The BIG BLOW [Archive] - theMouthPiece.com

Bob Thompson

03.11.2006, 22:36

A spectacular event is being planned to create the largest brass band ever to perform in public. In addition to the satisfaction of achieving the record it is also heart-warming to know that all proceeds from the event are being contributed to the Brass Band Aid charity fund.
The brainchild of Jon Handley of R & J Handley Uniforms, this exciting venture promises to be a great family, fun event. “The Big Blow” will take place on Saturday 20 January 2007 as part of the Mineworkers Brass Band Festival weekend held at the Butlins Resort in Skegness.
“The resort facilities and the ever increasing popularity of this weekend contest made it the perfect venue to host this exciting record attempt. We’re looking forward to welcoming all the bandspeople already attending the contest, but are also proposing arrangements for day visitors to be part of this momentous event.” commented Jon Handley.
It is hoped that a final total of approximately 2,000 players will take part to secure the record for years to come. However, the organisers are determined that the key focus of this event is the fund-raising they are hoping to achieve to support the worthy charity work of Brass Band Aid.
“This innovative idea is a welcomed addition to the schedule of the brass band competition weekend in Skegness. It brings a whole new dynamic to the proceedings and Butlins are fully committed to doing everything we can to make it the success it deserves to be” said Steve Walker of the Butlins Resort, Skegness.
The Big Blow organisers are delighted with the support they have already secured from a number of companies, ensuring this event will be one to remember by everyone involved. Butlins are providing the venue with all the necessary staffing and The Music Company (UK) Ltd are donating a new musical work specially written by Andrew Duncan for Saturday’s performance. A collection of official merchandise for the event will be produced by R & J Handley and Tor Designs and Just Brass are donating a website at www.thebigblow.co.uk, to enable interested players to obtain all the information they need to be part of this significant occasion. There are also plans to produce a DVD of the whole event, providing a timeless account of the record attempt. The BIG BLOW band will be conducted by Frank Renton.
Clair Tomalin of Just Brass and The Music Company commented: “Jon Handley’s vision for this project has been inspirational. I was delighted to be asked to assist in the setting up of the event, and I truly believe that with the combined experience and enthusiasm of the organising team this could be a landmark event for raising funds for the Brass Band Aid charity.”
The third member of the team, Bob Thompson of Brass Band Aid, was pleased to announce that there are also plans afoot to launch The Big Blow in style, including a Gala Concert on the Friday evening with a performance from the Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band, conducted by Richard Evans. Just to wet your lips as to who some of the players are, the front row of cornets are, Roger Webster, Richard Marshall, Ian Porthouse, Russell Grey and Mark Wilkinson, in no particular order! The celebrity band will also be taking part in the BIG BLOW.
This is definitely an event of a grand scale and one of which every brass bandsperson should feel compelled to be a part. By contributing to this fun moment of history, it is overwhelming how much could be achieved to help others. Registration forms and further information available at:
www.thebigblow.co.uk

Cheers
Bob, Claire and Jon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organisers:
Jon Handley: R & J Handley (in association with Tor Designs) 27-29 Barkston House Croydon Street Leeds LS11 9RT Tel: 01132 457008 Fax: 01132 457009 Email: tor@tordesigns.com Web: www.handley.co.uk

Clair Tomalin Just Select Ltd PO Box 5684 Dunmow Essex CM6 3TR Tel: 08700 111 556 Fax: 08700 111 557 Email: clair.tomalin@justselect.co.uk

Bob Thompson Brass Band Aid
tel. 07786 027209
Email: brionyt@aol.com
Web: www.brassbandaid.com

Brassy Lady

10.01.2007, 12:19

The celebrity band take the stage at approx 9.00pm on the Friday evening after the Polysteel concert.
I shall attempt to get a definative timetable of events over the course of the next few days.
Is the timetable available yet? .....and the music for the Big Blow?!! :eek:

Bryan_sop

15.01.2007, 08:30

.....and the music for the Big Blow?!! :eek:

Mine arrived a few minutes ago as a pdf........

Brassy Lady

15.01.2007, 13:20

Mine arrived a few minutes ago as a pdf........
Ours just came!!:woo

Bob Thompson

15.01.2007, 13:56

Oooh about The Big Blow, I might do it, depends when it is etc, and when my band are playing.. but I might just turn up.. hmm.. Is that ok?? :-?:-?

