On Saturday night (19th October 2024) we said farewell to our Musical Director Peter Ledder at the end of a successful concert of Film & Musicals at Fairhaven Methodist Church, Lytham St. Annes. Peter has been with us for 5 years, through the thick and thin of Covid. He kept our band alive and together with online rehearsals which were new for all of us. Thank you for everything you have done Peter and we wish you well in your new adventures
Peter’s Trophy
The Leyland Band enjoyed welcoming 90 year old Don Bateman to their euphonium section at their recent Armed Forces concert.
They had arranged for 90-year-old local army veteran Don Bateman to join their euphonium section, for which he received a standing ovation from the packed audience following the performance of the classic Kenneth Alford march, ‘Colonel Bogey’.
The band had been approached by the concert organisers to see if Don could play with them, and were delighted to arrange for him to come to a rehearsal for a pre-concert run through.
Don had spent 25 years in the army playing all over the world, and had in fact played a few times with the band before Richard Evans took over the helm.
Following his service, Don’s civilian life took an interesting turn when for five years he played in the pit orchestra at Liverpool’s Shakespeare Theatre where he often supported comedian, Ken Dodd.
More recently he led his own orchestra in Lancashire and still commutes twice a week to Preston and nearby Lytham to perform in two concert bands.
A band spokesperson said: “It was a delight to have Don with us. He said it was an honour for him, but really it was an honour for us to pay our respects to him all those who have been past and present members of the Armed Forces.”
This item taken from 4barsrest.com
In perfect weather, the school children sang and the lights were lit!
The band continued to play carols for the next 30 minutes to am audience of around 200.
A great start to Christmas 😃
