The Gislingham Band - compiled by Alistair Govan
ISBN: 978-1-902019-04-8
94 pages, paperback, 146mm x 208mm.
Published by Greenridges Press, June 2002.
Price: £ 12.95
21 Colour, 7 Sepia and 28 black and white photos
(minimum, donations to the band are very welcome)
Postage and Packing:
Cecil joined the Band as a young man because he fancied the daughter of one of the bandsmen. She later became his wife. The Band needed a trombonist and he taught himself to play the instrument from an instruction book - there was no one who could give him any tuition. From that time onwards, the Band became a vital part of his life.
He said: "In December 1998, I decided to retire as Secretary, a job I’d been doing since 1932, but of course I didn’t pack in my trombone playing with the Band. I’ve managed to get through three trombones since I started playing in 1929. I don’t think I’ll be buying a new one. My first trombone cost me three pounds and ten shillings. The last one I bought was in 1980. It cost me £218. Today, I note on John Myatt’s Brass Instrument Specialists price list, that a Bb trombone would cost me £700.
"I don’t think I’ve improved much over the years, but I’ve enjoyed performing and seeing our Band continue and strengthen at a time when so many of the other Brass Bands have closed through lack of support. Over the years we have never been too ambitious. We have never entered the world of Brass Band Competitions, but have achieved a great sense of satisfaction from enjoying what we play, in the company of like-minded people. Our small Band Room too has been a great asset and our charges have remained realistic. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we are still in existence."
In his Foreword to the book, Geoff Davies writes: "Cecil Carter, one of the Band’s greatest benefactors ... has given unstintingly of his time and cash for nearly three-quarters of a century. We hope his fine example and commitment will inspire old and new members, and supporters, to sustain the Gislingham Silver Band well into the future."
Rehearsals are still held in the Bandroom on Mill Street, Gislingham every Tuesday from 7.30-9.30pm, and anyone interested will be made most welcome. The Musical Director is Ron Wright, husband of Sheila Wright, author of "Bon Corage Mes Amis!" which been published by Léonie Press.
The Band currently (March 2002) is booked for five engagements during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Weekend celebrations, and, already, 20 engagements during the year.