Day 1 - The excitement begins!

What better way to see the true colours of your fellow band members than getting on a coach together at 6.30am when nobody has had nearly enough coffee.

Despite the somewhat early hour, the coach was loaded up without issues and we were on our way!

For the first couple of hours there was much catching up on sleep. The M25 was uncharacteristically trouble free, and a quiz written and compered by Debs helped the time fly.

Before we knew it, we were in Dover where the sun was still shining. After a short wait, we we on the Pride of Canterbury and ready to sail. Cecil Bear had his first trip on a ferry!

As we awaited departure, a Spitfire passed overhead and then returned, performing a barrel roll above us. The channel was calm as a mill pond, and soon we were in France.

The quiz results were announced and it transpires that the Follands are the brains of the band. Who knew!? Two well known band families tied first for the picture quiz, but as it was Disney themed, they may not want their names published!

Before long we were in Ostend. The location of our hostel meant the coach had to drop us off a short walk away, meaning it was all hands on deck to get 59 sets of luggage and all of the instruments to our accommodation. Nothing grabs people’s attention more than wheeling a xylophone down the street!

Time to take bags to rooms, then down to the bar. It had been a long (but straightforward) journey and everyone was hot. Those first beers went down a treat!

Dinner was at 6pm, followed by an announcement that due to everyone being hot and tired, the planned rehearsal was cancelled. As this meant that we would be back in the bar an hour earlier than planned, the disappointment was short lived.

We then moved onto band awards. Andy was presented with a bottle of his preferred tipple as a thank you for his mammoth effort in arranging tour. Nige and Colin then presented this year’s awards.

Ed and Henry jointly received Most Improved Player in training band, and Polly was crowned likewise for main band. Nige and Angie jointly received the trophy for Band Person of the Year and Rob was given Lifetime membership.

Many of the group then decided to head off in different directions to explore the local area, with the youngsters heading for the beach. However, the thunderstorms were closing in, and the bar was soon full, some people having got distinctly wet having not beaten the rain clouds back to the hostel.

The kids played cards, and the adults chatted before people began to drift back to their rooms ready for the first big day.

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We are, wij zijn, nous sommes, wir sind, Cheltenham Silver Band

And so began the dialogue for each of our concerts. Our first tour in the band’s history has been a reminder that music truly transcends age, race, gender and background. Some thoughts of those who came on tour and more photos which we hope really show everyone what a fabulous time we had: “We really enjoyed the tour, wonderful organisation from Andy and the committee and it was lovely to be able to chat to and get to know those people who are not in our sections - or band! Everyone looked after each other, helped out and we all have great memories we will be talking about for years. In particular we think it is worth noting that it is rare that a truly multi-generational group of friends get to travel, indulge in their hobby, entertain others and enjoy time together. We have become more than friends, we are a banding family! When is the next one….?” "Tour was such a fun mixing of music, laughter and sightseeing, I'd happily do it again this weeke

Day 2 - Our first concert!!

It was a 9am departure for those who fancied a trip to the water park. For the younger members (and some of the older ones!) the flumes were the perfect way to wash away the cobwebs of the day before. Nothing breaks down barriers like seeing each other land in a splash pool with complete loss of dignity! For others, the morning gave the opportunity to explore Ostend, with several visiting the display of Disney sand sculptures on the beach. After a quick sandwich and a change in to concert attire, it was time to walk round to a local square which was the venue of our first concert. The bandstand there is splendid and was just about large enough to accommodate all the players and everything we required to perform an outstanding first concert to a large audience. There was a marching band which passed by on a couple of occasions, but we were more than happy to share the space with them! One side of the square had many cafes and restaurants with outside sea

Day 4 - With grateful thanks

Highlight of the tour is probably not the best way to describe this day, but we had certainly put a great deal of thought into it. The tour to this point had been so fantastic that we had learnt that all expectations were likely to be blown away, but still it was with a mixture of anticipation and excitement that we arrived at Tyne Cot War Cemetery. Our oldest and youngest players (Derrick and Millie) took charge of the wreaths, and followed the players with their instruments down the small path and into the cemetery. The band played In Flanders Fields whilst the wreaths were laid, then all the instruments were put back on the bus and we had a few minutes to look around. Whilst that last sentence may seem a little flat, there simply are no words to describe the overwhelming emotions - the pride, the gratitude, the sadness.... The experience was moving beyond anything we can even attempt to convey. There were many tears and many hugs. From there, it was bac

Cheltenham Silver Band

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