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.