The Story of the Brenda Wootton Paris tour of May 1984
by
Robert Cook
The band was invited, at short notice, to accept the Paris tour in support to Brenda Wootton. As the tour was during the month of May and involved 9 days there was the added difficulty of bandsmen being granted time off by employers plus younger players studying and taking exams at college. After discussions between Derek Greenwood and the band it was agreed that the band would accept the engagement and invite players from other bands to substitute those members who were unable to go.
Brenda did not only engage the band to support her concerts in Paris, she also employed a trio of local musicians consisting of Chris Newman – Guitar, Ray Roberts - Saxophone and Dave Freeman - Bass Guitar.
The band left the bandroom 7:35 pm, Friday 11th May 1984 to catch the overnight ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff.
The 9 day tour for the band resulted in a live French National TV broadcast, concert aboard boat on River Seine, live broadcast at 2 am for Radio France, lunchtime concert outside a Laboratory, near Paris, performance in the “Casino De Paris”, gig at 2.30 am following top French rock bands at the “Zenith” for “Amnesty International” and 6 concerts at the famous “Bobino” theatre.
The band returned home 11:00 am, Monday 21st May 1984.
Bandsmen who went on the tour:-
The band was a 3rd Cornet short for the tour. Cornet players Alan Faraway, Marcus Dunstan and Ralph Rowden were guests from Bodmin, Stithians and Stanshawe bands.
Cornet players unable to go were: Michael Pritchard (3rd Cornet) who had studies and exams at school. David Whear (2nd Cornet) was getting married and on honeymoon. Kevin Goninan (Solo Cornet) worked for a local Jeweller, unable to get the Saturdays off. Barrie Trevena, who had not many months left the band, returned to cover Kevin’s position for the tour.
Cornets were shifted by Derek Greenwood accordingly to accommodate guest players for positions recently left vacant by Ian Hughes (Flugel) and Tanya Ferris (3rd Cornet). Michael Couch was moved up to play flugel from 2nd cornet. Michael changed back to cornet after the tour and Wayne Brown took over the flugel position from then on.
Lyndon Baglin, guest from Lydbrook / Stanshawe band, deputised for John Hitchens (Principle Euphonium) who was unable to go because of studies and school exams.
Edward Ashton deputised for John Phillips (2nd Trombone) who was unable to get time off as he had important teaching work. The alternative 2nd Trombone player at that time, Peter Long, was considered too young by Derek to go on the tour.
Desmond Weeks, Mr & Mrs James and Mr & Mrs Smith (parents of Andrew and Jason) went as band supporters.
Maurice Gall, “Oats Travel” was the band coach driver.
Andrew James - 2nd Horn
Lester Ashton - Solo Trombone
Edward Ashton - 2nd Trombone
Mike Smith - Bass Trombone
Lyndon Baglin - Principle Euphonium
Simon Williams - 2nd Euphonium
Timothy Joslin - 1st Baritone
Andrew Kemp - 2nd Baritone
Jonathon Bond - B flat Bass
Jason Smith - B flat Bass
Michael Weeks - E flat Bass
Terry Tonkin - E flat Bass
Stephen Weeks - Percussion
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