Hi,
the Big Blow starts at approx 4.00pm, it is intended to start after all the sections, apart from the championship section, have finished. You can register on Friday or Saturday so make sure you do!
cheers
BOb

stephen2001

15.01.2007, 18:25

What is the piece we're playing? Is it one that may be in bands' libraries, or has it been specially written?
Cheers! :)

Veri

15.01.2007, 18:30

What is the piece we're playing? Is it one that may be in bands' libraries, or has it been specially written?
Cheers! :)

Specially written - you get a PDF when you register by email.

Very exciting!

How many people will it take to break the record? I can't quite imagine it all.

I'm so excited!

stephen2001

15.01.2007, 18:40

I've registered through band, so probably won't get anything until the day. Will it make for good sight-reading practice?!

Brassy Lady

15.01.2007, 22:38

Are players doing the Big Blow in uniform?

andyh

15.01.2007, 22:45

Are players doing the Big Blow in uniform?

I wondered that too. If there are going to be any publicity photos taken it would certainly make for a more colourful spectacle :)

I'm up for it, if that's what the organisers would like...

Andy

andyh

15.01.2007, 22:51

Ours just came!!:woo

Don't keep us in suspense! Is it a march? Suitable for all abilities? Do I need to avoid the bar beforehand in case I can't sight-read after a glass or two of post-contest 'restorative' ? :)

Brassy Lady

15.01.2007, 23:04

Don't keep us in suspense! Is it a march? Suitable for all abilities? Do I need to avoid the bar beforehand in case I can't sight-read after a glass or two of post-contest 'restorative' ? :)

It is a march - quote from accompanying email -
"March - The Big Blow is an upbeat, positive-feel concert march with an African flavour to complement the sentiment of the fund-raising efforts for Brass Band Aid associated with this event. Complete band sets of the post-event published music (which will include an information panel confirming details and statistics of the world record attempt) will also be available to order at the event, with a donation for every set sold being given to Brass Band Aid."

Doesn't look too bad, sure you will cope after a medicinal visit to the bar! - but bear in mind we are taking youngsters with only one chance to go through it! :eek: Haven't seen the rep part tho'. One thing that did surprise me was that the top cornet part is marked for 1 & 2 players in parts - in a band of 2000+!! I guess it must for when normal sized bands play it afterwards but it did make me chuckle!!

timbloke

16.01.2007, 09:59

Hi,
the Big Blow starts at approx 4.00pm, it is intended to start after all the sections, apart from the championship section, have finished. You can register on Friday or Saturday so make sure you do!
cheers
BOb

Anyone know if we need lyres/straps or music stands/chairs? only I've not got a lyre/strap yet. :-?

timbloke

16.01.2007, 18:21

Mine arrived a few minutes ago as a pdf........

Did yours seem to cut off halfway through the Trio? Mine only had 6 bars after letter G in the Flug part where there is a tied note in this bar which ties to nothing, and only 3 bars after G in the BBb bass part. Or does the band slowly drop off into confusion? Anyone else had this problem?

Bob Thompson

16.01.2007, 21:32

dyl

16.01.2007, 21:51

The piece was commisioned for the BIG Blow event and surprose surprse, guess what its called, yes you guessed it, the BIg Blow. Andy Duncan has written it and whilst I havent seen it yet, I am told it looks like a fun piece. No doubt Frank Renton will top and tail it before you start the record attempt.

Dont forget, if you havent already registered, you can do so on Friday and Saturday, dont miss out on this historic moment and get yourselves in the record books.
Enjoy and see you all down there,
Bob

Hi Bob - I've moved the above posts from the Butlins Contest thread so that the contest can be discussed appropriately in the Adjudicator's Comments forum, and also to help you and the participants identify the posts directly concerning the Big Blow much easier.

All the best for the weekend.

andyh

16.01.2007, 23:23

Anyone know if we need lyres/straps or music stands/chairs? only I've not got a lyre/strap yet. :-?

Well, I think I'll take a lyre - just in case. Chairs are one thing but getting 1000 stands together (and thats if we share) sounds like a huge headache for the organisers!

