Brian Haliwell, Dave Whelan & Mark Bentham at Wrightington Hotel charity event.

After a great year the final notes have now been blown and the bands have now finished for a well earned Christmas break, although our B Band will continue with rehearsals in between Christmas and New Year for their appearance at Butlins. What dedication!

After a tough Christmas schedule with seven concerts in nine days for the Senior band, the highlight was the massed bands concert held at Aspull Civic Hall which featured all three bands. The bands performed to a packed hall, with each band providing a superb program, but special mention must go to the four soloists who brought the house down. They were Gemma Riley on trombone for the Junior Band, Helen Don-Duncan on Euphonium for the B Band, and for the Senior Band Joanne Johnson on cornet & Matthew White on Euphonium.

As this year draws to a close, there have been many memorable moments to look back on, from making our debut’s at the Grand Shield and the All England Masters to taking the runner up spot at the Scottish Open. The biggest achievement however, was at the North West Area were we claimed the all important 3rd place and qualification to play at the National Finals of Great Britain for the 1st time in 102 years. All this would not have been possible without the excellent direction of Mark Bentham, who since his arrival 18 months ago, has progressed the band from 64th in the world rankings to an amazing 28th . We would like take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work and dedication, and we look forward to working together in 2010.

Also thanks to Peter Ashley and John don-Duncan for directing the “B” and Junior bands and to the committee for all their hard work behind the scenes especially our very own Derek Green . A big thank must also go to our sponsor Mr Whelan for his continued support and passion for the Pemberton Bands.

Finally, on behalf of everyone from the Pemberton organisation we hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!