Secretary’s report 2025
Britannia Concert Band started rehearsals at the beginning of September 2024. The first engagement was in October in Ballykelly Presbyterian Church to raise money for the Air Ambulance. Robert Goodman (Assistant Musical Director) conducted and Martyn accompanied the band playing tuba instead of his trombone. Both worked out well, and the performance was appreciated by the congregation. This was quickly followed by playing for the Harvest Service in Gortnessy Church which was equally appreciated by the congregation. Like every year BCB took part in the Remembrance Service Ceremony at the Diamond. At the beginning of December contributed to a concert in the Millennium Forum organised by the Londonderry Musical Society (LMS). This collaboration was particularly enjoyed by the LMS. After our performance, the band reassembled in front of Foyle shopping centre and played Christmas music to the public. Unfortunately, there were few people around to hear us play.
The passing of Ken Goodman on the 11[th] of December saddened members and friends of the band. As a mark of respect members stood in a guard of honour in front of the church entrance at his funeral. Some members of the Goodman family commented how touching this gesture was and it filled me with pride to be part of it.
Despite Ken’s passing BCB continued playing Christmas music for the All Saints Christmas service and Kilfennan church. In both events it was a full band with the addition of Paul Goodman playing the horn and the full sound was well received by the audience. The year finished with a concert in Donemana church again with a full band which delighted the audience and was enjoyed by members as the best event of the year. So, some said.
The new year continued with a joint concert with Strabane Brass Band in the Fir Trees in February. They really showed us how quiet a band can sound. In April members loved the slightly different program in Ken’s memorial ‘Thank you for the music’ concert in Christchurch. A full sound with thirteen extra guest players including some ex members and Paul Goodman and the announcement of the music with anecdotes of Ken by archdeacon Robert Miller contributed to a good atmosphere. I was told it made May Goodman very happy. A plaque in Ken’s memory was given to the church to hang up and donations of over £1000 were received. On this occasion Robert Goodman and Andy McPherson received the 50 year membership pin.
The ‘Triumph of Music’ concert in April was another enjoyable event with players from different bands, which was part of the National Gallery’s bicentenary celebrations and a national event, starting in Derry and ending in Trafalgar Square. The conductor Maurice Kelly brought the players well together after only two rehearsals. It certainly was an experience playing rave music in an orchestra in a pink T-shirt and strangely invigorating alike. Another highlight for the band was the sold out concert for the Jazz Festival in Newgate Art Centre in May during which Andrew Campbel was presented the McGowan cup. In June, the band played a concert in Oak Gardens in aid for the Dunnalong Parish Church and in Gartan for the yearly St Columb’s Service. Members and audience were
similarly impressed by Olivia who conducted and played her clarinet while holding an umbrella in Gartan. At the end of June, the year finished with a last rehearsal and a visit from the ice cream van which has become a much-loved reoccurrence to members. Also, the carvery in the Whitehorse Hotel in January has turned out to be another pleasurable outing for members without picking up their instruments.
During the year Barbara and Andy with some help of others have taken on the monumental task of sorting all the music folders by reducing them as far as possible to one complete set of all parts. It took uncountable hours to complete this undertaking and our thanks to them cannot be emphasised enough. Our treasurer, Rhonda has been trying to get an online account with the bank sorted, so far with no avail. Thank you, Rhonda, for your time spent and for persisting. Our loved chairperson Joanne is stepping down this year. She has done an amazing job keeping us right for the last 5 years. Thank you for all the additional work you have done in your own time. I am pleased you agreed to continue to serve on the committee. Robert and Olivia have stepped up as conductors on numerous occasions during rehearsals and concerts. Thank you. It is very much appreciated. I cannot wait for the next occasion to see Olivia performing her impressive multitasking. My thanks are extended to all committee members who put in a lot of hours to keep the band working. Finally, we want to thank all members for their contribution to BCB. It is you who keeps the band successful.
We are delighted that the new flute player Joana has joined the band during the year. Sadly, Andrew Campbel is leaving the band to start his course at university in Belfast. He plans to join rehearsals whenever his course allows him to do so. You are welcome any time Andrew and wish you all the best.
Petra Steltner
Secretary