Diary summary week ending 18th September

[Roobarb]

I watched it too while I was waiting for a parcel, afterwards was beginning to wish I hadn't, it makes me feel so emotional. I  really don't know where the family get the strength, I suppose it's to do with the way they were brought up but it must be so hard all the same.

[louisa maud]

It was emotional  but we will  never see the  likes of it again

LM

[Roobarb]

I certainly hope not 

[radstockjeff]

Today has been a sad but also an inspiringly emotional day. 58 years ago I joined the Bath Spa Band as a "rookie" trombone player- my first venture with a Brass Band, although I had played in the Bath Youth Orchestra for a number of years. The Musical Director was Russell Buckley a former player with  an number of the major brass bands in the country and the Bandmaster was George Jardine.
We struck up a good relationship from the start and his encouragement was of great benefit to my playing skills.
Not for George the " traditional" Band repertoire of those days, he wanted to venture into pastures new and to that end he developed a skill for arrangements for the band in more "modern" genres. He took over as Musical Director and for a while I undertook the duties of Bandmaster. 

He was also to the forefront in the organisational side of the band and led the way for something of a palace coup,when at one AGM the old guard were ousted and exciting new sights set for the future. 
I stayed with the band for about 13  years before other family commitments encroached on my spare time!

We had however devloped a lasting friendship to the extent that his eldest daughter was one of our bridesmaids. And we maintained our links with his family over the next few years.

Some six years ago I was surprised to receive a telephone call asking if I was still playing and how would I like to join his current group The Bath Vintage Brass. As I had not played regularly for over 30 years this was a bit of a challenge but I gave it a whirl - only to find that George was not well and in reality had suggested my name as his replacement MD of the BVB, the duties of which I carried out for about 18 months.

Sadly, on his 87th birthday he collapsed, and died a couple of days later and today was his funeral.

An augmented group of about 20 musicians from BVB and Bath Spa Bands led the music for the service, accompanying the hymns and playing one of George's favourite hymn tunes "Ellers".

The most poignant piece was an excerpt from Eric Ball's RESURGAM (I shall rise again) a favourite with the Band fraternity, and part of a recording of this was    played as the coffin entered the chapel.

RIP George

[Viktoria]

My Grandad was a Bandmaster ,when churches had their own bands.
 St Catherine’s Collyhurst ,central Manchester .
An “ Orange “ Church ,had William of Orange on the banner —- not St,Catherine!
Very “ low church” the Minister wore the Geneva gown.
Central pulpit .

Glad you have picked it up again Jeff, some satisfaction in that  I am  sure .
Viktoria.

[mare]

Sympathy for your loss Jeff, wonderful memories.

Sadness and emotions all round for the week, some celebration as well for us with a lovely weekend with our friends on their golden anni and her milestone birthday and with a dear 90 year old who insisted on taking a few of us to lunch as we were not able to make the 'big party' in the city on the day.

Miss 8 granddaughter came down with a cold this week, well nursed and a lot better today and will be off to weekend camp with her sea scout group, tested negative for the other virus matter of course. Case numbers for NZ will be no longer reported as daily ones, as from Monday next week they will be a weekly total.

Cheers for your end of week ....

[brigidmac]

Hello all
There is a science festival in leicester this week . As soon as I saw that Turi King was giving a talk on DNA family secrets I booked it

She took time to chat to me beforehand  .I knew her before she was famous !

The talk covered . history of DNA uses  ,her PhD studies into family names and DNA clusters King Richard III s descendancy & her involvement in identifying his bones .

Q /A session was interesting too
Some of us stayed chatting a bit .
I was shocked when a social worker told how when paternity cases are heard there is no
Psychological support for children who find out their father is not bio parent ...it's just announced.
When adults do the test on TV programs they have a whole team of professionals to support them.

 I walked a way with Turi  after the talk apologizing for talking "shop" . she is genuinely interested and passionate about all things DNA and family history.
She was very encouraging about my research with SMITH & JONES names  so many people ask her for help & she doesn't have a PA  she may even pass some cases to me !

So that's my big news ..I d been depressed so it was a real morale booster.

[brigidmac]

Here's a photo from last night I love the simplified color coded DNA explanation

Oops too big ..won't post .

[Roobarb]

My condolences Jeff, such a sad time for you but what a wonderful service that must have been.

A lovely weekend for you Mare, good for you to be able to have a celebration for such a special time.

Brigid, how exciting for you to be able to have a lengthy chat with the lady, good to hear it cheered you up.