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45 Responses to “Guestbook”


  1. 1 Lee Hugill
    8 March, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    Congratulations on being placed at Bradford, a very creditable result considering the tough opposition. As a former member of the band I am a regular visitor to the website and still take a keen interest in the band, albeit from afar. When I first joined the band in 1988 there were only a handful of registered members and we worked extremelly hard to re establish the band, I take a great deal of satisfaction in tracking the bands progress as the hard work we put into the band has paid off ! Hello to anyone who may remeber me.

  2. 2 A New Fan!
    13 March, 2007 at 9:58 am

    Hi, your website is looking great!
    Fantastic result at the area, shame about not going to London.
    I will look out for when the band is near me and definitely see you again!
    Thanks
    A New Fan

  3. 3 Frickley Fan
    14 March, 2007 at 3:21 pm

    Thanks for the feedback. Since hearing you at the Yorkshire Area I’ve decided to really support the band in every way i can. I now check out the website everyday for fresh news on the band’s activities. Whilst i was checking the website today I was looking at the player profiles and i couldn’t help notice the similarity between Ray Sykes on bass and Arthur, Reg Varrey’s brother in law in the legendary On the Buses sitcom. Ciould they be in any way related?

  4. 4 Frickley Old Boy
    10 April, 2007 at 11:47 am

    Wow, what an impressive site!
    I will definitely vote for you in the website of the month competition!

    Its good to see that there are a few of the band left from when I started (and finished), I can’t believe that Ray is still playing!

    An Ex-Frickley Player

  5. 5 Lee Hugill
    22 May, 2007 at 4:16 pm

    Does anybody know what Simon Goodall is up to these days, I heard he was back in South Elmsall a couple of years ago, is he still there?

  6. 23 May, 2007 at 8:46 pm

    Hello! You have an outstanding good and well structured site.
    I’ll be back.

  7. 7 Max Orchard
    12 June, 2007 at 12:06 pm

    I have recently enjoying Kirsty abbotts new cd, Please accept my thanks for a beautiful performance.The lyrical sound and interpretqation of the music .It has been a delight to hear.

    Max Orchard
    soprano Cornet
    Now retied from the Melbourne Staff Band
    Austral;ia

  8. 14 June, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    Fraser’s memory must still be good, for his age when he can remember all the history of his brass banding experiences. His Mum.

  9. 9 David Witt
    13 August, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    There was smashing recording from the late eighties of CMF playing the March from Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony in a Best of Brass contest. Do you have a digital copy of this available?

    Great website. Love all the photo – wish I could step into them.

    David Witt
    - stuck in wind band land

  10. 10 Ian Smith
    19 August, 2007 at 8:37 pm

    We (My wife and Father in Law) came to the evening concert on the green at R.A.F.Linton -on-Ouse on Friday 17th August and would like to congratulate the band on a most wonderful performance. From the Spitfires flying over to the last notes of 1812 (or as Mr Ramsay once heard it “one eight one two overture “! )we enjoyed every minute and hope the event will be repeated next year, Thanks to everyone concerned (especially back row cornets as they always seem to be overlooked…I know I am one)
    Ian Smith
    York

  11. 11 Margaret Parminter
    23 August, 2007 at 9:02 am

    Just a line to say ‘Thank You’ for last Friday’s concert at Linton on Ouse. Everyone I have spoken to who attended was absolutely blown away by your performance. The lady on the cornet was amazing! I hope you weren’t joking when you said you would see us next year.
    P.S. We would sing along if we knew the words…..

  12. 12 Ian Scott
    29 September, 2007 at 9:09 am

    Does your latest signing give you a BBb Bass section with a joint age of 140?

  13. 7 October, 2007 at 8:20 pm

    No, Roy looks a lot younger than Ray! so the experience between them is about 120!
    Don’t forget Ian that Ray was a founder member of the band (allegedly)!!!!
    (only kidding Ray!)

  14. 11 October, 2007 at 11:30 am

    Really enjoyed the recent concert at Burnley mechanics and a chance to chat with some of you. Keep up the good work. Rob.

  15. 15 Janet
    18 October, 2007 at 8:53 am

    Rob

    Thanks very much for solo The Waters of Tyne and I will enjoy playing it over the coming months. Can’t wait for the new works!

  16. 16 hehehaha
    18 October, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    what no photos of the lucious lee, whats going on!? sort it out xx

  17. 17 Norman Strongman
    21 October, 2007 at 11:37 am

    Yesterday evening, at 5pm, a friend and I set out from Durham heading south. Problem was, we arrived at Morley at 6.25, realised the mistake at 6.45 and raced to Yeadon, arriving at 7.15. At the interval, I spoke to Dave Jones (I think) about Kirsty and Claire and how they made playing so beautifully look so easy. Bought Soliloquay (which I’m listening to now), then went home, still with tears in my eyes, having listened to one of the best and most moving Brass Band concerts I’ve ever heard. I know it’s unfair to highlight 2 names from a performance which made everyone shine so, well done everyone and thankyou so much for a most memorable evening.
    Cheers, Norm.

