## Secretary’s Report 22/23 

Britannia Concert Band resumed rehearsals on the 23[rd] of August 22. 

In November Britannia Concert Band’s (BCB) first concert was performed to a high standard in collaboration with the organist Derek Collins in St Columb’s Cathedral. The audience showed their appreciation by generously donating for the newly formed Girls Choir which exceeded the fundraising target. 

Like every year BCB played on Remembrance Day conducted by James Goodman and for the first time Harry Goodman joined Robert Goodman in playing ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’. 

In December BCB played Christmas music in front of the Guildhall and the Foyle Shopping Centre and finished the year accompanying the Christmas service in All St Clooney which for the first time ever was conducted by Olivia Goodman, BCB’s first female conductor, a historical first. 

In January band members and their partners were invited to a Sunday Carvery in the White Horse Hotel. Almost all members joined this social event and it was particularly nice to have Ken Goodman and Jack Henderson with their wives present. 

The highlight of the year was our Cross Border Massed Bands Concert with St James’s Brass and Reed Band and the Communication Workers’ Union Band in Dublin. 

On the morning of the 11[th] of March a hired bus transported band members and some partners to Dublin. We arrived just in time to have a filling lunch with some of the members of the Dublin bands. It was followed by a 2 hour joint rehearsal with all 3 MDs taking turns in conducting.   The concert itself delighted all players and audience alike. 

The hire of the bus was funded thanks to John Smith and North West Cultural Partnership. The BCB committee funded accommodation cost by 50% for all band members. 

In the coronation concert in May BCB played along with the King William Flute Band and singer Joanna Higgins in the Guildhall to a full audience which thoroughly enjoyed all performances. The event was televised in a short clip in the Northern Irish news. BCB continued taking part in the coronation celebration by playing a Fanfare on the top of New Gates followed by a 20 minutes performance by the band. 

Later that month BCB was able to play outside for the church fun day in Donemana just before the rain settled in. 

In June BCB also played conducted by Robert Goodman for the St Patrick’s Service in Gartan on a glorious day and in July contributed with an hour long concert to the Red Sail Festival in Portstewart. 

During the last year Harry Allen was given the McGowan Cup.  Olivia Goodman put a lot of work into offering a one day workshop for junior players in September and a 10 week one in spring which was unfortunately only followed through by one flute and one trumpet player, however both were very keen and able. 



Also to simplify the process of finding out member’s availability engagement dates are now put on Google Drive for members to show their availability.  The Musical Director can access the information straight away and organise suitable guest players which BCB continues to heavily rely on to cover missing parts for an agreeable performance. 

Thanks for another enjoyable band year go to the committee, especially Joanne, John, Martyn and Olivia. Last but not least thanks go to Stewart Smyth, our MD whose patience is admirable. 

Finally Eugene Patton and Graham Maddison sadly had to leave the band. We wish them all the best in health and their future. 

Petra Steltner Band Secretary September 2023