News from Rushen Silver Band

Pride in Mann

Band president Jim Crebbin has been nominated for this year's Pride in Mann award.  Jim has been in the band for over 60 years.  For the majority of that time Jim has been the band's conductor; only stepping down from the position last year.  It is good to see that Jim's service to the band, and through it the community of the south of the island, has been recognised.  Everyone at the band would like to congratulate Jim on the nomination.

Annual Band Camp

The annual band camp is being held on 7th/8th August at Peel campsite.  The camp is open to all band members and learners, together with their families and friends.  There will be a barbeque at the campsite on the Saturday evening that will also be open to those not wishing to stay the night.  If you would like to go to the camp or the Saturday evening barbeque please ask the band secretary for a form.

Friends of the Band Summer Fayre - 10th July

The annual Friends of the Band Summer Fayre took place on Saturday 10th July at Rushen Primary School.  Despite the less than average weather conditions, there was an excellent turn out for the event.  The Full Band and Ballafesson Brass played during the event.  The total raised by the event was £1044.15.  Including the cost of hiring the hall the clear total was £940.15.  Thanks to everyone that helped to organise and run the event.  Pictures from the event will appear on this site in the next few days.

Band Barbeque and Fun Day - Sunday 4th July

The first annual (possibly) band barbeque and fun day was held at Ballachurry Orchard, Ballafesson on Sunday 4th July.  Over 80 tickets were sold, with band members, friends of the band, and families and friends all coming along.  The event was a big success, thanks in the most part to Jo Kinley and Gill Weldon who put a lot of time and effort in to organising the afternoon.  The band are also very grateful to have been allowed the use of the orchard free of charge.  Photos from the event are now on the pictures page.

Peggy Watterson

All of us at Rushen Silver Band are very sad to report that long time supporter Peggy Watterson  passed away on 1st June at the age of 89.

Peggy’s involvement began many years ago, in excess of 40, when she was part of a piano accordion group called “The Ladybirds” who were regular guest artists at concerts.  When they ceased to function due to a bereavement, Peggy continued to play the accordion to accompany her husband Jack playing the musical Saw.  Jack and Peggy were part of band concerts up to Jack’s sudden death a couple of years ago.

Son John was a band member for many years, playing Euphonium.  John also served on the band committee, including a spell as chairman.  Peggy was really proud when grandson Juan was elected to the House of Keys, topping the poll in Rushen.  Juan is still often in attendance at many of the Band’s concerts.

The family have all had the band at their heart.  Jack was also a valued Band Trustee, as well as supporting Peggy in her many years as a ‘friend’ of Rushen Silver Band.  In recent years, when not working at friends events, Peggy very rarely missed attending concerts with daughter Linda.  As recently as the concert with Ramsey Town Band on 22nd May we were delighted to see them in attendance.

Peggy was from the Port Erin family Harrison originally.

Peggy’s funeral was held on Friday 4th June at Rushen Parish Church.  A number of the Band and Friends of the Band were in attendance.

Peggy and other Friends and supporters are all part of our band family, who delight in all that the band brings to the community in the south of the island.  The players of the band are eternally grateful for all they, and past ‘Friends’ have done and continue to do in support of the band.