  18. 18 Stephen Quinlan
    21 October, 2007 at 7:51 pm

    After attending your concert in Yeadon on Saturday I would like to express what a pleasure and privelidge it was to listen to your band.
    Top quality was the the order of the day and I was not to be disappointed.
    Whilst certain Yorkshire bands were picking up prizes 200 miles south us locals were to be the benefits of an absolute brass band treat!
    Kirsty Abbotts is a dream leading the band to a variety of concert fireworks. From the opening March to the the finale 1812 Overture I was left spellbound by the outstanding performance of each item on the programme.
    X Factor? Strictly Come Dancing, ? Rugby World Cup.?
    CMFCB Top the lot!
    OK i’m biased being a cornet player from a former rival Haworth Band
    Meeting Kirsty at the interval was a joy.Thanks for signing your CD.
    Thanks again to all
    PS Can we meet again with a joint concert? Kind Regards Stephen Quinlan

  19. 19 Peter Collins and Sara Wilbur
    17 November, 2007 at 1:04 am

    Hello from Canada! Your band site looks great. Peter is formerly with the Weston Silver Band over here and we haven’t seen Jon Sanderson for 12 years. Jon, if you care to please give us a shout! Pete and Sara

  20. 20 rach n dave
    25 November, 2007 at 11:58 am

    hi guys hope u had a good weekend, just to inform you that parking fees, as of 24th november 2007, will be 1 pint ov stagga per person (me n dave) per car!! we think that this price is very competative with other parking facilities in the area, as we also provide 24hr security, (two fierce, chew your leg off springers!)

  21. 21 Bob Hesketh
    8 January, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    Hello Frickley, I used to play with the junior band under Ray White and joined the army under Frank Renton, seems like a long time ago, hello to Ray Sykes who gave me lessons on bass bone. Great to see the band doing so well, have taken up playing again after a long lay off and now living in cornwall, Regards to all, Bob Hesketh.

  22. 22 Rachel Simmons
    12 February, 2008 at 12:41 am

    Hello!
    I just wanted to say all the best to Ben who signed on trombone. I used to play alongside him in the North East. He never failed to impress me back then and Im sure he’ll fit right in with a band of your standing. Best of luck for the areas to both Ben and the band!

  23. 23 Bomber Harris
    12 February, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    Congratulations to Jon Sanderson and Emma on the birth of May Christina!!

    BOMBER,KT,BRANWYN AND MAISIE(THE MAGGOT)

  24. 24 Toni Howden
    20 February, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    Hey!
    Thanks for my lovely write up, I just wanted to praise Jon for the sterling work on the site, not least the wonderful photography of our bass section! What a pretty lot!

  25. 25 Roger Clegg
    29 February, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    Just looked at your trombone section, should be an excellent line up, and all previously played in the North East area!

  26. 2 March, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    Sunday evening -Just read the results and quickly offer my congratulations. Now I can order my ticket for October.
    Must meet Eric Mack next time I call in the bandroom, We must be the
    two oldest survivers from the 1940s band.
    Ray must be elated in bringing the band to London

    GW

  27. 27 Mandy
    3 March, 2008 at 10:18 am

    Woohooo!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. 28 James Houlston
    3 March, 2008 at 11:51 am

    Congratulations on your result at the Areas. As a former player (2000 – 2002) I always keep an eye on your results and achievements.

  29. 29 Shaun
    3 March, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    Get in there!

    A tremendous result and one that has been threatening for a while since we went so close last year! A great performance from all concerned; Richard Marshall must have been pretty oustanding as Kirsty was the pick of the day for me!

    See you all in London in October and get yourselves down the ‘Goat’ (Kensington High Street) for a few sherberts…first round on Kenny ‘tha’s never seen a lump of Coal’ Ralfe!!
    S x.

    PS. Band sound? Never been better!

  30. 3 March, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Congratulations to all at Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. Your performance of Eric Ball’s “Festival Music” was simply stunning and by far the best I heard on the night. Unfortunately, I could only stay to hear the first 9 bands and so I missed Yorkshire Imps; YBS and Black Dyke. I did hear Grimethorpe! For me, your performance beat theirs hands down for sheer musicality. It is great to see your famous band back in action and here’s to a great future for you.

    Sincerely
    Peter Hargreaves

  31. 31 Phil Spencer
    3 March, 2008 at 7:23 pm

    Thanks James! Nice to know you still keep on eye on us! What you up to these days?