Andy

Bob Thompson

16.01.2007, 23:33

A couple of useful points raised,
re lyres, if any one has them bring them down it would be useful and reduce the clutter of stands!
Re uniforms, I think its an excellent idea if uniforms are worn, but not a requirement, the more colourful the event the better. We have arranged for the event to be covered via photograhpers and the wekends events including the Big Blow are to be captured on DVD which we hope to make available not to long after the event, so keep your eye out for the camera persons!
I cant wait for Franks Renton to give the closing beat!........

Many thanks for all your support peeps,
Bob with mental indegestion and anxiety levels through the roof!

Sopha

17.01.2007, 09:59

wow so were all going to be famous!?

timbloke

18.01.2007, 09:46

Did yours seem to cut off halfway through the Trio? Mine only had 6 bars after letter G in the Flug part where there is a tied note in this bar which ties to nothing, and only 3 bars after G in the BBb bass part. Or does the band slowly drop off into confusion? Anyone else had this problem?

Sorted, must have been a problem with the pdf. I'm getting quite excited about this event... :clap:

stephen2001

21.01.2007, 00:14

Can I be the first to say that it was a fantastic experience this afternoon.
I couldn't quite hear the full details of the record and money raised, but I think there were around 450 players, and about £4,400 raised on the day. I'm sure someone will be on tomorrow with the exact figures.

The organisation was first rate, Frank Renton was in fine form with the microphone interviewing the section leaders that included Richard Marshall, Glyn Williams, Steve Sykes and Douglas Yeo. The press photographers certainly got plenty of excercise trying to get as many shots while the record attempt was going on!

To say that most people were sight-reading the piece, it didn't sound bad at all from where I was sitting at the front of the Trombones. I can't wait to get my hands on the DVD when it comes available!

Roger Thorne

21.01.2007, 09:37

but I think there were around 450 players, and about £4,400 raised on the day.

It is hoped that a final total of approximately 2,000 players will take part to secure the record for years to come.

Firstly, congratulations on raising that amount of money for such a good cause, and a big thank you to the organisers for putting in so much work :clap: . . . . but can I ask why so few people actually took part?

If Stephens guess of 450 bandsman is 'accurate', then that is less than a quarter of all participating bandsman who attended Butlins this weekend who actually took part in the big blow. So can I ask what the other 1,400 bandsman where doing?

:(

stephen2001

21.01.2007, 12:00

If Stephens guess of 450 bandsman is 'accurate',

I'm pretty certain that is the figure that Jon Handley quoted during the results ceremony
The band was split into 6 sections, Cornets, Flugs/Horns, Baris/Euphs, Troms, Basses and Percussion, and there were no more than 75 or so in any section except the cornets.
Like I say, Bob or Bryony will probably give more accurate figures in due course.

Sopha

21.01.2007, 16:14

is that all? gosh there seemed well more than that!!
but then again it was stupid making the champion section compete when the big blow was on! There would of been loads more players to enter the big blow if they had waited untill they finished, or arranged for the champion sections to play after the big blow had finished!
I was sad that i didn't get to see a few of the champs play because i was being involved in the big blow! but i did see the Yorkshire Imps (Urquant Travel) play and they were superb! does any one know how old the little boy on the Trombone is he seemed well young and he could on half blow!
Well done to all competing bands, hope you all enjoyed yourselfs! :clap:
I never stayed for the result ceremany unfortunately because mum and dad wanted to go home!!! :cry:
and does any one know who won the cornet??
(i know this is a bit more related to the Butlins 2007 thread but oh well!:tongue:)

Veri

21.01.2007, 16:58

It was absolutely excellent - big thanks to everyone involved. I am wearing my pin badge with pride. I think it was a shame more people didn't join in, they definitely missed out - I was so excited to be part of it!

andyh

21.01.2007, 19:46

Firstly, congratulations on raising that amount of money for such a good cause, and a big thank you to the organisers for putting in so much work :clap: . . . . but can I ask why so few people actually took part?

If Stephens guess of 450 bandsman is 'accurate', then that is less than a quarter of all participating bandsman who attended Butlins this weekend who actually took part in the big blow. So can I ask what the other 1,400 bandsman where doing?

