What a day the band had at the Midland Area Championships at Corby Cube. Momentum was high following the Mid Bands epic win earlier in the day which gave the Senior Band that extra ounce of encouragement for their performance. Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Contest Music’ certain stood up to its name , challenging all 10 bands in the Championship where our Senior Band took to the stage to battle for a podium place. Under the direction of Dave Purkiss and Ian Porthouse, the band impressed the judges with clarity, stunning soloists and energetic determination. Knowing the bands previous 3rd places would not be enough to qualify, the band team huddled together in the packed Corby Cube to hear the words ‘In 2nd place and an invitation to the National Finals is……Ratby!’ Tears, screams and standing ovation filled the hall as we had done it! RATBY ARE GOING TO THE FINALS! The band celebrated in true Ratby style.., a curry at the village curry house followed by a full band rehearsal. The hard work and dedication continues and The Royal Albert Hall on Sat 15th October will once again be the stage for Ratby Band.

Celebrations all round for our Mid Band who under direction of Gary Perrin took the champion band banner and 1st place trophy at this years Midlands Area Contest on Sunday 27th February. The newly promoted Band have been working hard for their 2nd visit to the area competition in the 3rd section. Gordon Langford’s ‘Facets of Glass’ was the set test piece in which the soloists shone and secure band sounds impressed the judges to give them winners place on the podium as well as an invite to take part in the 3rd Section National Finals at Cheltenham Race Course in September. The band welcomed new members who were taking the stage for the first time with the band as well as some of the youth members performing their first ever contest. Congratulations to the Mid Band for all of their hard work, which clearly paid off! Cheltenham here we come.

The Ratby Day Time Band held its inaugural rehearsal on Wednesday 9th February at the Ratby bandroom.  The trustees of the organisation recognized the benefits for meeting up and doing what bandsmen do well and that’s play together.  Overwhelmed by the turnout, 28 brass players and 2 percussionists were eagerly seated for baton down at 12.30 led by conductor Ian Bartram.

The community spirit was to the forefront as players came from sixteen bands.  Some living on the doorstep whilst others were welcomed from farther afield, one travelled 44 miles to attend.

Ian made a welcomed return after 28 years to conduct in the bandroom having been Musical Director at Ratby back in the early 1990’s.

The age range for a ‘new’ band is something of a milestone in that the age range of the players was so diverse ranging from early 20’s (Wednesday being a day off work) to several in their 70’s!  The wealth of experience was also a revelation in that as a collective the 31 ‘banders’ had given over 1,600 years to the brass band movement!  The 2 hour rehearsal literally flew by so roll on next week when we look forward to our next rehearsal.

Not to be outdone the trustees also recognised the niche of several younger members who formed the “Youth Group”. Led by Sheila Allen this talented group of youngsters met for the first time to play challenging music tailored to assist with their personal development.

These musical groups add to the Senior and Mid Bands who are working very hard in the lead up to the Midlands Regional Championships later this month.  Not forgetting our Junior Band and Beginner “Tooters” who also meet on a weekly basis.

What a wonderful achievement to have two new bands starting in the organisation in the same week.

Ratby Senior Band are delighted to announce that they have accepted an invitation to compete at the Championship Section final of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, to be held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 2nd October 2021. The late invitation followed a competing band’s decision to withdraw this year, with Ratby securely next in line to be invited to represent the Midlands in this prestigious competition. The band are delighted to have been in a position to accept, and are ready for the hard work in the time given. So a busy month is ahead for Ratby, starting first with another competition this Sunday (12th) in Yarm for the Dr Martins contest.

The finals competition will provide a financial as well as logistical challenge for the band, but we are committed to representing Ratby, Leicestershire and the Midlands. If you can help in any way and can support our fundraising campaign that would be most appreciated. Thank you. Please visit…

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/70a89a4728ae4dd3c76550b0f2b37d6a

Do you know anyone , any age who would like to start something new? Maybe learn to play a musical instrument ? Now is your chance to be part of our fantastic organisation.

Instruments are provided by the band and the first year is absolutely FREE!

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The Senior Band entertained a large audience at Newark Castle Gardens on the 1st August. This being the first concert post lockdown.

The band kicked off the concert with a rousing rendition of “Make his Praise Glorious” followed by the beautiful hymn “An Irish Blessing” which is also featured on our new CD “At Home”.

The audience really enjoyed the diverse genre of music performed to them. From songs from the musicals, film music and of course traditional brass band marches.

As the concert finished, many people from the audience approached the band, expressing how much they have enjoyed listening to them and how lovely it is to hear live music again. One person said that “As well as musical excellence, the band showed that they enjoyed being and playing together. Which makes the occasion much more pleasurable for the audience.”

