 October 2011 - National Finals

The Band were placed runners up in this years National Championship finals in London's Albert Hall. The test piece was Paul Lovatt-Cooper's fiendishly difficult 'Breath of Souls'. Although the performance wasn't perfect it was was an extremely musical reading by Russell Gray and featured some excellent solo work by all the band principals in a succession of difficult cadenzas. Full results were as follows:

1. Brighouse and Rastrick, Professor David King, 16
2. Fairey (Geneva), Russell Gray, 7
3. Cory, Dr Robert Childs, 12
4. Beaumaris,Gwyn Evans, 4
5. Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 5
6. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Phillip McCann, 17
7. Foden's Allan Withington, 20
8. Flowers, Paul Holland, 13
9. Hepworth, Michael Fowles, 10
10. Co-op Funeralcare, Dr Nicholas Childs, 3
11. Redbridge, Jeremy Wise, 2
12. Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman, 11
13. Reg Vardy, Ray Farr, 19
14. Exchange Communications Whitburn, Michael Bach, 18
15. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 14
16. Pemberton Old DW, Mark Bentham, 15
17. EYMS, Alan Morrison, 6
18. Woodfalls, Gareth Pritchard, 8
19. Thoresby Colliery, Philip Harper, 1
20. Zone One, Richard Ward, 9

Congratulations to B&R and professor King who scooped back to back wins at the championships.

09 October 2011 - Nationals Open rehearsal

As part of its preparation for next Saturday's National Finals competition in the Royal Albert Hall the band is staging an open rehearsals in the WFEL factory canteen. The WFEL factory is at the end of Sir Richard Fairey Road in Heaton Chapel, Stockport, SK4 5DY.

The rehearsal is open to the public from 7.30pm  on Thurday 13th October, where you can watch the band rehearsing the testpiece 'Breath of Souls' by Paul Lovatt Cooper.

05 September 2011 - Open wait-athon!

The Band drew last on stage of 17 bands at this years Open. Perhaps the extended waiting did little to help our efforts as it was a rather disappointing show which gained an 11th place spot in the results table. Onwards and upwards for the National finals! Full results:

Pos, Band, Conductor, Draw
1 Cory Dr Robert Childs 9
2 Black Dyke Dr Nicholas Childs 12
3 Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Phillip McCann 5
4 Fodens Allan Withington 15
5 Brighouse & Rastrick Professor David King 10
6 Tredegar Ian Porthouse 14
7 Desford Colliery Nigel Seaman 6
8 Virtuosi GUS John Berryman 1
9 Grimethorpe Colliery Garry Cutt 16
10 Leyland Jason Katsikaris 11
11 Fairey (Geneva) Russell Gray 17
12 Rothwell Temperance David Roberts 7
13 Reg Vardy Ray Farr 4
14 Co-operative Funeralcare Michael Fowles 13
15 Hepworth Michael Bach 8
16 Kirkintilloch Luc Vertommen 3
17 Tongwynlais Temperance Philip Harper 2

13 August 2011 - Longridge Fundraiser

Fairey (Geneva) Band are delighted to be assisting the Longridge Band in their preparations for the First Section Finals in Cheltenham. From a financial viewpoint Fairey's will be helping Longridge’s fund raising efforts by performing at Longridge Civic Hall on Sunday 21^st August which will boost the funds for Longridge, and give Fairey's a great opportunity to re-group after the summer break and prepare for the British Open.

Mark Peacock who is MD at Longridge and Associate Conductor at Fairey's has arranged for his bands to come together at this crucial time in the contesting calendar. “Longridge Band have great support in the town and an excellent venue in the Civic Hall and so to bring Fairey's here was an idea I raised which I hope will be beneficial to both bands in their contest preparation. From Longridge’s viewpoint we hope to boost our Cheltenham fund as it is costing the band several thousand pounds to attend the contest, and from Fairey’s perspective a full concert straight after our five week summer break will blow off the cobwebs as we start preparations on Philip Wilby’s Red Priest.”

Mark is delighted that Faireys will also be assisting Longridge in their musical preparations for the finals with several players from Fairey's agreeing to do sectionals on the test piece The Force of Destiny. “It is great that I can bring together the bands in this way, and Fairey’s experienced players will help enormously in our Cheltenham preparations. Fairey's have also agreed to perform The Force of Destiny on the concert too which will be of great interest to all the Longridge players.”

The concert will start at 7pm at Longridge Civic Hall, Calder Avenue. Tickets available on the door priced £8.

10 August 2011 - More New Signings

We are delighted to announce that the celebrated baritone soloist, Katrina Marzella, has joined the band ahead of the coming contesting season. Katrina had the following to say about joining the Band: "I am excited to be joining Fairey's, and to be playing in a band again after my extended break. Over the last two years, I have been working towards my LPC (Legal Practice Course) qualification at the College of Law. It is now complete and I am pleased to return to banding. Although I have naturally enjoyed my solo work, I missed banding quite a lot!" Katrina continued: "I am looking forward to playing for Fairey's at the Open. They are an ambitious and hard-working group of players. I am also pleased to be working with fellow Scot, Russell Gray, and the band's resident, Mark Peacock."

