60 Years of Banding

A few weeks ago John Cane (father of our band's flugel player, Julie) celebrated 60 years in banding. In his 60 years of banding John has been a loyal servant to Chard Concert Brass, and to mark this occaision they held a concert in Chard in his honour. Below are included the concert programme notes which gives you an insight into John's work for the band:

"Welcome,

This evening’s concert has been initiated by John Cane to help celebrate his 60 years of brass banding. His intention is for tonight to raise awareness of this great organisation in the town and encourage people to pursue a desire to make music. Brass bands are alive and well in the West Country and young and old regularly enjoy this hobby together. Indeed, you will see plenty of evidence of this tonight, as there are three generations of the ‘Cane’ family on stage. It is never too late to learn or return to playing, so come along to Crowshute house on a Thursday evening and find out more about what the band has to offer, you will always find a warm welcome.

It has been a busy year for Chard Concert Brass, who have successfully performed concerts at fetes, flower shows, seasides, parks and weddings across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Not content with this schedule John regularly helps other bands when they are short of a bass player, such as Lyme Regis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Burtle and Wellington Bands.

All of this takes a great deal of organisation and that traditionally falls to a committee made up largely of band members. Over the years John has fulfilled various roles including secretary, and chairman and usually arrives at an engagement with a car full of equipment. This is all part of banding to John but it is not something that every member is prepared or able to do. 60 years is a long time to remain with one band and to provide this level of commitment. John will not perceive this as much of an achievement but I know many will disagree.

John also sees this concert as an opportunity to thank members past and present for their company and companionship. It has been a lifelong hobby that has provided many great memories and I’m sure there will be many more to come.

So congratulations to John and all the members of Chard Concert Brass for continuing the tradition of a brass band in Chard. I hope Chard will continue to support and appreciate your efforts for many years.

Please, sit back and enjoy!"

Banding is often a family affair, and this is certainly true in John's case. John's passion for brass bands has been passed onto his daughter, Julie, his son-in-law, Dave, and now his grand children, Mark and Hannah, who all play with Phoenix. Suffice to say that without the early encouragment by John and others at Chard band, Phoenix would be without the Bulgin family.

Further recognition of John's commitment to banding was made by the South West Brass Band Association who presented John with an award at their band rehearsal last night. The award was present in person to John Cane by a former Phoenix band member, John Woods, who is now on the committee of the SWBBA.

Congratulations and thanks to John from all at Phoenix.

Released On 29th Nov 2013