A huge thank you to Newark Castle Gardens for inviting the band to play in such stunning scenery and thank you to the audience for supporting the band.

1st prize	£500	188	John Cawrey
2nd prize	£200	111	Dorothy Horsewood
3rd prize	£100	144	Graham Hutchinson
4th prize	£50	10	Mike Loasby
5th prize	£25	25	Sheralyn Newman
6th prize	£25	96	Graham Aucott
7th prize	£25	56	Graham Aucott
8th prize	£25	61	Sam Palmer

“AT HOME”

We’re extremely pleased to announce the release of our new CD.  All the tracks were recorded individually at home over the summer and brought together by the talented Steve Bland.  A great Christmas present for the one you love.  Please see the advert poster in this issue of the Local Magazine.

During the early part of September we were able to resume playing in groups of 6, socially distanced, outside.  The band met under the cover of our marquee.

All Covid secure measures were put in place for our musicians to meet inside our own bandroom and you can see from the pictures below how the groups were set out and some of our juniors enjoying their music making.

 

 

TUITION

Our younger members have been able to meet up each week with the conductors and play together via Zoom.  The beginners group have received on-line lessons which we hope has helped to keep up their enthusiasm to want to play.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

This year was unique in that although there was no village paradeor normal church service, thanks to technology we were able to participate in the Ratby and Groby on-line church services. A group of our members were able to record background music in addition to some of the hymns together with our Principle Cornetist, Keir Luc, performing the Last Post and Reveille.

 

CHRISTMAS 2020
As with everyone else out there the band’s Christmas will be very different this year. By now we would already have embarked on some ‘carolling; either by formal concerts, playing around Christmas trees, lights switch on, private parties, around the streets or local supermarkets. The rules on meeting up are such that we are unable to do our ‘normal’ thing. Having said that, we can do a limited amount of carol playing so if you do see us out there in small groups, socially distanced with instruments all have “moisture guards” in place do support us by popping a donation in the bucket or making a contactless donation.

 

200 CLUB

We are pleased to confirm the recent winners of our monthly 200 club draw

MONTH PRIZE NO. WINNER
July £50 62 Sally Ann Sephton
August £50 162 Jan Smith
September £50 92 Dave Finnegan
October £50 165 Sandra Clements
November £50 136 Steve James

Annual Christmas Draw
Normally this would take place at the band’s annual Christmas Concert but unfortunately this has had to be cancelled this year. So instead the draw will be taking place at one of our Zoom get togethers and the lucky winners will be notified. A full list will appear in the next issued of The Local Magazine

Have a look at our facebook page, Ratby Co-operative Band Organisation and you can see posts of what we have been up to.

We keep monitoring the news bulletins hoping for good news as to when we can resume but it isn’t likely to be anytime soon. Take care, keep safe and a Merry Christmas to all from everyone at Ratby Co-operative Band.

To buy tickets please click HERE to go to our eventbrite tickets sales page

About the Trust

Lucy’s Bluebird Trust was started in 2013 when Lucy was diagnosed with Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. The trust was set up to enable Lucy to make memories with her family and friends during her gruelling treatment. The money raised was used to put many smiles on Lucy’s face, smiles the we will remember forever. Lucy was known for her bravery and her frighting spirit and despite the cancer returning a total of 4 times Lucy managed to keep that beautiful smile on her face. Lucy took great pleasure in using her trust to help other children with cancer and life limiting illnesses. Lucy started a Christmas Toy appeal and donated the toys and presents to the children on Ward 27 where she received so much of her treatment. The wards hold an annual Christmas Party for all the children to attend with a friend. This was a fantastic memory for Lucy and her best friend Baylee. Sadly Lucy lost her battle in November 2018 in Rainbows Hospice which devastated all who knew her. Lucy left a vast hole in so many people’s hearts. To add to the family’s tragedy, Lucy’s 3 year old niece, Darcie passed away just this year. In both Lucy’s and Darcie’s memory we wish to continue the Christmas Toy appeal. Money raised from this years fundraising and Toy Appeal will be split between the Wards Christmas party and Rainbows Hospice to carry on making poorly children smile in their darkest times.

The Concert

The Ratby Co-Operative Band are very proud to be supporting this fantastic local charity by having a Music Appeal concert alongside our guests the Fosse Singers.

The concert is going to be held at the prestigious venue of St James the Greater in Leicester on the 26th October 2019.

It promises to be a wonderful evening of music and fun. As well as raising money for the Bluebird Trust.

To buy tickets please click HERE to go to our eventbrite tickets sales page