The day had finally arrived (not that that I had been counting down or anything!) -coach was booked, band, MD and players all sorted. Flugelgal, Keppler and I took the scenic route to the Tulip Hotel (via Junction 9 of the M60 and around the entire outside of theTrafford Centre by foot!). Obviously liquid refreshments were required after the trek so, along with the other thirsty members of tMP, we hunted out the nearest pub! Luckily within 200 yards we were saved! A number of the group had decided to meet up for a pre-whits lunch and we had a good 2 hours to have a chat and a couple of drinks before the bus arrived. We had a really good interest in the Whit Friday Event 2004 and were able to put out over a full band. I had met a number of the tmpers before, through either banding or tMP events, but it was good to see a number of new faces.
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| Super_Sop (Wem) was awarded a special prize for attending all of the tMP events so far. It was great to see he found an even brighter shirt than last time! |
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| The tMP team was well represented again at the event. theMusicMan, Roger Thorne, Keppler, Peterbale and myself all made an appearance. Rog (right) and John (left) can be seen here pictured with Mel (Wem) supporting the pre-Whits celebrations. |
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| As well as some of the older tmpers the Whit's Band 2004 featured many newer members of the site. Stella R Tois and Ripper (both from Langley Band) were here to represent the West Midlands. BBb_Keith (Wem) and Dave Ralph (Cresswell) are recent recruits to tMP. It was good to see them both! (centre and right) |
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Flugelgal (Granite City) had made the 7 hour train journey from Aberdeen. She is pictured here with Keppler. |
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The tMPers decided to have a few 'cokes'. |
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Backrowbloke (Langley) didn't want to miss out on the pre-whits liquid Lunch. |
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3pm saw us back to the Tulip to get changed and wait for the others! Raspberry (Bestwood) is smiling again! |
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Dancingdrummer (Tewkesbury), Tewkeshorn (Tewkesbury), Bryan_Sop (City of Cambridge), Basstromeva (Tewkesbury) and Baritoneboy (Cresswell) can be seen modelling the tMP uniform! |
| Dave_Euph (Uni of Hudds Brass) tried to avoid the camera. Whereas Flugelgal and Keppler just couldnt keep away ;) |
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4.30pm the coach arrived (phew- not that that was panicking incase it didn't turn up!). Our Bus driver Graham (right) was a Whit Virgin! |
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Once I had done all my waffling the bus journey was short and sweet! |
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John, themusicman again. |
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Roger wanted a photo with that 'natural non-posed' look! |
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Drinkalot (Langley) |
Backrowbloke (Langley) |
Bryan_Sop (City of Cambridge) |
Brian Kelly (Flixton |
To the right BruceG (Tullis Russell) was the 2nd Scot! From Fife it wasn't quite the 7 hours from Aberdeen but far enough I am sure! |
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| On the outskirts of Uppermill we decided to stop for an adhoc rehearsal. There is nothing like rehearsing in somebodies drive never mind a drive that was on a 45 degree angle! |
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The First village was Uppermill where we collected the final few players and supporters! We arrived with only one band in the queue so were quickly off the bus and getting ready.
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The band getting into formation. |
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At Uppermill we were band number 20. The massed band with 2 (yes 2!) Bass Trombones seemed to go down well with the onlookers!
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To the left is the band performing Knight Templar on the field in Uppermill.
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At Uppermill we also picked up our Tour Guide (left) |
| From Uppermill we went straight to Dobcross. With 11-ish bands in the queue it gave us achance to have a few drinks and soak up the Whit Friday atmostphere. |
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There were some big crowds at Dobcross and we bumped into many other tMPers and Bands! Twigglet and BigTwigge (right) were playing with BOC Brass
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Pictured left other members of BOC Brass and Right MarkBlakeson (with tMP) Tom Hyllaard and Simon Morgan (both playing with Hebden Bridge Junior Band)
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Bandswomen just can't keep away from men in uniform! (Stella R Tois and Drinkalot) |
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Rutty (playing with Carlton Brass) on the left and SudCornet with Yorkshire Imps to the right.
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Pictured here is Matt Stenson with Pemberton Old Wigan Band. |
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Timbloke with BOC Brass |
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Members of SLOB (South London and Overseas Band) (Left)
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Pictured left and below bandspeople at Dobcross. If you are on these photos or know the people that are let me know! rachel@themouthpiece.com |
| Finally the tMP Band in all it's glory marching down the hill at Dobcross. |
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After the long wait we proceeded to get straight on at Denshaw and a wait of only 1 band at Lees |
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Pictured left the full tMP Band at Denshaw |
| After all that hardwork the band retired to the Dog and Partridge Pub in Royton for a buffet. But not before blowing the roof off the pub with Knight Templar |
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(Left) DYDGGU and right theCornetKing
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At the end of the long evening the band arrived back at the Tulip Hotel! |
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Please send me your suggestions for captions for the photos below!!!
    
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