Friary Diary - Issue 135 - May 2026
- Tim Straker - PRO
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Welcome to Friary Diary issue 135 - a monthly round up of news about the Friary Brass Band.
GODALMING BANDSTAND:
Our concert season started with the ever-popular Godalming Bandstand event. Despite a somewhat ‘iffy’ weather forecast, it was decided to stick with the bandstand rather than move the concert into the nearby church, a decision which proved correct – just! The varied programme, devised by new MD Captain Andrew Porter but conducted in his absence by Gareth Trott, included favourites such as Breezin’ Down Broadway, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Let’s Face the Music, Malagueña and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Featured soloists were Richard, Lauren and Chris Straker, respectively playing What a Wonderful World, ‘Orange Juice’ (Concierto de Aranjuez) and Pure Imagination. As usual, there was a highly appreciative audience of several hundred, all ages, with family picnics as well as those enjoying a Sunday afternoon ice cream along with the music. An enthusiastic band of students from nearby King Edward’s School, one of the concert sponsors, provided some lively interval entertainment. The concert was also the final engagement for one of our longest-standing players, trombonist Ian Stewart who was presented with a card and gift by Secretary Lauren. A feature about Ian appears below. Ominous black clouds rolled in with the encore, and those quickest off the mark to head for home just about missed a heavy shower. All in all, it was a classic British Sunday afternoon in the park, and we hope to return before too long.
A FRIARY FAVOURITE BIDS FAREWELL:
One of Friary’s longest-serving members, trombonist Ian Stewart, has decided to step down after 20 years with the Band. Originally booked as a dep for a CD recording in September 2005, at the end of the recording Ian was offered the 2nd trombone seat. In the journey that followed, Friary has had five rehearsal venues, four resident MDs, made two CDs, recorded a BBC Listen to the Band programme and performed the premiere of a test piece for the Europeans.
Over those 20 years, Ian has taken part in approximately 100 contests including 10 finals, winning the First Section National Title along the way, not to mention playing in numerous concerts delighting audiences. And not only being one of Friary’s key players, Ian – a former military bandmaster too - former military bandmaster too - also conducted LGB Brass. He takes up the story: ‘I have been fortunate to have played first trombone in Friary for nine years, until the test pieces became just a bit too taxing for me, and have been able to play 2nd under many fine players. The overriding factor at Friary though has been the people involved.’
Sadly, Ian was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer six years ago. ‘There were no symptoms, so it was a surprise to say the least,’ admitted Ian. ‘But thanks to some great care and treatment from the medics I’m still here.’ ‘However, in my mind, the support of banding friends and in particular, the guys at Friary have helped me to keep going and keep playing which is so important to me. Thank you Friary for the experience of a lifetime,’ he went on. ‘I wish everyone at all the very best for the future and I will be cheering you on from wherever we settle down,’ he concluded.
Band Chair David Wicks commented: ‘Ian has been a real stalwart of Friary, a true bandsman in every sense. He’s been through some tough times recently but has always maintained a positive outlook and continued playing whenever possible. We shall miss him and wish him and his wife Jane - also a staunch Friary supporter – well for the future.’
GODALMING BANDSTAND:
Our next concert, as the name suggests, will comprise English and French music and we are delighted to be sharing the stage with Muriele, a native French professional singer in wartime, jazz and retro songs from the 1920's onwards.
Muriele has performed with numerous artists including renowned New York City based gipsy jazz violinist, Adrien Chevalier and regularly delights audiences at public and private functions in Hampshire and the South coast as a soloist or with her accompanying musicians. The concert is raising funds for St Mary’s Church, Old Alresford.
We very much hope you will join us for this exciting blend of brass and voice. Tickets (£20) are on sale now at:
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DONATION TO THE TICKET AGENT ZEFFY IS OPTIONAL.
Zeffy will not charge the church for handling the sales so do feel free to remove the donation. Tickets may not be on sale at the door, so please book early!
AGM:
Friary’s AGM was held earlier this month, when several changes to the Band’s management team (members of which are also Trustees) were made. Andy Singleton takes over as Chairman from David Wicks who has decided to step down, and Cat Whittingham-Smith takes over as Band Manager from Andy. Hannah Richards has stepped down as Contest Secretary, with Ali Richards taking on the role as well as being Librarian. Members in the other roles remain unchanged: Lauren Straker (Secretary), Chris Straker (Treasurer), Stephen Thorpe (Minutes Secretary), Richard Straker (Digital Media Manager), Mike Trumble and Chris Attwood (General Management Team members) and I continue as Public Relations Officer.
RANKING NEWS:
There has been no further update by 4barsrest.com to their world rankings table on 6th January so Friary stays at 51st. Brassstats.com updated their table on 1st May with Friary slipping a further seven places to 54th. Hopefully the Grand Shield result will see us upwardly mobile in the next update!
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