Aylesbury Community Concert Band at Cublington Fête 2010

It hardly seems a year since I last came to Cublington Village and their fête, but once again I came to watch and listen to the band in which Lizzy, my younger daughter plays saxophone. I did feel sorry for the players whose instruments were metal as it was very nippy and even had there been much sunshine the band were ensconced in the shade of a yew tree.

The concert was in two sessions, and I also found watching people try to lift a series of wooden bricks fascinating and seeing the youngsters entertained by Smarty Arty. The whole show, which included Morris Dancing in the Arena, was constantly promoted by the roving compere complete with straw boater.

Both Tim, Lizzy’s husband, and I were lucky with finding books to buy. I enjoy taking photographs of people at work, and although band members were playing, this is an excellent example of work. I have tried to capture the feeling of concentration and I am always impressed by the dexterity and dedication shown by a group of such diverse ages.

Ironically, the day proved very full before I even arrived at Cublington as I came via Tringford reservoir the Grand Union Canal and a farm where some steam engines were being prepared for an event on the Sunday. All of which subjects I found fulfilling.

Aylesbury Church Concert

Having thoroughly enjoyed hearing the Aylesbury Community Concert Band playing in Wendover High Street, I wanted to hear them again in a church hall in Aylesbury town centre. Not knowing the venue I set off early, but the details I had were not correct, so I ended up walking around St. Mary’s, which was totally deserted, I tried phoning to get an update but there was no reply.

Not only that as the time approached for the start, and all the notices made no mention of any event that night at this church, it became obvious I was not in the right place, finally with only minutes in hand I got a return call which told me I had to go to the Methodist Church, but the description and directions matched the Wesleyan Chapel, which ironically was very close to where my car was parked!

The beauty of the venue was there was a raised balcony from which I could shoot and I could move around for different viewpoints. It was still on the borderline from a speed point of view – digital noise would therefore be a challenge, but I managed.

I also got a chance to sing, but I doubt I was heard above the band, even though I put my all into ‘Oh, Come All Ye Faithful’!

Wendover – Christmas Carols around the Christmas Tree

It was a foggy evening drive from Caddington to Wendover, and I was cutting it fine, so finding a space to park the car was none too easy, but I had seen the crowds forming so knew the destination, and a brisk walk never did me any harm.

The Aylesbury Community Concert band were there to play Christmas Carols, and I had just enough time to get myself ready to take some shots of the players. There was a good and cheerful crowd, and the playing was excellent to my ears, yet I could see that everyone was finding their hands and fingers getting steadily colder, which must make it hard to play an instrument.

The children were having a great time running round the War Memorial, quite oblivious of the chill, and probably equally oblivious of the music, except when it came to ‘Away in a Manger’ when they did burst into song!

Appeal Concert at Maydencroft Manor

Friday turned out to be a far cooler day than Thursday, which meant that Bob and Franie's plans for the Delmé Radcliffe Appeal Concert was blessed with perfect weather. The venue for the concert was Bunyan's Barn at the Manor. Bob's major concern was for the bats that roost here; I for one hope they enjoyed the music we heard performed there.

At the critical moment, the main stage lights failed, but the audience were good humoured enough for this not to spoil their evening. A cow and a peacock however were not to be left out and added their piece, sometimes with an excellent sense of timing!

Bats willing, this concert venue could prove an attractive addition to the Hertfordshire scene, certainly the acoustics are good and the performances excellent.

Purely from my own perspective, the harsh lighting made it hard to take the best photographs, but I nevertheless hope that I have captured the ambiance of the event in those shots which appear in the gallery.

Cubblington Village Fête

At the last moment, I got an invitation to see the Aylesbury Community Concert Band play at the Cubblington Village Fête. I was given strict instructions to confine my photography to the Band, and I did my best to adhere to these constraints, but it must be understood that fathers are put on this earth for the express purpose of embarrassing their daughters, so if I have strayed…

The village was crowded with visitors and I arrived a little late due to how far away I had parked, so the band had been playing prior to my arrival, and this was a good way to locate them, as I could hear them long before my arrival, even over the train tootling around the field with excited children aboard.

This is a good band with an exciting repertoire and my feet found their rhythm with ease. Lighting was not ideal however, with often strong sunlight striping faces, but I hope I have captured some of the atmosphere. I also took a few shots of the Morris Dancers.

Aylesbury Community Concert Band

Sunday evening at Aylesbury High School saw an evening of music by this band under the musical direction of Duncan Stubbs, in aid of a Heart Scan machine for Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and therefore for the future benefit of the local community. I went along to see my daughter play flute and hear the music, and was delighted with what I heard.

Lizzy most likely lived in mortal fear that I might lose control during the playing of the Sailor's Hornpipe, but with considerable restraint I confined myself to just tapping my feet! I did give in to singing during 'Mine is the Glory' and 'Rule Britannia', but hopefully I am forgiven for those transgressions!

To be able to shoot unobtrusively without flash and with such clarity is just such a boon, I hope that those viewing the gallery feel as much, when they view the results.