Katrina replaces Jeff Lewis, who has relinquished his position due to the excessive travelling from his workplace on the other side of the Pennines. Another player departing due to excess travel is Mike Norton (BBb bass), who has been doing the 100 mile round trip from Leeds for the past 6 months or so. We wish Jeff and Mike every success in their future endeavours and thank them for their contribution to the bands recent return to form.

Mike's position has been filled by talented youngster, Christopher Hardy, a member of the NYBB and former member of Wingates. We also welcome Yasuari Fukuhara to the percussion section, who has recently moved over to Manchester to study at the RNCM. These player signings and the impending completion of the new band room give the band a huge boost going into the forthcoming contesting season.

27 July 2011 - New Band Room Taking Shape

While the band members are enjoying a well deserved five week break the construction of the new band room is coming on apace!  The build is more or less an exact copy of the original, albeit with UPVC windows and doors and state of the art soundproofing panels in the walls and roof space! The band members are very much looking forward to getting into the new rehearsal facility as it will bring to an end an extended period of nomadic rehearsing and lugging of percussion equipment!

This is a good opportunity to re-thank all those companies, bands and individuals that have helped us either financially or with rehearsal facilities and equipment since the disastrous fire of last November. There are far too many to give a nod to all but particular mention must go to: WFEL, Geneva, Majestic Percussion, Lancashire Youth BB, Eccles Borough Band, Walken Band, Northop Band, Hawk Green Band, Atlantic Brass, Marrianne Garbutt (University of Salford), Mark Singleton (Ring O' Bells, Marple) and Ray Payne (Percussion Hire)

28 June 2011 - English Nationals

The Band has had to relinquish its grip on the English Nationals trophy after a mixed performance last weekend at Preston's Guild Hall. The new format of the contest requires all bands to play a set work followed by another of their own choice (much like the European championships for which this is the qualifying event).

We were somewhat error strewn in the set work 'Elgar Variations' (gaining a 5th place) but came storming back on our own choice, 'Symphony of Colours', to gain a 2nd place. The overall result being that we finished just outside the podium places in 4th. Full results were as follows:

1. Black Dyke (Draw: 9/5): 1/1 = 2
2. Foden's (Draw: 5/1): 2/4 = 6
3. Brighouse & Rastrick (Draw: 6/4): 4/3 = 7
4. Fairey (Geneva) (Draw: 4/9): 5/2 = 7
5. Hepworth (Draw: 8/2): 3/7 = 10
6. Leyland (Draw: 2/3): 7/6 = 13
7. Rothwell Temperance (Draw: 7/7): 6/8 = 14
8. Reg Vardy (Draw: 1/6): 9/5 = 14
9. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Draw: 3/8): 8/9 = 17

18 June 2011 - Tameside Whit Friday Runners Up

Last night the Band competed at the annual Whit Friday march competitions in the Tameside area. We played 'The President' march under the baton of Garry Cutt in all 11 of the Tameside contests; scoring four 1st, five 2nd, one 3rd and one 4th place. We have finished as Tameside area runners up, having been pipped by Fodens by 1 place point to the £2,500 prize. An exact reversal of last years result!

The Band got off to its usual 4.30pm start at Denton but it was slow going on the night due to a combination of copious road works and a large turnout of competing bands. With the help of the £1,000 overall runners up prize we racked up around £4,200 in total prize money for the evening.

08 June 2011 - New Soprano Cornet

As a result of the impending retirement of Alan Wycherley (reported previously on 4BR here) we are pleased to announce that our new soprano cornet player is Ben Richeton. Ben hails from Gray (near Dijon), France. He has played both Bb cornet and soprano cornet with the YBS Band (now Hammonds Saltaire) and more recently played on the front row at Grimethorpe. As a recent graduate of Salford University he would like to get into teaching and continue his musical studies via a Master's degree in performance or conducting.

Note - This signing completes our brass line up but we are always interested in listening to experienced percussionists. If you would like to be considered for audition then please get in touch (in confidence) via the contacts page.

18 May 2011 - New Player Signings

The band is pleased to announce the signings of four new members in the form of Julie Meechan on Solo Horn, Nick Giles on Euphonium, Mick Dawson on EEb Bass and Mike Norton on BBb Bass. All four players will make their contesting debuts at next months English Nationals where we will be appearing as defending champions. We wish them all a long and successful tenure with the Band.

