Since joining the band in 1947, Harry has played cornet, flugel, tenor horn and baritone, willingly slotting in wherever he was needed. We will all miss him as a player, he will be hard to replace.

On the 14^th of December a small group accompanied the pupils of Creetown Primary School at a carol concert which had to be held indoors due to the inclement weather. The following evening the band held its annual Christmas concert in the bandhall. This was very well attended and the band was in very good form, leading some community singing and playing several seasonal items including two brand new pieces: Christmas Fanfare and Manger Variations. The training band again took part and kept up their standards from the summer concert. It is worth noting that three of the group had already been “promoted” to the full band.

On Friday 16^th the band entertained a large and enthusiastic audience at the Isle of Whithorn. As in the previous evening there was a mixture of band items and carol singing. Despite very cold weather and treacherous roads there was almost a full turnout from the band. The effort and the playing of the band was much appreciated by those in attendance.

Two nights later the band was once again playing carols, this time leading a church service in Kirkcowan.

A small group visited the local adult resource centre on Tuesday 20^th and entertained members.

Fortunately there was a short break before the band played to guests at the Cally Palace in Gatehouse on the 23^rd. This was again a mixture of band pieces and audience carol singing.

The following night, Christmas Eve, the band played at Newton Stewart for some communal singing and then went on the Creetown to do the same.

At all these events the playing of the band received unsolicited compliments from many listeners. It was also heartening that the band members made every effort to attend these engagements and must be congratulated on this and on their standard of play.

In the afternoon the band played at the “Hame Fairin” at the Isle of Whithorn. A wide range of popular music kept a large crowd entertained as they lounged in the sun or visited the many stalls.

As is usual at this venue the band was well received and complimented on the playing.

In the evening the band moved to the gardens in Wigtown square for a festival of praise as part of the town’s gala week. The band led the congregation in a variety of well known hymns ending, as is now the custom, with an arrangement of “God be with You”.

The programme was similar to the previous night with two exceptions, Kyle Fitzsimmons, who was voted the most promising young musician at the local music festival, played a solo, “Aire de Trompette”.

Instead of the ensemble the training group played several items. Most of the group were adults most of whom had only been playing for a few months. They produced a nice full sound which surprised many in the audience as did their technical ability.

Once again the light programme of familiar music was much appreciated by the listeners who participated with much enthusiasm. As in the previous evening the final ovation was long and demanded an encore.

The band delivered a programme of light music coming from the classics, the movies, jazz, rock and roll and popular songs.

Starting with an arrangement of Bach’s Toccata in D minor the band moved on to movie themes including “Beyond the Sea” before embarking on some jazz with “The Saints”.

At the start of the second half the band’s small ensemble played “Suite 1600”. More light pieces followed with “Hoots Mon” providing some audience participation. The final piece, “Dos Cervezas” also involved everyone, clapping to the catchy rhythms of the music.

At the close of the concert the audience gave the band a long ovation which required an encore, “The Toreador’s Song”. All the comments received were full of praise for the band, the music and the playing.