Friary Diary - Issue 130 - December 2025

Welcome to Friary Diary issue 130 - a monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.

NIGEL TAKEN STEPS DOWN AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR:

Nigel Taken is stepping down as our MD at the end of the year.  Band Chairman David Wicks commented: ‘We would like to thank Nigel for his strong commitment and detailed guidance over the past two and a half years, in particular for leading the Band to our recent success at the Wessex BBA contest.  We wish him well for the future.’

The Band has started the recruitment process for a new musical director, and we will keep you informed of progress.

CHERTSEY GOOSE FAIR:

A small contingent of Friary players performed at Chertsey’s annual Goose Fair on the first Saturday of December, entertaining the crowds close to the Band’s base in the town.  ‘Band Chairman David Wicks commented: ‘We were thrilled to perform to the public on our local patch, particularly as last year’s planned Christmas concert at Chertsey Hall fell foul of stormy weather.  It’s a marvellous community event, and we hope to be back again next year,’ he added.

HOG'S BACK BREWERY CAROL CONCERT:

After Saturday’s Goose Fair, the following day saw the whole Band, featuring soloists Jonti Whittingham-Smith (baritone horn) and Lauren Straker (flugel horn), returning to the Hog’s Back Brewery – only a few miles from Friary’s brewery roots in Guildford - for the annual carol concert. The brewery’s afternoon session including the concert was, as usual, sold out several weeks in advance.  Revellers were as always in fine voice, possibly lubricated by the products on offer, joining in carols and, by special request, Bohemian Rhapsody. ‘Absolutely fantastic:  Christmas has started,’ commented one audience member.  

‘This has become a firm fixture in our Christmas calendar,’ explained David Wicks, ‘And it’s wonderful to play to such an enthusiastic and participative audience,’ he concluded.

SARCOMA UK CAROL CONCERT:

For the second year running, Friary players were prominent in Brass Coalition, a scratch band assembled by Matthew Ruel to perform at charity Sarcoma UK’s carol concert at St. Giles-in-the Fields, the so-called Actors’ Church.  Hosted by actor Mark Osmond, the evening featured a remarkable line-up of performers and contributors including Robert Lindsay, Dr Bambang Atmaja, Classical Reflection, Caroline Sheen, Sandra Dickinson, and Enchorus, creating a memorable and uplifting celebration in aid of the charity.

Matthew Ruel commented:  ‘I am incredibly fortunate to have such good friends who are willing to give their time, musicianship and commitment to play under my baton in support of bold causes such as Sarcoma UK.  Without their generosity, dedication and friendship, charitable concerts like this simply would not be possible.’

Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, was equally full of praise:

‘Brass Coalition were beyond excellent - absolutely incredible.  The fanfare truly set the scene, lifting the cobwebs in spectacular fashion as the power and beauty of the music filled every corner of the building.  Year after year you bring something unique, powerful and spellbinding, and we are so very grateful.’  She added:  ‘I honestly do not know how you manage to make each performance so memorable and so different from the last. It is a gift that you share with us, and one we are deeply thankful for.’    

CAROLLING AT THE MEADOWS:

Despite an unplanned change of location at Camberley’s  Meadows shopping centre, Friary Brass Band raised more than £1,150 through playing carols and other seasonal music last Sunday.  Band Chair David Wicks explained: ‘Although our usual central spot in the atrium had unfortunately been double-booked, we managed to raise £60 more than last year which was a great result.  ‘It’s nice to hear people who can actually play,’ commented one bystander.  Playing a guest debut cornet solo was nine year old Ayla Straker, standing between Mum and Dad.  Her performance of Away in a Manger was beautiful and was deservedly well applauded by shoppers stopping to enjoy the music.  Ayla is a member of Cove Brass and Sandhurst’s Brasshoppers and has recently completed a successful audition for the National Children’s Brass Band:  congratulations!

The total raised will be split equally between Macmillan Cancer Support and Band funds.  ‘Allowing for GiftAid, this will enable us to make a donation of  than £700 to Macmillan, a cause very dear to Friary,’ added Band Treasurer, Chris Straker.        

HARTLEY WINTNEY CONCERT:

We are already looking forward to our first engagement of the New Year which will be our return to the Victoria Hall, Hartley Wintney on Sunday 1^st February at 2.30pm.  Tickets (£17) are already on sale at  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk We hope to see you there!

RANKING NEWS:

The good news continues!  There has been no further update by 4barsrest.com to their world rankings table on 31^st October which saw Friary rise five places to 46^th;  an update at the end of the year is expected.  However, brassstats.com updated their table on 1^st December with Friary up a further four places to 43^rd.  We’re still going the right way!