02 May 2011 - European Disappointment

Last weekend the Band competed at the 'European Brass Band Championships' in the beautiful setting of Montruex in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. A solid, if not unblemished, performance of Oliver Waespi's "Audivi Media Nocte" on the Friday was followed on the Saturday with a world premiere performance of Simon Dobson's new work "A Symphony of Colours". The performance had the Swiss audience in raptures several bars from the end and was described by 4BR as: "A world premiere of considerable stature and interest. This was gripping music making delivered in a superb manner." Sadly the official judging panel saw things rather differently and we were placed 6th in the overall results table:

1. Manger Musikklag [Norway]
2. Cory Band [Wales]
3. Tredegar [Wales]
4. Brass Band Schoonhoven [Netherlands]
5. Noord-Limburgse [Belgium]
6. Fairey (Geneva) [England]
7. Treize-Etoiles [Switzerland]
8. Windcorp [Sweden]
9. Lyngby-Taarbaek [Denmark]
10. Kingdom Brass [Scotland]

Congratulations to Manger Musikklag who claim Norway's first win at the Europeans for 22 years. Finally, huge thanks must go to:

• Tim Oldroyd and Geneva who's generous sponsorship made our appearance possible,
• Simon Dobson for composing such an inspiring and enjoyable work,
• Russell Gray for his tireless efforts during our preparations,
• Martin Gernon for the thankless and hugely time consuming task of organising the trip, and
• Our guest players: Hannah Drage (who had to learn both pieces in 24hrs after our regular 1st horn failed to find his passport!), Mick Morris, Matt Balsom, Chris Perry and Matt Whitfield.

15 April 2011 - Acid Brass by Royal Appointment!

As part of the build up to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Freeview HD are using an ad featuring the adventures of the three corgi dogs from the movie 'The Kings Speech'. The musical backing to this ad is none other than own 'Strings of Life' re-recorded especially for the ad campaign! The ad has blanket coverage of the freeview channels and also Channel 4. Watch it on You Tube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KInvdKF5-0Y

05 April 2011 - Majestic News

As part of the Band's ongoing restructuring programme we are proud to announce a new endorsee relationship with World famous percussion manufacturers 'Majestic'. Just today the Band has taken delivery of some brand new Majestic equipment in replacement of the gear that went up in smoke in the band room fire of last November. The set comprises: 4 timpani, concert bass drum, xylophone, vibraphone, tubular bells, glockenspiel and snare drum. We are proud to be associated with this top of the range manufacturer and look forward to a mutually beneficial ongoing relationship.

20 March 2011 - Offerton Training Day

Yesterday seven of the Band's members^* took part in a training day at Offerton School near Stockport. A very full day involved a sequence of band rehearsals and sectionals in preparation for a short concert given to parents in the early evening but, most importantly, as part of the build up to this years 'National Youth Brass Band Championships' to be held at the RNCM on April 10^th.

* Brian Taylor - Front Row Cornets, Alan Wycherley - Back Row Cornets, Mike Eccles - Horns, Matthew White - Euphoniums and Baritones, Paul Warder - Trombones, Mark Evans - Basses and Eve Moulsdale - Percussion.

11 March 2011 - Landmark Recording Re-Issued

One of the Bands finest ever recordings is 'Works of Berlioz' recorded under the late great Major Parkes' baton back in the early nineties.  This recording has been out of print for several years but due to repeated demands has finally been reprinted (with an all new cover!) by Fairey's old boy Peter Nicholas.

Copies of this landmark recording can be obtained for £14 inc. p&p by clicking here.

28 February 2011 - Area Contest Runners up

Yesterday the Band competed at the North West Areas Championships and put in a performance of Phillip Wilby's ''Paganini Variations' that perhaps left the door open for Fodens to extend their run of wins in Blackpool. 4barsrest.com had the following to say: "In second place came Fairey (Geneva) under Russell Gray, who produced a lightening-fast interpretation of the 1991 British Open test. It wasn't without a few glitches along the way however, and the band who has beaten its arch-rivals at the past four contests, couldn't deny Fodens the title for an 18th time." Full results of the Championship section contest were as follows:

1. Foden’s (Allan Withington)*
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray)**
3. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham)*
4. Wingates (Alan Morrison)
5. Leyland (Philip Harper)
6. Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Sheppard)
7. Co-operative (Crewe) (Jef Sparkes)
8. Ashton-Under-Lyne (Martyn Evans)
9. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Kevin Gibbs)
10. Co-operative Milnrow (David Evans)
11. Silk Brass (Paul Andrews)

*Two bands qualify for the finals, ** Fairey pre-qualified

Congratulations to Fodens on their win,  and to Pemberton Old who make their second trip to London in the last three years.

20 February 2011 - North West Area Prequel

On Thursday 24th February we will be hosting an informally judged session with bands from all five of the sections at this years North West Area qualifying contest. The adjudicator for the evening will be Malcolm Brownbill who will be offering option and suggestions for improvement following each of the performances. The bands appearing, in order of playing, are:

4th Section - Besses Boys (James Holt)
3rd Section - Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
2nd Section - Flixton (Steve Curtis)
1st Section - Rainford (Neil Samuel)
Championship Section - Fairey Band (Russell Gray)

The evening starts at 7:30pm at Peel Hall, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT. Entrance is free and all are welcome.