:(

Woodbridge were there in force and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (especially our Sec, who won the cornet!) But, having been to the Mineworkers before I have a suspicion that a large number of them (apart of course for those still contesting) were 'taking the waters' ... :-)

melbo

21.01.2007, 21:54

The Big Blow was fantastic! There were 26 members of Tewkesbury Town Band taking part! It was such an amazing sound and a suprising sense of achievement when we broke the record! We too can't wait for the DVD to show all our supporters who were left outside!
What can we do next year?!

PeterBale

22.01.2007, 00:27

It was certainly well worth doing, and great fun being one of the 60+ bass players taking part :eek:

I asked this morning if they had a final total, and understand things were still being verified. I agree the numbers were a little disappointing, but I'm sure some people were torn between taking part and hearing the championship section, apart from those who were still recovering from their own competiton.

As it was, I heard the first two bands play "Northern Lights", then trailed up to the chalets to collect my bass, arriving just in time for the last couple of run-throughs, and the chat, thanks etc. Once we had finished, and I'd taken the bass back, I just made it in time for the last three Championship bands, so there was quite a time commitment involved.

Talking to Bryansop on Saturday night, he was chuffed to have sat next to Alan Wycherley as one of the 20 sops taking part!

timbloke

22.01.2007, 14:26

it was certainly an experience, I'm glad I did it, but would have preferred to be on Trombone. Although the Basses did sound pretty phenomenal!

I agree with what's been said above, it was a pity the turn out was so much below what was predicted, there were a lot of people I knopw, who said they'd heard nothing about it before the weekend, maybe there needs to be another strategy for letting bands know. But that said, well done to everyone who organised it. Same time next year?

WoodenFlugel

22.01.2007, 21:16

It was a great expierence! Due to my own stupidity I got there just after the rehearsals so had to sight read the march on the actual record attempt. Not easy when it was pegged to the back of the chair in front so was about at my knee level! Still, I got to sit next to Clair from GUS and even had the briefest of chats with Douglas Yeo :eek: .

As for the numbers, well, the first section was still running during the Big Blow, which must've taken a few players out of the eqation, and the clash with the Championship Section might have had something to do with it too. But then in a packed weekend I don't think they could've timed it any differently. Still a massive achievement though. The noise was fantastic!

Bob Thompson

22.01.2007, 23:30

Hi folks
I'm pleased everyone who took part enjoyed the event the feed back so far has been excelent. I still dont have the definative figure but that will be published very soon. We believe it is somewhere between 450 and 500 players. A lot less than expected but hey, its a world record.
In terms of advertising the event, I e mailed every single brass band in the UK with a contact e mail on the Internet Bandsman website twice during the course of the last 6 months and believe me thats a lot of bands!

I cant comment much further as, I was unable to attend, but I was thinking of you all whilst in a hospital bed down the road from Skeggy!
More info to follow, and again thanks for the support.
Cheers
Bob on behalf of BBA and the Big Blow

DublinBass

22.01.2007, 23:32

but i did see the Yorkshire Imps (Urquant Travel) play and they were superb! does any one know how old the little boy on the Trombone is he seemed well young and he could on half blow!

That's "Nuke" on tMP (so you can drop him a pm)...I think he's 23?

DublinBass

22.01.2007, 23:36

We believe it is somewhere between 450 and 500 players. A lot less than expected but hey, its a world record.

With all due respect (as I do support the BBA cause and have thrown quite a few quid their way now)...how is 450-500 a record for a brass band, when TBDBITL Alumni Band annual get 600-700 to play together for their reunion every September?

Scarysheep

23.01.2007, 00:46

Unfortunately our playing time on saturday was about 4:30pm so we werent able to take part in the big blow :( which would of been an exciting experience but i heard that all the people that did take part enjoyed it and had a great time anyway.:)

Veri

23.01.2007, 08:54

Is it too late to order a DVD? I made one of my friends order one, but everyone at work, and all of my non banding friends are so incredulous at my accounts of the weekend, that it would be nice to show them!

tubafran

23.01.2007, 10:06

That's "Nuke" on tMP (so you can drop him a pm)...I think he's 23?

