The Stour Valley Brass Band’s visit to Mortain in Normandy
At 5:45am on 30th May the Blandford Stour Valley Band* left its home town bound for
Mortain, Blandford’s twin town in the Normandy Region of France.
The occasion was part of the town’s active twinning arrangements and co-incided with a
celebration of the liberation of Mortain in 1944.
After a peaceful channel crossing the Band’s coach with 26 musicians and 9 twinning
association members including Blandford town councillor Steve Hitchings, on board (kindly
driven by band members John and Michael Kenyon - both professional drivers with Damory
coaches) travelled the 75 miles south through the beautiful French countryside and arrived
in Mortain at 5pm.
The band’s home for the next four days was to be the d'hôtel le Post.
There was no time to rest as, after a quick change into full uniform the band proceeded to la
Petite Chapelle on the hill to play the French, American and English National Anthems as
part of the liberation service at 6pm.
Dinner and a good night’s sleep were welcomed after the day’s proceedings.
Friday morning saw more travelling as a visit to France 's famous Mount St Michel was
enjoyed by the whole company.
An early return to Mortain was made in preparation for an evening concert which was held
in the Collegiale Church conveniently situated opposite to the Holel le Post.
The church which is larger than St Peter & St Paul ’s in Blandford, was full for the evening’s
entertainment which started off with a 30 minute programme performed by the local choir .
The band’s programme featured a diverse selection of music from the opening march
'Castle Coch' to the final item ‘Les Miserables'.
During the programme soloists featured were flugal player Jackie Kenyon, trombonist Neil
Hancock and the whole trombone section which played Basin St Blues, all under the
direction of Musical Director Tim Stankus.
A little before the interval Tim handed over the baton to Neil Hancock who then conducted
the junior members of the band -Joseph, Jasmine, Emily, Daisy, Max, Akeira, Matthew,
Hannah and Jonathon who performed Abbas hit 'Super Trooper' and the theme to the
movie Titanic.
After the final item the band received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic French
audience.
Saturday morning saw the band performing an outdoor concert in dry but bitterly cold
conditions entertaining the French shoppers in the town’s market place.
Formalities over, the Mortain side of the twinning societies led by Yannick Guillo took the
band on an historical guided tour of the town which included spectacular waterfalls which
are a local beauty spot. A couple of hostelries were also enjoyed.
A joint band and twinning association dinner concluded the visit on Saturday evening, where
band members could finally relax as entertainment was provided by local musicians.
Sunday 2nd June saw handshaking and coach loading for the return journey to England , but
there was one final stop at Ste-Mere Eglise before the return channel crossing on Barfleur.
The arrival at Poole Docks was spot on schedule at 10pm, as had been the whole trip due in
no small measure to impeccable planning of the whole trip by Tenor Horn playing member
Wendy Hancock.
Bruce Harding
Band Secretary
At 5:45am on 30th May the Blandford Stour Valley Band* left its home town bound for
Mortain, Blandford’s twin town in the Normandy Region of France.
The occasion was part of the town’s active twinning arrangements and co-incided with a
celebration of the liberation of Mortain in 1944.
After a peaceful channel crossing the Band’s coach with 26 musicians and 9 twinning
association members including Blandford town councillor Steve Hitchings, on board (kindly
driven by band members John and Michael Kenyon - both professional drivers with Damory
coaches) travelled the 75 miles south through the beautiful French countryside and arrived
in Mortain at 5pm.
The band’s home for the next four days was to be the d'hôtel le Post.
There was no time to rest as, after a quick change into full uniform the band proceeded to la
Petite Chapelle on the hill to play the French, American and English National Anthems as
part of the liberation service at 6pm.
Dinner and a good night’s sleep were welcomed after the day’s proceedings.
Friday morning saw more travelling as a visit to France 's famous Mount St Michel was
enjoyed by the whole company.
An early return to Mortain was made in preparation for an evening concert which was held
in the Collegiale Church conveniently situated opposite to the Holel le Post.
The church which is larger than St Peter & St Paul ’s in Blandford, was full for the evening’s
entertainment which started off with a 30 minute programme performed by the local choir .
The band’s programme featured a diverse selection of music from the opening march
'Castle Coch' to the final item ‘Les Miserables'.
During the programme soloists featured were flugal player Jackie Kenyon, trombonist Neil
Hancock and the whole trombone section which played Basin St Blues, all under the
direction of Musical Director Tim Stankus.
A little before the interval Tim handed over the baton to Neil Hancock who then conducted
the junior members of the band -Joseph, Jasmine, Emily, Daisy, Max, Akeira, Matthew,
Hannah and Jonathon who performed Abbas hit 'Super Trooper' and the theme to the
movie Titanic.
After the final item the band received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic French
audience.
Saturday morning saw the band performing an outdoor concert in dry but bitterly cold
conditions entertaining the French shoppers in the town’s market place.
Formalities over, the Mortain side of the twinning societies led by Yannick Guillo took the
band on an historical guided tour of the town which included spectacular waterfalls which
are a local beauty spot. A couple of hostelries were also enjoyed.
A joint band and twinning association dinner concluded the visit on Saturday evening, where
band members could finally relax as entertainment was provided by local musicians.
Sunday 2nd June saw handshaking and coach loading for the return journey to England , but
there was one final stop at Ste-Mere Eglise before the return channel crossing on Barfleur.
The arrival at Poole Docks was spot on schedule at 10pm, as had been the whole trip due in
no small measure to impeccable planning of the whole trip by Tenor Horn playing member
Wendy Hancock.
Bruce Harding
Band Secretary
