2000 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD BAND

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The first year of the millennium proved to be very eventful for the band. Following the loss of support from Atlas Copco the first priority was to find a new sponsorship for the band. Great efforts were made in this direction but to no avail. The committee then attempted to find free storage and rehearsal facilities which would enable the band to manage financially for the future. However it was not until later in the year that these efforts were successful. Conductor, Stuart Ward, resigned in May and Brian Harrison, from Watford Band, kindly took the band for the start of the Summer season. In June, Graham Weeks was offered and accepted the post of Musical Director.

In September the band was offered free storage and rehearsal facilities by the Paper Trail which is situated on the site of the former John Dickinson ( Apsley ) paper mill. This arrangement, in the form of a partnership, is for a minimum period of two years. The money saved by the use of free facilities will enable the band to continue as it covers the shortfall of income against expenditure.

A new logo was designed and stationery, ties, badges and stand banners were ordered. Atlas Copco very kindly agreed to change the livery on the band’s van and name boards. The Paper Trail logo is displayed on the band’s stationery, van and name boards and when the new brochure is available it will include information on the Paper Trail which is a charitable organisation founded to conserve and promote Apsley’s place as the birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution.

The future of the band now seemed more secure, at least for the next two years. In December the band entered the Aylesbury entertainment contest and were awarded second prize, their first contest success for many years. This was followed by the Annual Christmas Concert in Berkhamsted Civic Centre. Pictured left is the band at the concert conducted by Graham Weeks.