Welcome to The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West Online

21st January 2012 :: Keeping you up to date
The band's website will now automatically update the band's Twitter and Facebook pages to keep you up to date with news and events. We hope you enjoy. [Full Story]

17th January 2012 :: Open Rehearsal 19th February
The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West is holding an open rehearsal on Sunday 19th February 2012 to give patrons and interested members of the public an opportunity to hear the Championship Section Test piece 'The Devil and the deep Blue Sea' by Derek Bourgeois.

The band will be in the final stages of preparation and rehearsal for the North West Area Championships at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday 26th February 2012, and the rehearsal will be at the bandroom, which is at Unit 17, Underwood Lane Business Centre, Underwood Lane, Crewe CW1 3TJ. There is gated access by car or on foot, and it is necessary to contact our concert secretary, Jane Smart on 07719 645112 to register your attendance & obtain the code for the gates in advance. [Full Story]

18th December 2011 :: Christmas Concert and a gift for David Wood
Tonight's Christmas Concert for the Co-operative Membership was a great success, with the Danebank Theatre literally packed out. The first part of the concert featured the Junior, Beginner and Youth Wind Bands, playing a really lovely mix of christmassy songs and carols. From Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and Hark the Herald Angels Sing to Sleigh Ride, the programme had it all.

For the Youth Band's closing carol, members of the brass band joined them in playing 'O Come All Ye Faithful', this was a lovely moment in the night, and something we can build on for our joint concert in 2012.

The brass band as ever were performing in the second half, and highlights were our two soloists, Mike Jones on cornet who played 'Virtuosity' and Dan Cheadle on Euphonium, who played 'Napoli'. These had been requested by Patrick Grange, of the Co-operative Membership, who heard them in November at The Oakley Centre.

Jef presented David Wood, recently retired baritone player from the band, with a framed limited edition print of a Steam engine in Crewe Station during World War 2. Entitled 'Keep Calm & Carry On', the back of the picture had been signed by all the band. David was delighted, and very surprised.

The brass band's programme included 'A Christmas Festival Overture' and everyone sang along to carols. The performance closed with 'Shine As the Light'. Happy Christmas everyone, and a Happy New Year. [Full Story]

15th December 2011 :: Now you see it, now you don't - carols in Church Minshull
For the small group of musicians who played at the St Bartholomews (Church Minshull) Carol Service last night, it was a dark and chilly start to the evening. We were to play the first five carols standing around the Christmas tree outside the church, but it was too dark for anyone to see their music! We realised that we could see last year as there was deep snow which gave plenty of light. So the band stood in the church entrance underneath the light as the congregation gathered around the tree. We were first back into the warm church for the rest of the evening.

As the carol singers armed themselves with wine/mulled wine & mince pies, the band continued with the carol playing, until the second interval (for replenishment of glasses!). As we settled to play the last five carols, suddenly the main church lights went out as a fuse tripped somewhere. After our hosts decided an electrician would be essential, we opted to finish the carolling by candle and torchlight. Suddenly it felt very Christmassy indeed!

A lovely evening in a beautiful setting. All the photos of the evening are on the band's facebook page. Merry Christmas everyone! [Full Story]

6th December 2011 :: Christmas Concert sold out
The Christmas Concert at Danebank Theatre is sold out.

Sorry to disappoint any latecomers, there is capacity for 260 people in the audience and all 260 tickets have been sold. [Full Story]