As part of the Solway Arts Festival, the East Yorkshire Motor Services Brass Band presents a concert at the United Reform Church, Cockermouth, Cumbria. This now annual concert, gives the Band the opportunity to let their hair down once the serious business is finished. A quick beer follows the concert, then it's off to the local Indian restaurant 'A Passage To India'. After this there is the opportunity to a have a 'quiet' beer in the night club on the ground floor of our hotel - The Globe. Why is it though, that when the night club closes at 2:00am, some members of the Band claim that they can't sleep and don't retire until gone five when the sun is coming up?

Not to forget though, that the main reason for the visit is to perform a concert. This years - the second under Jim Davies, drew many plaudits, including the following email received shortly after our return:-

Last Saturday's was the best for some time - thank you all very much.

David Cornwall

Leaving the Bandroom shortly before lunchtime, driver Nick is joined by a selection of some of the Band's better legs. Or to quote someone else, "Mark's got legs like Betty Grable.................... two of them!"

Taking notice of the advice to drink plenty, Danny is obviously unaware of the side effects of too much orange juice.

"What type of sample?"

The United Reform Church, Cockermouth. The gothic frontage doesn't reflect the light airiness of the church interior.

As always, Steve is ready early, and completely prepared for the evening concert. He now checks the programme to see what the pieces the Band is playing.

Now how's that for editing skills, I've turned Jim into a negative!

The fairer side of banding. A retake was necessary as two of the girlies were missing for the first attempt - they had a map to get to the front of the church as well! 

Principal Cornettist Steve Rudhall performs La Belle Americaine.

The back row star in Leroy Anderson's Buglers Holiday.

The instruction to remove jackets didn't quite reach the back row.

Kathy Newiss performs the Lennon & McCartney hit 'Here, There, and Everywhere.'

The concert still drew a large appreciative audience even though shortly before its start, the England football team crashed out of the 2006 World Cup.

Andrew Kennedy and Liz Grosvenor perform Alan Catherall's arrangement of 'Softly As I Leave You'.

Solo Trombonist Mark Unsworth plays the Sinatra hit 'In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning' arranged by fellow trombonist Alan Fernie.

Following the concert, we had a quick change from concert dress to our walking out uniform, then the stage was packed down and coach loaded, back to the hotel and a further change into 'social uniform', and it was time for a quick beer and a visit to The Taste of India.

Jo and Vicki, looking after drinks for the photographer.  

The Trombone Section - Mark is joined by Paul and Steve from the LSO.

(That's the Leeds Symphony Orchestra)

If you are going to stay balanced then you should sip out of both glasses, that may also save you from falling asleep at the bar later.

Two of the Band's elder statesmen. One because he's been in the band for many years, the other because he's old!

No wonder the beer went warm, they kept stopping for pictures.

Mel, Kirsty, and Kathy enjoy a quiet beer. Well they would have done if it wasn't for the other 25 members of the Band in the restaurant.

For what we are about to consume.

The boys from the LSO, I've never noticed Steve's Dracula teeth before.

Eat them, don't shuffle them! 

Just what is that beer going to be poured into?

Is that Alison's head in the foreground, or is Mark wearing a wig. Everyone else is too busy concentrating on their food to notice.

Stop it Liz, I'm eating!

Shaun stops eating to gaze at the camera, whilst everybody else ignores it.

Due regard for my personal safety prevents me from making a comment here! 

Claire.

It must be accountants talk judging by Kirsty's face.

It appears that grace was only said at one end of the table.

Smile said Kathy, okay darling said Tony.

This really is the calm before the storm, sat in the blocks ready to be propelled through the restaurant.

An action shot. Yes, really. The restaurant had an extremely polished floor. Here Vicki was just coming to the end of her first run of human shuffleboard.

Andrew kindly passes the chocolates round. Next time though it would be better if he waited until after the meal.

Look at the scary eyes on Steve, nothing that editing programme contained could tone them down. Perhaps the reaction of beer, curry and kiwi? 

Tony, Kathy, Stewart, Melanie, and guest soprano player Claire Taylor.

How's that for an action shot, and look at that gleam, obviously Fairy Liquid. 

Right, what's for pudding then Liz?

Must be good, Jo's licking her lips - either that or she is putting her tongue out towards someone at the other side of the table.

Well it's either Captain Mainwaring, or Eric Morecambe.

The Globe Hotel, still standing as we leave.

Pictures by Kathy Newiss, Mel Kennedy, and Sam Kind

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