12 February 2011 - Death of Major Peter Parkes

It is with great sadness that we hear of the sudden death of Major Peter Parkes, one of the finest musical directors the banding movement has ever known and the most successful on the contest stage in modern times. Alongside the legendary ‘HM’ he ranks as one of the finest musical directors to ever grace the Fairey Band room.

Affectionately known simply as "The Major" he was a giant amongst musicians, equally successful in the traditional and modern brass repertoires. His reading of Berlioz overtures on what is generally regarded as the Bands finest ever recording is worthy of any of the great orchestral maestros, whilst his interpretation of contemporary works such as McCabe’s ‘Cloudcatcher Fells’ or Wilby’s ‘Masquerade’ is nothing less than definitive.

It was in fact his reading of the Wilby score that earned the Band its most emphatic contest triumph in the British Open of 1993, a contest won by an amazing 4 clear points! As history recounts, the Band went on to complete a unique treble under the Majors baton by winning the subsequent National and European Championships.

The Band has a concert this coming Saturday 19th in Newtown (Powys) which will be dedicated to the memory and legacy of the Major. Details of the concert can be found here: http://www.theatrhafren.com/whatson.htm

04 February 2011 - New Associate Conductor

The Band is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Peacock as its new Associate Conductor. Mark is well known in North West banding circles as a former player with YBS and Fairey's but more recently as a highly respected conductor of bands such as Pemberton Old and Longridge. A full biography can be found here. Mark had the following to say on his appointment: "I am delighted and honoured to be offered the role of Associate Conductor with the Band. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Band in several concerts in 2010 and look forward to working with Russell in the preparation of the contests this year."

Mark's dad Ray, who played with Fairey's for over 30 years in the cornet ranks, is extremely proud that the Peacock connection is re-established and is looking forward to seeing him conduct at various high profile concert venues around the UK. Mark played at Fairey's during their early 90's heyday alongside father Ray, brother Stuart, and uncle Brian Taylor. He added "These are very special times for me, it feels like I'm coming home again! Brian of course is still here along with my young cousin Matthew on 2nd baritone."

24 January 2011 - Acid Brass 2 ... in the can!!!

Last weekend the Band spent a solid 10 hours in the recording studio laying down tracks for the eagerly awaited sequel to their epic 1997 CD 'Acid Brass'. This new collection consists of 12 all new arrangements by Richard Rock of great Acid House numbers such as: 'Infinity', 'Jack to the Sound of the Underground', 'Acid Thunder', 'Theme from S'Express', 'We call it Acieed' and many more! The CD gives a nostalgic nod to its predecessor by including a special bonus track of 808 States 'Revenge of the Girlie Men', one of Rodney Newton's original arrangements that didn't make the 1997 recording. Massive thanks to Salford University for the use of their Adelphi Campus recording facilities over the weekend.

Here is a shot of Richard (in the red t-shirt) and the Band 'in between takes', snapped by none other than the creative force behind 'Acid Brass' himself, Mr. Jeremy Deller, who took a watchful eye over the proceedings and will be producing a video collage of the weekend!

28 November 2010 - Atlantic send help from across the pond!

Atlantic Brass Band, based in New Jersey in the United States heard of our recent band room disaster and decided that they would like to help. They made a collection at one of their rehearsals and raised an amazing $230 to put towards our rebuilding fund! Atlantic Brass Band president, Jack Deal, has written a letter to us on behalf of his band which is currently in transit and will be posted here as soon as it arrives. Once again we are speechless at the level of generosity in the brass band movement, which as this gesture proves is now very much a global community.

24 November 2010 - Runners up again!

The Band rounded off an amazing contest season with runners up spot at the Brass in Concert Championships under the baton of Steve Sykes. This result means that the Band has finished no lower than 3rd in any contest this year and ends the year with what is likely to be a record breaking winnings tally in excess if £17,000! With the recent band room disaster and pending European Championship appearance this is very welcome and needed income. Full results from the Sage were as follows:

1. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington) - 196/7 = 203
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Steve Sykes) - 192/10 = 202
3. Fodens, (John Wallace) - 194/5 = 199
4. Brighouse & Rastrick (Richard Evans) - 190/8 = 198
5. Leyland (Philip Harper) - 187/9 = 196
6. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) - 184/11 = 195
7. Carlton Main Frickley (Philip McCann) - 179/6 = 185
8. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts) - 182/2 = 184
9. Redbridge (Jeremy Wise) - 176/3 = 179
10. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr) - 174/1 = 175
11. Flowers (Garry Cutt) - 170/4 = 174

Music* + Entertainment** = Total.

Massive congratulations go to our new solo euphonium player Matthew White, who walked away with the overall solo prize (including a trophy and cheque for £200) for his faultless performance of Peter Graham’s solo work ‘Bravura’. What a way to mark his start with the Band, having only joined the ranks just over a week ago!

17 November 2010 - Fundraising Concert by Hawk Green Band

In an act of extreme generosity one of our old boys, former flugelhorn Neil Hewson, is conducting the Hawk Green Band in presenting an evening of music dedicated to the history and successes of the Fairey Band. Entry will be by voluntary donation and there will be a raffle and auction, and of course a licensed bar!

