Murton Colliery Band

On the 18th of April, six members of Murton Colliery Band gave a birthday girl a suprise. The band were approached just a week before hand, by a man named Mally Day who wished to do a suprise for his girlfriend. However he did not want it to be a typical suprise birthday party.

Therefore three cornets, two baritones and a BBb Bass went down to a local pub in Hartlepool, where they met with Mally who informed us where Cath was sat. The band entered the pub playing a fanfare so everyone knew they were there (which Mally had requested), then went on to play happy birthday. Twice.

The birthday girl was a Cath Watson who said "This has got to be the best birthday suprise I have ever had." Many pictures of Cath and the band were taken and Cath was ecstatic. Mally was very pleased with the little performance and was over the moon that the they had all turned up in uniform, as he had not been expecting it. He felt it made it even better. It was felt by all the audience it would be a birthday she would never forget.

Watch out for photos coming in the gallery

Sunday 29th March 2008 proved to be a very special day for this band as we played in the second section of the North of England Regional Brass Band Championship in Darlington.

Playing Three Part Invention by Kenneth Downie, we drew no 6 in the order of play and produced a great performance earning 187 points from the judge Mr Peter Roberts.

This was enough to secure us second place in the competition and an invitation to compete in the National Finals in Harrogate in September. The band were delighted by the result and grateful to our conductor Mr Dennis Noble for all his hard work in training the band.

Although awaiting confirmation from the regional commitee, we also believe that following this years result , the band will be for the first time in its 125 year history promoted to the 1st section of the Nationals effective next year.

Congratulations to all concerned, a lot of hard work by everyone has been rewarded by this achievment.

Thanks to all who have supported Murton Colliery Band throughout 2007.A special thanks to those who have become a Friend of Murton Colliery Band ( a £5 donation to the band - receive a quartely news letter and concessions to concerts. Please contact Linda Savage if you are interested, address and telephone number can be found on the contact page)

Also a big thank you to those who have bought the CD of the Annual Concert held in October

All of the above helped raise money for the band. THANKS

Our congratulations to Gemma and Lauren Tait who completed the Tesco Junior Great Coastal Run to raise funds for the band. Perhaps we should say thanks also to Gordon who had to push Gemma in a wheelchair following an accident two days before the event.
So far the total raised is about£200 which is a great effort.
Well done to you all

To see a picture go to photos 2007

The band is pleased to announce the apointment of a new chairman Miss Lynn Maxwell.

Our principle cornet, Lynn has been with the band for many years and we look forward to working with her for the benefit of the band.

On what looks like being the only fine Sunday of the summer, the band gave a concert in the grounds of the DLI museum in Durham City. If you want to share the day look in Photos 2007 for highlights.

26th May was the BIG DAY for Adam Kitching and Sarah Windsor as they  tied the knot at Hart village church.. May the band take this opportunity to wish you a long and happy life together. And a big thank you for asking the band to play at the church and at the reception. It was great to be part of such a special day.

We are sorry to announce that Saturday's contest was the last engagement for our Eb bass player Gary Willis as a full time member of the band.

Gary is moving to the north west of England to take over as manager of a recently refurbished pub complex.

Best wishes Gary, we hope your new venture is successful, and we hope to see you from time to time at rehearsals and engagements - you will always be welcome.

Thankyou for all your hard work since joining the band, and good luck in finding a band "down south"

The band continued its run of decent results with a creditable third place, just missing out on qualification for the National Finals at Harrogate in September.

The result was no fluke, the band played well, and the adjudicator's remarks specifically compliment principal cornet - Lynn and soprano - Wayne.

Congratulations too to Dennis, our MD, whose interpretation found favour throughout, but especially his vision of the Pavane second movement.

A good day was had by all, and even the unavailability of disabled access did nothing to spoil our enjoyment.

At the annual general meeting of the band held on 15th February the following Committee Members were appointed:-

Chairman - Position Vacant

Secretary - Adam Kitching

Treasurer - Linda Savage

Concert Secretary - Jacqui Jenkin

Contest Secretary - Michelle Garbutt

Child Protection Officer - David Jenkin

Librarian - Alison Stevenson

Young People's Rep Karis Stevenson

Committee Members:-
Kelly Martin
Gordon Tait

Those of us lucky enough to attend the concert on Monday evening enjoyed a feast of music with included something for everyone.

