Our location was very central, adjacent to the hamburger stall, so we had a ready supply of onlookers.  Some clapped along, some sang along, and one  little girl even dropped a donation into an inadvertently opened instrument case. And everyone had a good time

I think we’ll probably be back to perform at another Emu Park market in the near future.

Fortunately, water didn’t enter the hall at all, but there was still heaps to do to get the hall back into action. Mud was everywhere outside, so a small working bee was held to start the cleaning process. Sandflies are resident in huge clouds at the moment, and mosquitos will appear shortly. Due to boggy conditions, bingo had to be cancelled again this week.

Bingo will definitely resume on Thursday January 20. Rehearsals resume on Monday January 17.

The band is currently in Christmas recess, however members still hold our regular bingo games, which provide the funds that keep the band going. With the bandhall now surrounded by water, these games are currently suspended. It is hoped they will resume on Thursday January 13.

Fortunately, Rockhampton gets ample warning of largescale floods, so a couple of members attended and moved items to higher ground, just in case. Fortunately, with the water levels not reaching the 1991 level, no water entered the hall. We hope to begin rehearsals again on Monday January 17.

Nathaniel, Keith and Len with their certificates and medals

The three, Nathaniel Fitzgerald-Hood, Keith Stock, and Len Sinnott, have been with the band for some time, and were given this honour in respect of their committed service to the band.

Nathaniel has played euphonium for some years with the band, and served as treasurer for a number of years.

Keith is a percussionist, and has always been on hand to perform a multitude of tasks, including that of custodian.

Len has been the band drum major for many years. He was awarded the Champion Drum Major of Australia title in 1995.

Unfortunately, Nathaniel has now moved away from town and Len has retired from his drum major duties. Our best wishes to all our life members.

For the final time this year, the band has performed at the Rockhampton Heritage Village Markets. As it was also the last markets before Christmas, the band performed sets of Christmas carols and songs, accompanied by a number of local vocalists.

Although the threat of rain was ever present throughout the day, it held off  just long enough for our performance to conclude.

We have one more engagement remaining for the year at the Emu Park Carols by Candlelight.

As usual, it is impossible to get a full band to the service, which we have attended for many years. This year, a group of our players gathered to participate.  As it is a church service, a number of hymns were played, the National Anthem, and the Requiescant – a piece in the style of the Last Post, written especially for Australian Police Remembrance Day services.

Thank you to those who attended.

The crowd enjoyed a varied selection of music, from the traditional marches to popular items. This was the final engagement with the band for our secretary, Madison, who will be leaving Rockhampton shortly to take up a new job.