By Jo on 3/20/2007 5:21 PM

Day four. Had a leisurely breakfast this morning. Remi arrived just before10am to take us to have coffee with Mr.Mayor. More speeches were made and the Mayor asked if we had any ideas how to improve the Brass programme.

We said our goodbyes to the Mayor and headed off  towards Riga and the Airport.

We just had time to walk through the old city of  Riga  befor having some lunch at the airport.

We had some emotional goodbye hugs and kisses with Remi and promised to return soon.

Then it was through security checks and onto the plane and home.

What a fabulous weekend we had, which will stay with us for many years to come I'm sure.

Many,many thanks go to Remi for organising the schedual for the weekend and to all my fantastic friends who came to support me on this trip.

Jo xx

By Jo on 3/20/2007 4:56 PM

Sunday. We had a lie in today - an extra half an hour !!

We visited three villages today and had a flurry of snow !

One of the villages was where the first ever Brass Band was founded in 1998 and still had an original member present. The British team gave out the march 'Slaidburn' for the youngsters to try and also some Hymn books. Phil then asked the drummer to play a bluesy rhythem and performed a razzy little number.What a player !!!!!!

Had lots more refreshments laid on by the Bands including vodka at 11.30 am !

Remi had arranged a visit to the Blacksmith in the afternoon where Trefor's cross was made.Their daughter plays in the village Band. We then watched as the Blacksmith made a couple of miniature horse shoes and inscribed one with 'Lydbrook Band' to hang over the Bandroom door. It was lovely to visit.

We then visited the last village Band of the weekend where yet again the Mayor was ... Read More »

By Jo on 3/20/2007 3:11 AM

Saturday 17th March.

Had another busy day today. Remi had organised to visit three [or was it four ? lost count]!  villages where the childrens' Bands are practising for their regional contest next month.

One Band was made up mainly of girls with only two boys . That's girl power !! We stayed with them for a couple of hours to help prepare their set piece. This band was probably the best of the Bands that we visited.

Then, after refreshments, it was off to the next villages to start it all again.

After we had done the masterclass bit in each village, the party members from England gave a mini concert so the children could hear a British sounding Band.

We had Phil Storer and Robert Morgan on cornet, Mark Taylor and Barbara Morgan on horn, Jo Millin, Paula Inglby and Derek Barnes on euph / baritone and Trevor Moss on bass.

We returned to the Hotel for an hours rest , then it ... Read More »

By Melbo on 3/18/2007 2:44 AM

Here we are in Panevezys, Lithuania ! We arrived on Thursday 15th March and after settling in to our hotel, we went to the Domino bar to have a meal provided by the mayor of Panevezys municipality.

Friday morning it was of to the city hall for a civic reception with the deputy mayor,deputy minister of culture and the deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom to Lithuania. After coffee, we went to the big hall where members of the local paparazzi, national television and other important people were waiting.  Jo and the Ambassador pulled back the curtain to reveal a magnificent display of 110 instruments.  There were then many speeches, interviews and photo opportunities for the local press.

We then returned to the Romantic Hotel, where we dined with the dignitories.

 

In the afternoon, Remi, who is from the Lithuanian Brass Band Movement, took us to The Hill of Crosses, where a special Cross was pl ... Read More »