An evening of wonders with Black Dyke MD
BRASS Band Zoom gettogethers are becoming the norm it seems and Abergavenny Borough Band recently took the opportunity to spend an evening with the musical director of the Black Dyke Brass Band – who are allegedly considered to be the most famous band in the world.
Members of Abergavenny Borough Band described the evening as a privilege to be able to talk to Professor Nicholas Childs and his wife, Alison.
It was an evening of anecdotes, uplifting music and a general chit-chat and very unforgettable!
Professor Childs, despite his long sojourn ‘up north’ was born in Tredegar where he began his musical journey in the world of banding and he has many links with Welsh bands.
Our players, especially the younger ones, enjoyed listening to just a few highlights of his long and successful career.
There were targeted questions from the band that provided an insight into the depth of his musical knowledge and experience – though one did slip in on Manchester United!
Abergavenny Borough Band has some very personal links with Profesor Childs and Black Dyke Band via musical director, Lana Tingay and Black Dyke’s S Solo Euphonium player, Daniel Thomas and Matthew Routley, Dyke’s Bb Bass player, both of whom played with Abergavenny at one time.
You may recall that Daniel’s father is the Principal Trombone with the Cory Band.
It was quite a welcome surprise when both Daniel and Matthew joined in during the latter part of the evening.
We cannot, on behalf of the Abergavenny Band, thank Professor Childs enough for conducting the evening just as he performs in front of a band, with professionalism and with regard to and involving everyone as part of one unit – the band!
(Thanks to a contributor from
Abergavenny Borough Band)
A SUPERHERO LIKE YOU
By Dr Ranj Singh, illustrated by Liam Darcy, £6.99, Hodder Children’s Books
WRITTEN by Dr Ranj Singh, resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning and front line NHS paediatrician, this is a lovely celebration of key workers.
Lily knows exactly what she wants to be when she grows up: a superhero. But she doesn’t want to wear her pants outside her trousers. Lily wants to be a REAL superhero: the kind who helps people and makes the world a better place.
Young readers can join Lily as she meets the extraordinary superheroes all around us, from doctors, teachers, firefighters and air ambulance paramedics to scientists, recycling truck drivers and carers.
“You see, Mummy?” says Lily. “There are so many ways that I can be a superhero. I know I’m small but my superpowers of kindness, care and love are BIG, and I’m going to use them to make the world a better place.”
This uplifting picture book shows little readers that we all have the potential to be superheroes.
Plus 35p per book sold goes to NHS Charities Together.