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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

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