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Last Updated 09 November 2005

Solo Success for Duncan Wilson, Trombone
(November 2005)

Travelsphere Holidays Band offer their congratulations to Duncan Wilson, Solo Trombonist with the band, for his recent outstanding solo success.

Duncan recently competed in the British Open Solo and Quartet Championships, which took place on Sunday 6 November 2005 at Hyde Town Hall.

We are delighted to report that Duncan's impressive performance secured him a British Open Individual Solo Award.  He also went on to compete as a finalist in the Senior Solo Finals, adjudicated by Derek Broadbent and James Scott.

Duncan consistently demonstrates his soloist skills when performing with the band, so we are particularly pleased that he now has official recognition for his talent.  Congratulations Duncan!

Unforgettable Fireworks Night
(November 2005)

The band were delighted to welcome Robert and David Childs as guest soloists at their concert held at the Spinney Hill Theatre, Northampton, on Saturday 5 November 2005.

The evening proved to be a memorable night of music, with the Father and Son team performing to the delight of the audience and band alike.

Despite the date, the theatre was very well-filled with an enthusiastic audience and they were not to be disappointed.  The band were on top form in their own performance items, which was then augmented by the outstanding performances from Robert and David Childs.  

The solos included Grandfather's Clock, A Little Prayer by Robert, with Carnival of Venice and Myfanwy being played by David.  Then, to the delight of the audience, Robert and David performed a mind-blowing duet rendition of Brillante (Peter Graham), followed by a heart-felt 'Softly As I Leave You'.  In true spectacular form, they then provided their own fireworks display with an impressive duet version of 'Flight of the Bumblebee'.

A fantastic evening of music making!

Travelsphere Holidays Band Seeks New Sponsorship
(July 2005)

After five years of association, the Travelsphere sponsorship deal with the Travelsphere Holidays Band has come to an end. The company’s involvement with the band will cease from the 1 December 2005. 

Mark Watts, Managing Director Said: “As a company, we regularly review our sponsorship and marketing activity and feel the time has come for us to explore new avenues and initiatives. We have been delighted with the band's many achievements over the years under the Travelsphere name and proud to have been associated with a band with such a prestigious history. We wish them the very best for the future and feel sure they will continue to be successful for many years to come.”

Currently in the top 20 of some 1,000 competing bands in the UK, the band has never been out of the top echelons in 70 years. Their titles have included World, British Open and National Champions.

Established as the factory band of Munn & Feltons in Kettering in 1933, it became the famous Gus Footwear Band following the take-over of the company in 1962. They played under that name for the next 25 years achieving every major honour. From 1987 to 1988, Rigid Containers sponsored the band. Several years of uncertainty followed until Travelsphere picked up the gauntlet in April 2000.

As to the future, the band has a very busy schedule for the remainder of 2005, with a number of dates already booked for 2006. They recently played with the countries top trombone player, Nick Hudson and have been invited to play a prestigious engagement this summer in St James’ Park, London. In November, they will be joined by the famous Euphonium father and son team, Bob and David Charles. 

Shawn Pagington, Band Manager said: “Over the last five years, the support given by Travelsphere has been invaluable to the success of the band and has helped us to retain our position as one of the top bands in Europe today. I would like to thank Travelsphere for their commitment over this time. Approaches have already been made by several interested parties concerning future sponsorship. However, we are actively seeking contact with companies wishing to discuss future sponsorship.”

Band Welcomes Brand New Baritone Section
(June 2005)

We are very pleased to announce that Andrew Rigby and David Aves have now joined the Travelsphere Holidays Band, creating a brand new Baritone section.

Andrew Rigby, who will be taking the 1st Baritone chair, has come from the Towcester Studio Band where he previously played Solo Euphonium.  Andrew's playing experience also includes the Wallace Arnold Rothwell Band and the Rothwell Temperence Band.

David Aves, who takes the 2nd Baritone position has joined us from Soham Comrades, and brings with him over 10 years of Championship level playing experience with bands including Redbridge Brass and Clacton-on-Sea Co-Operative.

Nick Hudson as guest soloist with Travelsphere Band on 25 June 2005
(May 2005)

We are delighted to welcome Nick Hudson as guest soloist with the Travelsphere Holidays Band at a forthcoming concert on 25th June at the Spinney Hill Theatre,
Northampton School for Girls,  Northampton at 7.30pm.

On both resident and freelance levels, Nick has played with most of the UK’s top brass bands; Britannia Building Society Band, Leyland Band, Yorkshire Building Society Band, Black Dyke Mills Band, Grimethorpe Colliery and the Fairey Band.  A clinician for Besson Musical Instruments, Nick has a busy touring schedule including trips to Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland and the United States which fit tightly into his duties as trombonist with the Sonar Brass quintet. [ More Information ]

It is with great pleasure that we are able to present this concert to you, and we look forward to offering an exciting evening of musical excellence.  

Needless to say, this is a very popular event and tickets have been selling very quickly.  To secure your seats, please contact us as soon as possible on:

Tel: 01908 505877
Mob: 07970 750321

Travelsphere Band in Joint Concert with
Shannon Express Barber Shop Choir
11 June 2005, Coventry
(June 2005)

We are delighted to welcome Shannon Express, the renowned Barber Shop Choir, to a joint concert in Coventry this coming weekend.

There will be a varied programme being provided by both sides offering an exciting evening of entertainment finishing with a 'Last Night of the Proms' extravaganza. 

To secure your seats, please contact us as soon as possible on:

Tel: 01908 505877
Mob: 07970 750321

A New 'Double Act' Comes to the Band
(June 2005)

Jo and Stuart Pearson have recently joined the Travelsphere Holidays Band on 1st Horn and Solo Cornet.  We're delighted to welcome this husband and wife team, who bring with them many years of Championship level playing experience, having most recently been with the BT Band.