All proceeds are to go to our fundraising efforts as we try to re-equip the Band following the disaster of the band room fire. The concert takes place at 7:30 pm this coming Sunday (21st November) at the Marple Cricket Club, Bowden Lane, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 6ND.

08 November 2010 - New Principal Euphonium

We pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew White as our new solo euphonium player. He replaces Gary Curtin who leaves the band with our best wishes after a very successful 12 month period.

Matthew is a much vaunted emerging talent in the brass band world, having started his playing career under his father’s guidance aged 7, before gaining entry to the famous Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. Whilst at Chetham’s he was a finalist in the Harry Mortimer solo competition and also won a Concerto final, competing against string, keyboard and percussion students. Other successes include the title of 'BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year'  and also a slot in the brass final of the 'BBC Young Musician of the Year'. His first band was Michelmarsh Silver before moves to Wingates in 2003 and Leyland in 2006. Most recently he has been playing solo euphonium for the Desford band.

Matthews first outing in the blue and gold will be at next weeks 'Brass in Concert Championships' in Gateshead. We wish him a long and happy association with the Band.

06 November 2010 - Fire destroys band room

A fire ripped through our beloved band room last Friday (Bonfire Night). All of the percussion equipment, some brass instruments, the mutes, uniforms and, most importantly, over 70 years of the band’s priceless memorabilia have been lost forever. Speaking on the day after the blaze chairman Martin Gernon said:

"This is a huge blow to the band, but one we will recover from. The fire brigade has informed us that the blaze started outside the band room, but the exact cause is as yet unknown. Thankfully nobody was hurt. We can replace instruments, mutes and uniforms and thankfully the library was saved by the prompt action of the fire brigade ... but the history is irreplaceable." He added: "Anyone who knows our Band will know that we will never be beaten by something like this".

We have rehearsed on the Fairey factory site throughout our 73 year history and the band room was adorned with many mementoes of successful concert and contest outings. We are determined however that this disaster will not halt our rapid progress. We are humbled by the welter of calls and emails that we have already received with offers of practical assistance from all over the country, in particular the Northop Band who loaned us their full set of percussion enabling us to fulfil a concert engagement in Wrexham the day after the blaze.

We can also confirm that the fire will not stop us taking part in 'Brass in Concert' at The Sage in Gateshead in a fortnight’s time. Any offers of help and assistance should be directed, in the first instance, to Martin on 07545 025628 or at marting2004@hotmail.com

10 October 2010 - Another podium finish in London

The Band competed at the National finals at London's Royal Albert Hall yesterday and finished 3rd on Martin Ellerby's composition "Terra Australis''. It was another near miss (following our runners up spot at the British Open) as adjudicators David Read, Derek Broadbent and Chris Davies, stated that they needed a 'fag paper' to separate the top three bands – although these were 'quite a margin' ahead of the rest of the 20 band field. Attendance at the contest this year was very encouraging as the picture shows. Full results were as follows:

1. Brighouse & Rastrick, Professor David King, 15
2. Cory, Dr Robert Childs, 10
3. Fairey (Geneva), Russell Gray, 6
4. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 14
5. Leyland, Philip Harper, 16
6. Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman 4
7. Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 5
8. Black Dyke, Dr Nicholas Childs, 18
9. Fodens, Allan Withington, 11
10. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Philip McCann, 1
11. Tongwynlais Temperance, Nigel Seaman, 2
12. Aveley & Newham, Nigel Taken, 20
13. Flowers, Paul Holland, 13
14. Desford Colliery, Garry Cutt, 8
15. Reg Vardy, Ray Farr, 17
16. Whitburn, Frank Renton, 12
17. Redbridge, Jeremy Wise, 9
18. Camborne Town, Richard Evans, 3
19. NUSUWT Riverside, Ian Robinson, 19
20. Co-operative Funeralcare, Michael Fowles, 7

We receive 190 ranking points for this result taking us further up the world rankings table to an (as yet unconfirmed) 5th place.

07 October 2010 - 'Fairey' calendar girls ... and boys!

To celebrate its return to contesting form the Band have commissioned well known brass band photographer Ian Clowes (www.pbase.com/troonly/brass) to shoot a calendar for 2011! With 12 months worth of glossy shots of the band in action this spiral bound professionally finished souvenir is available at a cost of £7.50 (plus £2.50 p&p). Prospective buyers can rest assured that no clothes were shed in the production of this item!!!

The calendars can be picked up at any of our concerts, via Tim Oldroyd at Geneva Instruments on 01287 651558, or from our own Martin Gernon on 07545 025628.

