The band's year finished in its usual way with the visits to many of the town's hotels on Christmas Eve and, most importantly, with the visit to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on Christmas morning. This year, in common with the tradition, Tommy Lynch conducted the Band in "The virgin Mary had a baby boy" - you will have to check what number that is in the carol book to find out how old Tommy is now!

You can see photos of both Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning on Facebook.

We were sorry that the visit to the hospital was the last band engagement for Ian Mercer who will be moving with his wife, Sheila, to Norfolk in the New Year. We do, of course, thank Ian for all that he has done in the Band and wish them both all the best for the future. Hopefully we will see them again soon!