  32. 32 Lee Durrant
    5 March, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    If you keep knocking on the door,sooner or later somebody is gonna open it.!!!
    That was my favorite saying on sun night
    Bring on London!!!

  33. 33 James Houlston
    18 March, 2008 at 10:41 am

    Hi Phil,
    I’m currently teaching in Ely, Cambirdgeshire. Bumped into Andy Newell a couple of years ago when I was working in Somerset.
    James.

  34. 19 March, 2008 at 12:40 am

    Greetings from Utah, USA.

    I was an original member of the “Junior Band” under Ray White and Brian Till and went on to play cornet with the “Senior Band” under Robert Oughton and The Major. Lots of happy memories of course.

    I can trace just about everything I’ve done back to those wonderful opportunities that were made available to me through the patience and kindness of the amazing people of CMFCB. I know I’ll miss someone out (for that, I apologize) but thanks to Brian Till, Ray Sykes, and others that have now passed away (George Dunn, Arnold Tinsley (yeah, even Arnold!!), Lol Bates) and no doubt, several others.

    It was great to see that you played at the Stroud Festival as I was a band member the last time you performed there. Can’t be 33 years – can it!!!!

    I now live in Utah and formed my own brass band (Utah Premiere Brass) in 2000. They do OK and it gives me the opportunity to give back to my American community, hopefully honoring the people that gave me my chances way back when :-) .

    My parents still live in South Elmsall and tell me when they’ve bumped into Ray Sykes, Ray White, and other friends. I was visiting last July and it was great to bump into Tony Harrison. Great to see Dave Belshaw still going strong and also Kevin Holdgate too. What’s Ray Sykes injecting himself with? He must be 90 if he’s a day :-) .

    I wish you continued success in all that you do and I’m always delighted to see you in the frame. The memories I have of times past (Germany, Holland/Belgium, etc.) will live forever and I tell the Americans some great stories of my childhood and youth. Sometimes, their jaws just drop :-) .

    Happy Days
    Alan Boyer
    http://www.upb.org

  35. 35 Mariegold Wilson
    2 April, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    Well done at the areas!

    Best wishes to those who remember me from 2001-2 ish!

    Mariegold xx

  36. 36 Andrew Stevens
    16 June, 2008 at 4:35 pm

    So finally Her Majesty will get the chance to tell her friends about the day that she met Ray Sykes? About time too – congratulations Ray!

    Belated congratulations to the rest of the band too for your performance and result at Bradford – I hope you have better luck in London than we had way back in 1999!

  37. 37 Mark Gregory
    13 September, 2008 at 6:03 pm

    Hello boys and girls from sunny carolina!!

    Just like to say congratulations on getting 7th at the open! obviously you would have won if id have been playing!! lol.

    Bring on the Nationals!!

    All the best
    Little drummer boy!

  38. 38 Janet Lewis
    6 October, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    Good luck in London and have a pint in the ‘Goat’ for me.

    All the best

    Janet
    X

  39. 39 Dave Neil
    6 October, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    After hearing the band this week sounding so well just wanted to wish everyone the very best of luck for the nationals this weekend, especially Russell, Dave, Martin, Jonathan, and of course uncle Ray who even bought a round of drinks on Monday.
    Good luck to you all!

    Dave & Roz Neil

  40. 40 BOMBER HARRIS
    7 October, 2008 at 8:05 am

    Good Luck “Team Frickley” at the National Finals

    Bomber, K.T

  41. 41 Mandy..
    12 October, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    We’re back on the map!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hehehehe…… (with no voice of course….!!) xx

  42. 42 Mark Gregory
    13 October, 2008 at 1:45 am

    Hey guys,

    Just like to say!! well done at the nationals!! what an awesome result! well at least il get to play in the RAH next year seen as i missed out this year! no pressure at the areas either so i can see a win on the cards!!! well done guys, miss you loads

    The Shed Builder

  43. 43 Stephen Smithurst
    14 October, 2008 at 6:59 am

    Congratulations to Russel and the band for your great result at the Nationals!!

    Good to know that you’ll be there next year as well.

    Keep up the good work.

    All the best from us at
    Skui Brassband, Norway

  44. 44 Mark Gregory
    24 December, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    Hey Guys and Dolls,

    Just a little message to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!!

    Hopefully next year we can continue to push up the rankings and be ranked number 1 by the time I get back.

    Miss you guys

    Mark

  45. 45 Fraser Hill
    6 May, 2009 at 10:44 am

    Congratulations Toni – on top euph and the sex change – to quote from 4barsrest:- “Meanwhile, Toni Howden has been appointed as the band’s new principal euphonium. No stranger to the post, he played as principal at both the Open and National Finals.”



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