05 September 2010 - Oh so close!

The Band came within an ace of lifting its first Open title since 1998 yesterday, finishing runners up to Grand Shield champions Tredegar on Peter Grahams epic 'On the Shoulders of Giants'. It was another essentially  flawless test piece performance with outstanding solo contributions from all of the principals and a  wonderfully musical reading from MD Russell Gray. The Band can console itself with another £2000 in the coffers and an (as yet unconfirmed) rise to 6th in the World rankings. Full results were as follows:

1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 8
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray), 12
3. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs), 13
4. Fodens (Howard Snell), 17
5. Cory (Dr Robert Childs), 1
6. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts), 9
7. Desford Colliery (Martin Winter), 7
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Philip McCann), 11
9. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington), 15
10. Brighouse and Rastrick (Professor David King), 2
11. Co-operative Funeralcare (Michael Fowles), 16
12. Leyland (Philip Harper), 6
13. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman), 14
14. Tongwynlais Temperance (Nigel Seaman), 4
15. Hepworth (Cookson Homes) (Brian Grant), 5
16. Whitburn (Frank Renton), 3
17. Kirkintilloch (Garry Cutt), 10

Congratulations also to Gary Curtin who walked away with the Geoff Whitham trophy and a cheque for £100 as the days best euphonium. A recording of our performance is available on the jukebox. Just click on the speaker icon above or go to the homepage (by clicking on the Fairey Fox top left) and use the side bar button.

29 August 2010 - Merano Brass Festival

The Band is delighted to announce that it has accepted an invitation to appear as part of the 10th International Brass Festival in Merano (Italy) in October 2011. This is indeed a prestigious outing for the Band, following in the footsteps of Black Dyke (2008), Fodens (2009) and this year Cory.

This means that the Band will be basking in the foothills of the Alps on two separate occasions in 2011, following our qualification for next years European Championships which are to be held in Montreux!

22 August 2010 - 37 Opens and Counting!

Alan Wycherleys appearance at this years Open will be his 37th in a row! His first was way back in 1974 with Faireys on 'James Cook Circumnavigator' and since then he has appeared with Desford, Leyland and most recently Fodens. Read the full story over at 4Barsrest.com  here.

18 August 2010 - More new signings

Iain Culross is the Bands new principal cornet. He hails from Scotland and has an excellent banding pedigree having played principal cornet previously with; Carlton Main, Sellers International and the former YBS Band. More recently he has been helping out the Brighouse & Rastrick and Blackburn & Darwen bands as stand in principal. Also joining in time for the Open are Tanya Furness on 2nd cornet and Jim Henson on Eb bass.  We wish them all long and successful tenures with the Band. Finally, the former Black Dyke horn player Afron Owen has agreed to cover the 1st horn position for the Open. We are thankful to have such a high quality and experienced 'dep' for this important contest.

16 August 2010 - Alan's Back & Blue!

The Fairey (Geneva) Band is pleased to announce that Alan Wycherley is not only playing again following a recent health set back, but is back in the fold with the band he first joined way back in 1973! His "first" outing with the Band will be at this years British Open on the 4th of September. The Band is thankful and extremely fortunate to continue to call on the services of another soprano legend, Michelle Ibbotson, whilst Alan eases his way back into the hustle and bustle of top level contesting. This exciting development adds to the recent good news stories of the Bands successes at the Whit Friday marches and the English National Championships, and gives the Band a massive lift going into the forthcoming contesting season. Alan himself had the following to say on his pending return:

"I am looking forward to returning to banding at the very top level again after having an enforced 5 month break for the first time in 37 years. To be doing it with one of the top bands in the country and a band so close to my heart is a great bonus. It's fantastic for the band that Michelle has agreed to cover contests this year which gives me time to knock out a few 'Floral Dance's and the odd Minster' before getting to grips with today's test pieces once again. With the fire power around the stand and the MD they currently have I don't think Faireys have finished filling the trophy cabinet by a long way yet this year!".

20 July 2010 - Gary hangs up his cornet

It is with great regret that the Band had to accept the resignation of 2nd cornet player Gary Parker prior to our last engagement before the summer break last Friday. Gary has been a loyal servant of the Band since his debut in 1989, sitting in most of the cornet seats over the intervening years (including sop at Acid Brass gigs!) and enjoying many memorable contest wins, high profile concerts and foreign tours.

Unfortunately family and work commitments have recently built to the extent where he can no longer give the 100% commitment that has always been his trademark. The Band presented him with a commemorative watch at the concert as a mark of our appreciation for all his efforts over 21 years, but we sincerely hope that some time in the future he can return when his commitments ease ... returning the watch will not be a pre-requisite! The man himself had the following to say:

"It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving but I can no longer give the commitment required for a band such as Fairey’s. When I think about the best days of my life, without exception, Fairey’s or members from Fairey’s have been involved in some shape or form. I have so many happy memories of my time with the band, both and on and off the stage!!! And I feel privileged to have been able to make so many friends along the way. I wish the band the best of luck for the future and hope it won’t be long before I get chance to play with them again."

14 July 2010 - World Rankings Boost

According to the latest copy of the 'British Bandsman' our success at Preston has moved us up to 10th in the World  Rankings.  This is encouraging news but then a couple of good results in Birmingham and London could see us as high as 5th due to the extreme closeness of bands 5 to 10 (see the chart). Cory remain well over the banding horizon for all concerned!!!

