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!

This year's Rotary Carol Concert was in aid of the Youth Cancer Trust, a charity based in Bournemouth providing action holidays for young people with Cancer or other malignant disease. As always the hall was very full with the choir from Epiphany Church of England primary school once again joining with the Band, the timbrels and this year's guest soloist, Hilary Bromage. The choir had brought many supporters with them and the parents must have been very proud of their children as they entertained us all - including singing one song, The Groovy Message, written by some of the children themselves.

Our bandmaster had a special word of praise for the choir's percussionist, Anna Saunders, and Alexander Francis treated us all again to his saxophone playing - this year his choice was Walking in the Air from The Snowman.

As always a good sum was raised by the event and the programme is now available on the website.

Our Corps' 125th Anniversary Weekend has now become a part of history. What a weekend it was - led, with his customary "vim and vigour" by Bandmaster Bill Himes. Starting with the rehearsal on Thursday evening with the Band and songsters; then through his one man show on Friday evening (with a little help from our own bandmaster - both live and on DVD!); a tremendous festival on Saturday; and two memorable meetings on Sunday - there was more than something for everyone.

The band contributions included many of Bill's own compositions and arrangements. Particularly special were the moments when we had the privilege to play the music that Bill composed for his own wedding, Procession to Covenant, and also This I Know - his tribute to Bandmaster Jim Anderson who was so recently Promoted to Glory.

There are some photos of the weekend on our gallery pages.