The Tour - Sunday 27th May

After an easy morning, the Band set off to Delfzijl to play an afternoon concert at a dock open day. This port serves as a base for some of the Netherlands Navy - so there were several military displays - as well as providing a home to the local yacht club. After our performance, the Band was lucky enough to be invited in for a glass of something. Lucky indeed, because we were provided with several beer tokens each.

The weather in the morning wasn't very promising, but as soon as we started to play, it brightened up.

It's either a warm up, or Jim is feeling very tired.

Oh no, is Mark getting up to conduct?

Don't panic, don't panic, Mr Mainwaring, he's only warming up!

Jez has a different style of warming up, and it comes fried and in a bread cake.

Suddenly, Jim sprang into action!

Notice, Front Row Cornets, Back Row Cornets, and Third Row apprentices.

Kathy, it plays better if you actually put it to your lips!

The audience kept a polite distance between them & us.

We're not sure if this is one of Steve's young nephews, or a top cornet apprentice.

Judging by the concentration, he's obviously a budding superstar. And look at Kirsty keeping a watching eye over the Soprano part.

So Steve, why didn't you use the 3rd finger alternative?

Kathy juggles with beer, whilst Julia sticks to the water. Well that's what she said to write anyway!

That's it Neil, look at the camera not at Andy's beer.

It's alright smiling Gareth, but all the other blokes in the picture used to have hair when they were your age.

Trying to find a little peace and quiet the happy couple went for a long walk up and down a short pier.

Jim doesn't look too happy as he contemplates fighting his way back to the bar, whilst Simon is more interested in the strange 'group' performing on the back of the wagon.

Each different brand of beer had to be served in its own distinctive glass. The full range can be seen in this picture - if you can spot them all, and name them, please jot them down on a postcard and enter our fun competition. Your starting clue, there is one in Mark's left hand jacket pocket, and Neil has one in each hand.

Is James hoping for a bonus for his blatant product placement.

Following our return to the Hotel, and a free night, we out to the local village (Haren) for a meal, and of course something to wash it down with.

Not sure that the village was quite ready for us.

I think the owner of the Astoria Bar was hoping for a quiet evening, until our coach party arrived (by foot). Having eaten several meals here, we can thoroughly recommend this bar, (established in 1961) for both its food and beer!

Stop gazing at the camera - your food is getting cold! (And your beer is getting warm).

For what we are about to receive.

Manoeuvring into position.

How come these two got proper man sized beers?

Why is Kathy making paper airplanes?

Watch out Vicki, the combination of ice cream and a pink bicycle can be quite dangerous!

Time for pudding!

Somehow, the large magic ice cream transported Andy to Venice, and a normal sized cone. A mouth that big, and he still missed!

By pedalling backwards, Andy managed to transport himself back to Haren.

A small group tried the Dutch Chinese experience.

Let battle commence.

The hotel put on all of its external lights to help the Band find its way back.

Back at the hotel, Vicki's driving manages to knock down Erin.

Sitting pretty at the Bar, Vicki, Alison, and Mel. Something is not quite right though. Look carefully at the contents of Alison's glass - H2O?

Hoping, but failing in his quest for a quiet and early night, was the Hotel Barman Guido.

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