02 July 2010 - Live 'Eden' Performance now available on Jukebox

Just click on the speaker icon above or go to the homepage (by clicking on the Fairey Fox top left) and use the side bar button. The recording is just over 15 minutes long and is provided courtesy of Jill Aspray's mobile phone!

27 June 2010 - We're on our way to Montreux

The Band's long wait for a major contest win has come to end as it claimed the title of English National Champions at the Guild Hall in Preston yesterday. This was the Band's first contest outing under the baton of Russell Gray and the Scottish wizard weaved his magic once again on the test-piece 'Eden' that many regard as one of the most difficult in the repertoire. Adjudicators  Kevin Wadsworth, David Horsfield and Derek Broadbent were unanimous in their praise, stating that it was a ‘superb performance full of musical and technical quality’. As well as the title and trophy, the Band received a cheque for £4,000 (with £2,000 worth of add-ons) and the invitation to represent England at the 2011 European Championship in Montreux.

Congratulations to our solo trombone Les Webb, seen here holding the trophy, who received the best instrumentalist award for the fiendishly difficult solo work in 'Eden'.

Full results were as follows:

1. Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray), 7
2. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs), 2
3. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts), 5
4. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr), 9
5. Leyland (Philip Harper), 6
6. Fodens (Dr James Gourlay), 3
7. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths), 1
8. Skelmanthorpe (John Roberts), 4
9. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham), 8

Full adjudicators comments are here whilst 4BR's coverage reaction and interviews can be found here.

29 May 2010 - Tameside Whit Friday Champs

Last night the Band competed at the annual Whit Friday march competitions in the Tameside and Saddleworth areas. We played 'The President' march in 13 contests; scoring six 1st, four 2nd and one 3rd place. Unofficially (as yet) we have finished as Tameside area champions, pipping Fodens by 1 place point to the £2,500 prize. The Band got off to an early 4.30pm start and hence managed to compete in all but one of the Tameside contests plus three of those in Saddleworth, racking up just shy of £7,000 in total prize money for the evening!

A large part of the credit for this success must go to conductor Garry Cutt for working us hard this week and directing us so assuredly on the night. Congratulations also to Laura (cornet) and Jonathon (soprano) for their solo prizes at Dukinfield and also to our bass team (bolstered by Andy Cattenach for the evening) for their section prize at Scouthead.

09 May 2010 - Russell Gray is our new Musical Director

We are very pleased to announce that Russell Gray has agreed to accept the position of Musical Director of the Band with immediate effect. His first concert outing with the Band took place last night, rounding off this seasons (and sadly the last) Stroud Brass Band Concert series. His first contest outing will be next month at the English National Championships in Preston. He will steer us through 'Eden', a piece with which he has had previous success in winning the 2005 National Championships with Leyland (see here).

Russell replaces Phillip Chalk who unfortunately has had to relinquish his position due to increasing business commitments. We thank him for all the sterling work he has put in over the past three years, and will certainly be working with him again in the future as and when his commitments allow. Asked for his comments on the situation Phillip stated: "It is with a heavy heart that I have relinquished the position of MD with Faireys after three years with the Band, and more than 20 years as a player. The decision was a difficult one to take, as the Band have really started to make progress, culminating with a super performance at this year's Area. However, my expanding business interests within the film and TV industry, as well as looking after a young family, have made it increasingly difficult for me to give the level of commitment the Band deserves. I just want to say a big thank you to the Band for giving me the opportunity, and to wish them well with in their future endeavours. I hope to retain an involvement with the Band and the band movement at large, and would like to work on some innovative, creatively led projects in the future."

09 April 2010 - Fairey to share the bill with BBC Phil

On Saturday 24th April at 7.30pm the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra continues its season of Mahler offerings with a performance of the epic 7th symphony at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The Fairey (Geneva) Band are delighted to have been given the opportunity to follow this concert with a short programme comprising the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto, performed by our own Ben Thomson, and an airing of last years British Open test piece, the Mahler inspired "Titans Progress" by Hermann Pallhuber. Tickets are available via the Bridgewater Hall box office on (0161) 907 9000, or see www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/performance/14273.aspx

07 April 2010 - Roary's Brass-less Brass Band!

Last night the Band had a rather unusual engagement, recording some background music for an episode of the well known children's cartoon show 'Roary the Racing Car'! The music was composed especially for the occasion by one of the Bands regular musical associates, the redoubtable Phillip Lawrence. It was a lot of fun to record for one and all and at one point required Paul Coupe (trombone) having to play a short solo "... really poorly, in the manner of a beginner". He performed admirably! We look forward to seeing the final cut of the cartoon.