Ferryhill Stage Society gave a programme of music from musical shows over the ages, and even provided us with the opportunity to join in a singalong of old music hall songs.

Pupils from St Bede's Catholic School provided vocal and instrumental items, the whole audience were impressed by the talent and maturity shown by all of the performers.

The band included solos by Lynn Maxwell (cornet) and Stuart Shields (Euphonium) together with many favourite from the band's repertoire. The evening ended with a selection of music from the Last Night of the Proms, where the audience were once again invited to participate.

Our thanks to all who took part and to Mr Noble and Mr Noble that well known "comedy" double act organised the programme. To the School Governors and staff for their help thank you for your efforts. The amount raised on the night was £290, which together with approx £100 raised through sales of CD's etc on the Brass Band Aid Stall and possible further donations to come, will make a healthy contribution to a worthwhile cause.

More details are now available.

Our special guests will be Ferryhill Stage Society, a well known local choir, and musical items will be given by pupils of St. Bede's School.

Tickets will be on sale shortly, and will be priced @ £2.50, (Concessions and members of Friends of Murton Colliery Band £2.00)

Please keep this date free.

Permission has kindly been granted by the governors of St. Bede's Roman Catholic School for the band to hold a concert to raise funds for Brass Band Aid. The concert will be held on Monday 12th February in the school hall.

This is a worthy cause, organised by some of our friends from Stanhope band, and is raising money for a school project in Africa, so please keep thos date in your diary free.

More details will be posted on this web site as they become available.

Anyone wishing to donate a raffle prize can contact any member of the band committee.

The band are pleased to welcome back the Tate family after a brief spell away from the band.

Gemma and Stephen have already played with the band in some of the Christmas engagements, Dad, Gordon will join the percussion section, Lauren will be joining the Junior band, and Mam, Julie, though not a playing member will be an great asset to the "back-room team".

Welcome.

The band are very grateful to all who contributed financially during the band's two fund raising efforts - On Sunday 17th (ouside Sainsbury's in Durham) and on Saturday 23rd (in Wood Terrace Murton).

The money the band raised this year was an increase of more than 10 % on last year's collections.

A big thank-you to both Sainsbury's and Easington District Council for granting permission for us to collect, and to the Friends who collected so well.

Once again,(on Saturday 16 December) the band joined forces with Murton Churches Together, this time for a short carol service in the Dalton Park Shopping Centre.

The service was well attended, with shoppers stopping for just a few moments to listen to the Christmas story in readings and carols.

On Monday 11 December, a group from the band accompanied carols sung by the pupils and parents of St. Bede's Catho;ic School and Byron College. The service took place in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and was the first (of many we hope) events linking the two organisations.

Feedback seems to indicate the event was enjoyed by all who attended.

Great news !! Off the dreaded number 1 draw, the band came 2nd out of the six competing bands with 182 points out of 200, one point behind Westoe Brass (who are a National Contest First Section band).

Adjudicator Derek Broadbent had some very nice things to say in his comment, particularly complementing Paul, Lyn Stuart and our outstanding percussion section, his very few criticisms we will gloss over.

To add the icing to the cake, Lyn Maxwell won the Gordon Kitto MBE Memorial Cup for the best cornet player; AND the Hugh Dundas Stephenson Memorial Shield for the best Principal Cornet. Well Done Lyn.

The whole band deserves a pat on the back for what was a very good performance, which should give us all much needed encouragement for the future.

Special congratulations to our MD Dennis Noble whose interpretation found favour with Mr Broadbent.

Band with trophies after Durham league contest.
Percussionists Phil Noble and Dale Frank missing from photograph, first time performance with the band made excellent contribution.

Karis has been a busy girl! She has just been told she is in the final 2 places for the Pride of Wearside Award for performance in a specific field. In her case - music.

Look out for her photo and an article in the Sunderland Echo later in the week (Thursday probably). The results will be announced on Wednesday 15th November. 

Well done to Karis (again) the band are proud of you.

Congratulations to Karis Stevenson and Leanne Mackel on their success at last weekend's competition.

Karis was successful, despite being in a higher age group this year for the first time.

Leanne came 4th in a large field in only her second competition.

Well done girls!

Congratulations to Jane Maxwell and her partner Dave on the safe arrival of their baby daughter. We are glad all concerned are doing fine.

See back at band soon Jane. (Practices next week are ...)

The test piece for our section of this contest has just been announced. It is Carnival by Helen Perkins.