At the recent organisation Summer Concert, four members of the band were presented with special awards for their services to brass banding. 50 (yes that is fifty!) years’ service awards were presented to Greg Webber, Sheralyn Newman, Geoff Newman and Lynne Plant.
Mick Veasey from the Leicestershire Brass Band Association was there to present the awards along with the Mayor Allen from Hinckley and Bosworth council. Photos to follow.
The good folk of Ratby and surrounding villages came out in force to support the band in a quiz night at Ratby Sports Club. Chief quiz masters Brian Snowball and Jobn Hendry steered everyone through the rounds including music, pot luck, sports and even births deaths and marriages! The quiz champions this time around were the Petrol Heads! – well done and thanks to all who supported us.
The Ratby Co-operative Band Organisation have announced that their twelve year partnership with Musical Director Michael Fowles will be coming to an end following their performance at The Spring Festival Senior Cup on 14th May 2016.
Speaking of his decision Michael said “It’s been a great 12 years with a wonderful organisation. I’ve been working one way for the last 20 years with two full time bands and I feel that I would now like to work slightly differently”.
The band are looking forward to starting a new chapter, having accepted an invitation to compete at the All England Masters International Championship building on their recent fourth place and strong performance at the Midlands Regional Championships.
The band would like to publicly thank Michael for all of his hard work, inspiration and guidance to the whole organisation over the last 12 years and wish him well in his new endeavours.
Michael also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the members of Ratby Band stating: “I thank everyone who has been involved during my time with the band and wish the organisation all the very best for the future.” Michael reaffirmed that his work as MD of Foden’s Band will remain unchanged.
Steve Plant, our Chairman, reported that the organisation’s board of trustees will be taking time to consider the future musical direction of the band about which an announcement will be made in due course.
The Ratby Senior Band are delighted by a recent strong result at the Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships, held in Bedworth on 13th March 2016. Competing in the highest level of brass band contests, the Championship Section, the senior band delivered a fine account of Philip Sparke’s Cambridge Variations to come 4th place – with only the top 4 places being announced from the stage on the day. Well done to all in the Senior Band – and good luck for your preparation for your next competition – the Senior Cup in Blackpool.
On a very emotional Saturday night, 19th September, the Ratby Co-operative Band Organisation hosted a Charity Concert with The Burbage Family to celebrate the life of Jayne who passed away last year.
The Junior & Mid Bands were joined by a number of other musical artists and local band Undecided who played Sweet Child of Mine, Get Back and Sweet Home Alabama to a delighted audience.
Tom Burbage was the undoubted star of the night performing a Euphonium solo in front of the 175 crowd and receiving a standing ovation (and hug from his proud Dad).
The Evening culminated with the Massed Band performing Bohemian Rhapsody to calls for an encore, resulting in an impromptu playing of the hit Happy, all ending with a standing ovation.
All musicians gave their time free of charge and over £1800 was raised for LOROS and Macmillan, the Charities nominated by the Burbage Family.
The Ratby Co-operative Junior Band were delighted to be invited to play at Abbey Park again this year with Guest Conductor Any Ellis.
The Band played for an hour running through a selection of new and old pieces, Brass on the Run, One moment in Time, James Bond theme, finishing with current favourite Bohemian Rhapsody.
The Weather was kind and the audience steadily grew as on lookers and passers-by stopped to listen and have an Ice cream.
The Ratby Co-operative Band Organisation are pleased to share with you our latest newsletter – thanks to Martin and Ellie for putting this together – we look forward to keeping you all in touch. A copy here for those who prefer the paperless world!
The Ratby Co–operative Youth Band are delighted to confirm they have been invited for the 3rd time to perform on Stage at Euro-disney Paris during the May half term.
The Band previously played there in 2007 and 2010 but with many of those players having now progressed through the organisation, the Youth section has many new players who are looking forward to this trip for the first time.
Conductor Becky Moss commented “This is a great opportunity for many of our talented younger musicians to have the chance to perform at Disney and we are very pleased to be welcomed back after the previous visit was so successful”
To celebrate this fantastic event, the Youth Band will be joining forces with the Ratby Co–operative Senior Band for a Disney Spectacular concert on Sunday 17th May at Braunstone Civic Centre at 6pm. Thethemed concert will be celebrating the magical music of Disney.
If you would like to come to this fantastic concert, tickets are available from Martin Robinson 07773362895 or on the door (ticket prices £5 adults, children under 15 yrs Free of charge). Come on down for a Disney Spectacular Sing-a-long, toetapping event.
Our Junior Band were delighted to be invited again to play at the Anstey Gala on 6th December 2014, playing at The Methodist Church & The United Reformed Church to packed out audiences as part of a number of events in the town. The event culminated with Junior Band playing some carols outside while the crowd sang along, with Father Christmas coming along to turn the lights on at 5.30pm.
Ratby Cooperative Band Organisation 
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