15 March 2010 - Band qualifies for National Finals

Faireys are heading to The Royal Albert Hall for the National Brass Band Championships this coming October. Yesterday the Band competed at the North West Areas Championships and put in a virtually faultless performance of George Lloyds 'English Heritage' to pick up 2nd place. 4barsrest.com had the following to say: "Philip Chalk and Fairey pushed their rivals the closest for the title and fully deserved their runner up spot. The reading was one of musical precision and security.  The warmth of the ensemble sound was of a very high quality with the soloists having the hallmarks of high-class quality about them too. The cadenza between Laura Hirst and Mike Eccles was stunning, and they just kept piling on the points with a fabulously controlled middle section.  Nigel Fielding's contribution on soprano brought touches of class whilst Ben Thomson made the Eb tuba solo sound ridiculously easy."  You can listen to the full performance by clicking the speaker icon in the menu bar above and selecting track 1.

Full results of the Championship section contest were as follows:

1. Foden's (Garry Cutt), 9
2. Fairey (Geneva) (Philip Chalk), 8
3. Leyland (Howard Evans), 4
4. Wingates (Alan Morrison), 12
5. Ashton-Under-Lyne (Martyn Evans), 3
6. Co-operative Milnrow (John Ward), 11
7. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham), 2
8. Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Sheppard), 5
9. Co-operative (Crewe) (Jef Sparkes), 6
10. (Bactiguard) Wire Brass (Paul Andrews), 1
11. Roberts Bakery (Colin Cranson), 7
12. Poulton-Le-Fylde (Gareth Westwood), 10

Congratulations to Fodens on their win,  making it five in a row at this qualification event.

08 February 2010 - Lucy hands flugel baton to Mike

Lucy Murphy, the Bands flugelhorn player of the last five years, has decided to take a well earned break from her playing commitments. She does however retain her links with the Band through her position as Contest Secretary. Lucy began her playing career with the Marple Junior Band, before moving onto the senior band just prior to their appearance at the Grand Shield Contest of 1990. In 2003 she moved to Leyland before joining Fairey's back in 2005. Her musicality and mellifluous tone are well known throughout the banding world and we hope to hear them again one day ... when the novelty of nightly soaps and sauvignon blanc wears off!

The Band is very fortunate to have a player of the versatility of Mike Eccles to take up this important 'corner' seat. As a former Principal Cornetist with the Band he is all too familiar with the added responsibility and pressure that this brings and he will be looking forward to stamping his authority in the forthcoming Northwest Area contest. We wish him a long and successful tenure in his new position.

10 January 2010 - It's Snow Joke!

The recent blizzards have played havoc with the Bands preparations for a busy January schedule that includes; a gala concert at the Butlins Brass Band Championships, a recording for Radio 2's 'Listen to the Band', and a concert at the Gracie Fields Theatre in Rochdale. Last Thursdays rehearsal had to be cancelled completely and some band members travelling from Saddleworth, parts of Yorkshire, and further afield, are still unable to make it over to Stockport. Hopefully the rising temperatures will enable normal service to be resumed as soon as possible!

07 December 2009 - New sponsorship deal announced

The Band is pleased to announce the signing of a new three year sponsorship deal with Geneva Instruments. The deal, completed last Friday, will see a complete new set of bespoke Geneva instruments being produced and provided to the band, as well as a complete set of new walking out uniforms and livery. As soon as is practicable the band’s name will change to become: 'The Fairey (Geneva) Band'.

Band Manager Ian Howarth states: "The band has had a period of solid rebuilding over the last three years. We have strived to maintain the highest possible playing standards, and so to be able to work with an instrument supplier of Geneva’s incredibly high standards will set new levels of professionalism for the band. Everyone concerned is looking forward to developing and strengthening this extremely generous relationship."

Musical Director Phil Chalk is also relishing the prospect: "To be given the opportunity to unify and hone the bands sound with Geneva is one we are relishing. I would also like to thank our own Ian Howarth and Martin Gernon, and Tim Oldroyd of Geneva for their hard work in putting this deal together so efficiently."

Geneva Instruments Managing Director Tim Oldroyd is equally excited about the new sponsorship deal: "In a short period of time, we have gained an excellent reputation for the supply of quality brass instruments. To now be strongly associated with Fairey is something we are very proud of. The Fairey tradition and heritage speaks for itself and we are looking forward to helping the band develop further, whilst at the same time honing the superb quality and tone of our instruments with the involvement of the supremely talented players at Fairey."

05 December 2009 - Faireys hand out the gongs!

As is always the tradition the annual awards for 'Best Bandsman' and 'Player of the Year' were handed out during our Christmas concert at Stockport Town Hall last night. 'Best Bandsman'  went (for the second year running!) to 3rd cornet player and librarian Jimmy Leggatt. Unfortunately he couldn't be there on the night to collect the award as he is enjoying a spot of Indonesian sunshine and sight seeing at the moment! 'Player of the Year' went to our relatively new solo Euphonium player, Gary Curtin, in recognition of some great playing at the National Finals and Brass in Concert.  Both awards were presented on the night by the MD of Geneva Instruments, Tim Oldroyd.