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The second award is the Jack Storey Memorial Cup. Jack was formerly a Betteshanger mineworker who played cornet with the band and the award has been made annually since his death in 1967 to the bandsman/ woman who has, in the opinion of the band, made a significant contribution to the band as a whole. This year was unusual in so much as the award was made jointly to two players, Karen and myself. This seems an ideal opportunity to thank the whole band for the award, which means a great deal to us both and has pride of place in our dining room.

On Christmas morning a group of a dozen or so of the band played for the patients at Deal Hospital. The patients, who were too ill to go home for Christmas, were very pleased with the selection of carols as we trotted from ward to ward. I was very happy to give up a little time on Christmas Day to bring a little sunshine into their lives. The Sherry was pleasant too! Phil Collins (Bass Trombone) was one of the players and he announced that he had got engaged to his girlfriend, another Karen who had come along with him. Not surprisingly we found out that he was engaged before his future in-laws did! That’s what I call a bandsman!

On our tour of the wards we bumped into the Mayor of Deal again and received a very kind letter a short time later thanking us for playing.

It was around this time that David Burridge was spotted sliding enthusiastically, just before practice, on a very large ice patch outside the bandroom with Amy Shepherd (first cornet). I asked if they thought they were Torville and Dean which mildly amused David, baffled Amy (too young to remember) and made me feel old!

Frank Squire who I mentioned earlier was taken ill and had to have an operation but is thankfully recovering well and was keen enough to come to band practice on the day he got out of hospital. Now that’s commitment.

We were all very sorry to say goodbye to David Alexander (baritone and cornet) who has left the area and moved to the Midlands. Dave was a very popular member of the band and will be missed as a fellow bandsman and as a player. We all wish Dave the very best of luck in the future and look forward to receiving his next witty letter from his new home.




	Since our last article appeared in the Bugle there have been a number of changes at the Betteshanger Welfare Band.Firstly Karen Griffiths, who has of late been writing our articles, has now handed over her trusty keyboard to me as she has taken on the role of Assistant Secretary and is busy helping Ivor Thomas, our Secretary, with an ever-growing list of engagements for this year. Ivor has been the band’s Secretary for nearly 30 years and has more than earned a little help. It seems a long time ago now but Christmas was notable for a few reasons. Just before Christmas the band played at the ‘Quarterdeck’ in Deal to an enthusiastic capacity audience and got them into a true Christmas spirit. We were caught somewhat ‘on the hop’ when the Mayor of Deal Mr. Gilchrist and his wife turned up unexpectedly to find that there were no seats left! Fortunately our Chairman, Frank Squire, ever the gentleman, spotted them and gave up his own chair until some reserve chairs were obtained. Our Musical Director David Burridge had chosen an excellent selection of music, which was very well received and the band thoroughly enjoyed performing them.
	At the Christmas concert the band traditionally makes two awards. One is for the most improved young bandsman/ woman and this year the award was presented by David Burridge to young cornet player Harry Hughes. Congratulations Harry! The second award is the Jack Storey Memorial Cup. Jack was formerly a Betteshanger mineworker who played cornet with the band and the award has been made annually since his death in 1967 to the bandsman/ woman who has, in the opinion of the band, made a significant contribution to the band as a whole. This year was unusual in so much as the award was made jointly to two players, Karen and myself. This seems an ideal opportunity to thank the whole band for the award, which means a great deal to us both and has pride of place in our dining room. On Christmas morning a group of a dozen or so of the band played for the patients at Deal Hospital. The patients, who were too ill to go home for Christmas, were very pleased with the selection of carols as we trotted from ward to ward. I was very happy to give up a little time on Christmas Day to bring a little sunshine into their lives. The Sherry was pleasant too! Phil Collins (Bass Trombone) was one of the players and he announced that he had got engaged to his girlfriend, another Karen who had come along with him. Not surprisingly we found out that he was engaged before his future in-laws did! That’s what I call a bandsman! On our tour of the wards we bumped into the Mayor of Deal again and received a very kind letter a short time later thanking us for playing. It was around this time that David Burridge was spotted sliding enthusiastically, just before practice, on a very large ice patch outside the bandroom with Amy Shepherd (first cornet). I asked if they thought they were Torville and Dean which mildly amused David, baffled Amy (too young to remember) and made me feel old! Frank Squire who I mentioned earlier was taken ill and had to have an operation but is thankfully recovering well and was keen enough to come to band practice on the day he got out of hospital. Now that’s commitment. We were all very sorry to say goodbye to David Alexander (baritone and cornet) who has left the area and moved to the Midlands. Dave was a very popular member of the band and will be missed as a fellow bandsman and as a player. We all wish Dave the very best of luck in the future and look forward to receiving his next witty letter from his new home.