It was a busy weekend for the band playing at the 43rd Slaidburn Steam Fair.  This year it was held at the village hall and on the village green.  In past years the venue had been the Hark to Bounty, which is at this time not operational. 

Unfortunately the weather was inclement, therefore the band performed inside the village hall on both days.  

The event was started in 1980 by local resident Mr David McNamee and has raised over £100,000 for village groups and organisations.  This year the proceeds will go to Slaidburn Archives, Newton Village Hall and Slaidburn Silver Band.

For more information about the Steam Fair, click here.

A concert was given by the band in Slaidburn Village Hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day, 8th May 1945).

The band performed music reflecting the war years, both of that time together with film scores depicting that era.  Conductor, John Cowking, introduced each piece of music by relating it to the chronological series of events in the course of the war.

Slaidburn Archive provided a visual display of “War Time” in the Hodder Valley.  This included pictures and explanatory texts.

The Band was sorry to hear of the death of Cynthia Baxter recently after a short illness. Cynthia had been playing with the Band for quite a number of years and will be sadly missed.

She began her playing career with the Accrington Military Band and for quite a number of years played with Blackburn and Darwen Band, also acting as their Secretary. She retired from Blackburn and Darwen and soon after joined Slaidburn Band on 1st baritone, keeping a close eye (and ear) on the rest of the baritone and euphonium section!

The family asked the Band to play at Cynthia’s funeral service and we were honoured to play a selection of music including “Brother James’ Air” which was one of the last pieces she played with us and one that she enjoyed.