The CRICKLADE band has had a fantastic time in the sun this summer on this year’s bandstand tour. We returned to Bournemouth’s Pinewalk bandstand on one of the hottest and busiest Sundays of the year at the resort. Warm sun also accompanied us to the Parade Gardens in Bath where the leader of the city’s council, listening in the large audience congratulated us on our performance. The Crew lost quite some weight carrying all the gear up and down the long, steep walkway to the bandstand. The park attendant couldn’t believe how much equipment a modern band use.
It was sunny again at John Coles Park in Chippenham, but the band had to play energetically to keep warm. Swindon Old Town Gardens saw another large crowd bask in balmy sun enjoying the tunes and joining the long queue at the ice cream kiosk. We were warmly welcomed back to Abbey Grounds bandstand at Cirencester after a two-year break.
We had our first visit to Cheltenham and the lovely surroundings of Pittville Park and Pump Room. The bandstand here is just too small for us so we were invited to spread ourselves out behind the façade of imposing columns. Pictures of most of these events can be seen on the band’s website at http://www.thecrickladeband.co.uk – if it’s easier, please follow us on Facebook.
We also did our bit for Macmillan Cancer Support in September when we held a ‘Big Tea Break’ at rehearsal and raised £136. After several years’ break we managed to fit in a concert at Purton in support of Guide Dogs. Then there was the ‘Harvest Home Concert’ at Cricklade’s United Church in October. We also, of course, take a leading part in the Remembrance Sunday parades in Cricklade, also Purton in the afternoon.
The Performance Band and our thriving BandAcademy are all geared-up as usual for a busy festive season. Our December diary has details of about 15 occasions between the 6th and Christmas morning when we’ll all be out and about playing all the familiar carols and Christmas music. We’ll be touring the streets of Cricklade, Purton, Ashton Keynes and Latton and also performing our ‘Christmas Present’ show in Cricklade.
We usually do it in music but, from me, and everyone in The Cricklade Band – ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year’
From: Mandy Roberts SECRETARY The Cricklade Band
43 Hallsfield Cricklade Swindon SN6 6LR
Tel: 01793 750854 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 
01793 750854 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting Email: mjr2013@btinternet.com
Web: www.thecrickladeband.co.uk Facebook: The Cricklade Band
Cricklade Bugle 