Duncan Wilson Joins Travelsphere
(June 2005)

We are pleased to welcome Duncan Wilson on 1st Trombone. He was previously with Soham Comrades Band and has joined the band in advance of Simon Kingley's forthcoming departure (when he moves back to Yorkshire).

Claire Pollendine Joins the Percussion Section
(June 2005)

Claire Pollendine, formerly 1st Horn with the band, has recently joined Tim Jones and Clive Wears in the percussion section.  She has already successfully completed two major contests in her new capacity, and is a very welcome asset to the section. 

Brendan Rayner Leaves Travelsphere
(June 2005)

The Travelsphere Holidays Band would like to announce the departure of Brendan Rayner from the Percussion section, with immediate effect.

A Sad Farewell to the Baritones
(June 2005)

This year's All England Masters International Championships saw Lloyd Ship and Chris Bailey in their last official performance with the band.  It is with great sadness that we see these two fine players unavoidably leave the band, due to increased work commitments and a change in personal circumstances.  We would like to offer them our gratitude for their dedication during their time with us, and best wishes for their future plans.

Listen Again to the
Travelesphere Holidays Band on
'Listen To The Band', BBC Radio 2,
(April 2005)

[LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM BBC Radio 2]

Playlist:

The Australasian**
(Rimmer)

The Ruler of the Spirits**
(Weber Arr. Halliwell)

Band of Brothers**
(Kamen Arr. Stowell)

Go the Distance**
 Tenor Horn soloist: Simon Smith
(Alan Menken/David Zippel Arr. Stowell)

Rainbow Waves
(Robert Foster)

** Music titles now available to purchase through the Travelsphere Holidays Band Online Shop

Original News Item (March 2005):
We are delighted to announce that the Travelsphere Holidays Band will be the featured band on the forthcoming BBC Radio 2 Brass Band programme,  'Listen To The Band' (88-91 FM) , presented by Frank Renton at 9.30pm on Friday, 1st April 2005.

4BarsRest.com reports:

"Frank Renton presents a band formed originally in 1933 as The Munn and Felton's Works Band. Today the Travelsphere Holiday's Band are currently one of the best bands in the Midlands. With conductor Dave Stowell tonight's programme of specially recorded music includes the March Australasian, written by William Rimmer which he dedicated to the Brass Bands of Australasia, an Overture by Weber from an Opera he never got round to finishing 'Ruler of the Spirits' and the Theme to a classic world war two TV series Band of Brothers."

Alex Thomas to perform with Travelsphere
on 9th April 2005
(March 2005)

We are delighted to welcome Alex Thomas as guest soloist with the Travelsphere Holidays Band at a forthcoming concert on 9th April at the Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon at 7.30pm.

Alex Thomas is the British Open Solo Champion and is renowned for his stunning solo performances.  The evening will feature Alex in both halves of the concert who will be accompanied by the Travelsphere Holidays Band.  The programme will also include a number of additional items performed by the band, providing an evening of all round entertainment for a variety for musical tastes.

This has already proven to be a very popular event with tickets selling very quickly.  To reserve your tickets please contact:

Huntingdon Tourist Information Centre
Princes Street
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 3PH
Tel: 01480 388588
OR
From the Travelsphere Band
Tel: 01908 505877

First Anniversary of Service for
Travelsphere Musical Director
(March 2005)

David Stowell has now successfully completed his first year as Musical Director of the Travelsphere Holidays Band. David joined Travelsphere from the BTM band, having previously conducted bands including the Black Dyke Band and Kennedy Swinton.

David has led the band with great professionalism and enthusiasm in both the competition field and through the very busy and high profile concert schedule.

The band is very grateful to be working with one of the leading young conductors in the UK brass band scene. In the past 12 months David has guided the Travelsphere band to become the Champion Band of the Midlands 2004 and prizewinners at the National Finals in October.

David also provides the band with a large number of arrangements for concert performances and radio broadcasts. David specialises in the arrangement of TV and film music

The band would like to thank David for his efforts during the past 12 months and look forward to a very bright future under his leadership.

New percussion acquisition 
(February 2005)

New Arrivals for Horn Section
(January 2005) 

The band would like to congratulate second horn player Jeff love and his wife Fiona on the arrival of their new baby. Megan was born on Thursday 27^th of January.

The band has signed Bruce Harriss on second horn to play at the up coming area, to cover Jeff while he spends time with his new family member. Bruce has previously played for the Ransome band.

2004 Bandsman of the Year
(December 2004)

In line with the annual tradition, the band has awarded its bandsman of the year for 2004. This year it was awarded to Graham Smith, known as “Lofty” to the band. Graham joined the band at the beginning of 2003 and has established himself as one of the most popular players. The players within the band voted for Graham based on his consistently high performance as a player and for his superb commitment to the activities that support the bands running.

 Graham was presented with the award by Trevor Groom at the McKinley Theatre on the 4^th of December.

Travelsphere Thank American Import
(December 2004)

The Travelsphere band and management would like to thank Diana Harek for assisting the band during the final quarter of 2004. Visiting on an extended stay from the USA, Diana contacted the band via ex-GUS conductor Keith Wilkinson.

Realising a personal dream, Diane played at the Royal Albert Hall as a member of the band at the National Finals in October 2004. Diana stepped in to play 2^nd baritone when 1^st baritone star, Lloyd Shipp, became unavailable for the Albert Hall event.

Travelsphere Band wishes Diana every success for her remaining time in the UK.

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