Newland returns from German adventure

Members of Newland Concert Brass enjoyed a successful trip to Germany.

NEWLAND Concert Brass has returned home after enjoying a successful trip to Germany.

A party of 28, aged from eight to 82, travelled from West Lothian to Neheim as guests of the Fanfaren-Korps, performing in a series of concerts under conductor Paul McKelvie OBE and enjoying the sights the area had to offer.

The trip marks the latest in a series of successful exchange trips between Newland Concert Brass and and Fanfaren-Korps Neheim-Hüsten as part of a relationship stretching back to 1988.

The band's trip began by checking into the hostel at Lake Mohnesee and meeting host families. A band rehearsal followed before members enjoyed refreshments overlooking the lake.

Gifts were exchanged between the two bands.

The following day, Newland Concert Brass and its German hosts visited Fort Fun Theme Park before an evening practice. Day three saw the band perform in a concert at a safari park in hot sunshine before members enjoyed free time exploring the park and rides. Later, they enjoyed a barbecue with host families.

On July 20, the band enjoyed free time in Neheim before taking part in an open air concert in Sorpesee in temperatures of more than 30 degrees. The penultimate day of the trip saw band members going swimming, cycling and enjoying the views before performing in a finale concert with the Neheim Hüsten Fanfaren-Korps where they also exchanged gifts and enjoyed more German hospitality.

A spokeswoman for Newland Concert Brass said: "The trip has been a great experience for everyone involved. Not only has it strengthened links between Newland and the Fanfaren-Korps but it has allowed band members to develop musically and socially."

The spokeswoman added: "Newland Concert Brass would like to thank the West Lothian Twinning Association for its support of the visit. We hope to see the Fanfaren-Korps in Scotland in 2018."

The band is keen to build on the success of its trip and would like to fill vacancies in Bb bass, bass trombone, tuned percussion and front or back row cornet.

More information is available by logging on to the Newland Concert Brass Facebook page.