Ian Porthouse has just returned from an enjoyable weekend of banding on the Isle of Man with Ramsay Town Band.

Local band for local people

Ian spent the extended weekend preparing the band for their annual concert, which on the Sunday evening saw the local school hall packed out with over 300 brass band lovers coming to listen to their local band.

Fantastic weekend

Ian told 4BR: "It was a fantastic weekend and such a great atmosphere, even if the temperature in the concert hall was close to boiling point! The band comprised over 45 members and is in great shape with age range of 10 to 84. I won’t give away the identity of the oldest players but their instruments had slides!"

The main work of the concert was Philip Sparke’s, 'Music for a Festival', which Ian chose to challenge the band as well as give the audience the opportunity to listen to some exciting original brass band repertoire.

"The band responded so well to the challenge that I think they could have really managed something even more difficult," Ian added.

Dusted off

Also included in the concert were Philip’s 'Jubilee Overture' and some great solo contributions from band members. Ian even dusted off his cornet and managed a couple of solos too!

There were so many parents and relatives there to enjoy the night – and the Nippers did them proud. The future of Ramsey Town Band is very secure indeed4BR

Nipper highlight

One of the highlights of the night was the performance of the Ramsay Junior Band who go by the great name of Neptune Street Nippers (the bandroom is on Neptune St!).

Ian was impressed by the next generation of young players on view: "There were so many parents and relatives there to enjoy the night – and the Nippers did them proud. The future of Ramsey Town Band is very secure indeed."

Credit

Ian also added that much of the credit to the success of the band goes to conductor Robert Quane, whose drive and enthusiasm is infectious and makes every rehearsal so productive and fun that the band numbers just keep growing.

Next year sees the band celebrate 30 years since their reformation and they are already planning something very special to make it a year to remember.