A Merry Werry Cold Wednesday in Wendover

The Aylesbury Concert Band braved the cold weather once again to perform for the good people of Wendover alongside the High Street Christmas tree. There was a good public attendance, possibly augmented by the nearby skating rink providing an added attraction for the children. I don’t think the audience are fully aware of just how difficult it is for musicians to play when their instruments are largely metal and the air is so cold – this is a wind band, and jaws, lips and fingers all freeze; when you add the layers of clothing to the mix, freedom of movement is further reduced, yet this small band of players of all ages produces wonderful music.

I think Wendover owes the band a warm welcome on a balmy summer evening to repay them all for the discomfort they must have endured to give us such an enjoyable evening. I was humming or singing the verses I knew – repetitively! Thank you.

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!