Clockblox

Levin & Districts Brass Inc

Centennial Celebrations 2000

In July 1988, after considerable research, we celebrated the 75th Jubilee of the band as any historical records tended to point to 1913 as the earliest record of the band's existence.  Five years later we held a smaller function to mark the 80th year.  Subsequent to that we have been given the original document signed by the original members in 1900 forming the LEVIN BRASS BAND.  There is absolutely no doubt as to the authenticity of this document which means we are now 100 years old.  Patron Evan Tombs had this document framed, and presented it to the band at the AGM in July, 2000.  It now hangs in the bandroom above the plaque which commemmorates the opening of the new building in 1997 - together marking two feats of which the band is extremely proud.

So, what happens after 100 years?  Obviously, you mark the occasion - the band, also formerly known as Levin Municipal Band, celebrated its centennial over Labour Weekend, October 2000.

Friday night (20 October) saw registrations and fellowship taking place in the bandroom.  

Saturday morning was set aside for former members to get together and have a blow.  All manner of music was hauled out of the library, past conductors conducted, past players played.  

Current Musical Director, Robert Lynch, "out front", but not everyone appears to be paying attention!

Lunch was served, and the afternoon saw the current band having a final rehearsal of the numbers to be played at the concert the next day.  Saturday night hosted the formal part of the weekend, with dinner in the Memorial Hall, speeches, presentations, all followed by dancing to a live band, "The Clef" from Palmerston North, until the wee small hours (for those with the stamina!).

Sunday morning saw the glorious weather continuing.  A street march for those fit and willing, from the bandroom to the Salvation Army complex, preceded the church service in which the band combined with the Salvation Army band.  After lunch at the Memorial Hall, a concert was held.  The current band provided the first part of the programme, and after a short interval was joined by some former members in playing 5 pieces selected from the Saturday morning assault on the music library.  The afternoon concluded with the taking of "official" photographs of the current band, and of the "reunited" band.  

The Combined Band of current and past members

Rear, L - R : Tim Craddock, Noel Mason, Eddie Butt, Dowjai Page, Debra Fraser, Ray Harvey, Jan Krimp, Roger Shackleford,  Peter Baumgart, Tracy Hammond, Graham Lawton, Judy Lawton, Natasha Lawton, Chris Lawton.
Centre, L - R: Wayne Kaye, Maree Windley, Manaaki Barrett, Trish Windley, Donna Heathcote, Bruce Hewitt, Louise Fenn, Fiona Jones, Barrie Buck, Pat Mason, Margaret Lawton, Steve Lawton, Ray Gempton.
Front, L - R: Glenn Walbran, Barry Mercer, Deirdre Thomson, Graham Strode-Penny, Campbell Thomson, Evan Tombs (Patron), Robert Lynch (Musical Director), Peter Smaling, Chris Craddock, Nigel Hewitt, John Fenn, Ken Mercer, Lindsay Clements.

Jubilee Committee

Chairperson: Pat Mason
Secretary: Doug Mercer
Committee: Evan Tombs, Ray Harvey, Barrie Buck, Peter Smaling, Louise Fenn,
Campbell Thomson, Nigel Hewitt