Think she may have forgoten to mention that the "young" trombonist was probably Wingates - 10 old signing (Peter Moore) and he also played at Butlins last year on Solo Trom with Dobcross.

Sopha

23.01.2007, 10:19

Think she may have forgoten to mention that the "young" trombonist was probably Wingates - 10 old signing (Peter Moore) and he also played at Butlins last year on Solo Trom with Dobcross.
wait i'm totally confused! all i know was that he looked really young and he played solo trombone and he was a fab!! so was this Nuke or Wingates ??

DaveR

23.01.2007, 11:35

With all due respect (as I do support the BBA cause and have thrown quite a few quid their way now)...how is 450-500 a record for a brass band, when TBDBITL Alumni Band annual get 600-700 to play together for their reunion every September?

World records (or any sort of record) is only validated when somebody from the Guinness World Records is present, or when it can be categorically proven to be a successful record attempt, (as I presume there was on Saturday - I wasn't able to take part unfortunately). Therefore, although your band may have more players, they are not world record holders because it has not been validated by the official body.

PeterBale

23.01.2007, 11:48

I think the fact that the band came together to play a specially written piece of music was also a factor.

timbloke

23.01.2007, 12:05

wait i'm totally confused! all i know was that he looked really young and he played solo trombone and he was a fab!! so was this Nuke or Wingates ??

Think there may be some confusion to the bands.. The World Famous Yorkshire Imperial David Urquart Travel Silver Prize Band :tongue: - http://www.yorkshireimps.co.uk/ have a solo trombonist who's tMP name is Nuke and is in his early 20s.

Wingates Band http://www.wingatesband.org/ have a solo trombonist who (as far as I know) is not on tMP, he is called Peter Moore - see their website for details. And his feet don't touch the floor.

Perhaps you can use your new role as Juniors Rep to get in touch with him and see if he fancies joining tMP. ;)

Nuke

23.01.2007, 17:33

but i did see the Yorkshire Imps (Urquant Travel) play and they were superb! does any one know how old the little boy on the Trombone is he seemed well young and he could on half blow!

Yea i am 22.

I believe the confussion would have been caused by the "little boy" trombone comment being in the same paragraph as mentioning, as timbloke put it, "the world famous Yorkshire Imperial David Urquart Travel Silver Prize Band" or Imps if you will.

But yea im 22.

RJM06

23.01.2007, 20:50

The Big Blow was fantastic. The music was brilliant. I found that it was a really up beat piece of music and it was good to listen to all the differently talented brass players in the room. Fantastic!

DanielFloyd

24.01.2007, 16:52

Hi People How do you know where I can Buy the March for my band.
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend I did.
Dan

DanielFloyd

24.01.2007, 16:53

Good to be part of TMP
Chat soon

RJM06

24.01.2007, 17:28

Hi People How do you know where I can Buy the March for my band.
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend I did.
Dan

You can buy the March, The Big Blow, from Just Music or Brass Band Aid. These are the only two I know of.

DanielFloyd

24.01.2007, 17:41

Thanks. Nice to meet you did you have a good weekend.
Dan

RJM06

26.01.2007, 21:41

Thanks. Nice to meet you did you have a good weekend.
Dan

brilliant! thanks. I had a great weekend. good entertainment!

Shaz

01.02.2007, 21:30

Could anyone tell me when the DVD of 'The Big Blow' will be sent?

(Hope this question hasn't already been asked - couldn't see it anywhere!)

Bob Thompson

03.02.2007, 08:27

Hi Shaz,
As far as I am aware, the DVD is in process and should be available in the next 3-4 weeks.
Cheers
Bob

Bob Thompson

06.02.2007, 23:13

Hello Tmp'ers
You can begin viewing some of the pictures taken over the weekend at Butlins Skegness, Ive just started loading them on and there are lots more to come.
See if you can spot yourself, and who are the two euph players from Whitwell Band, are those hats part of the uniform?

You can view the pics by following the link in the news section on the frontpage of the BBA website.

Cheers
Bob
www.brassbandaid.com

TheMusicCompany

07.02.2007, 13:43

The Big Blow 2007
Music and DVD now available to order!

Hopefully, there'll be a much bigger announcement in User Subscribed News section shortly, but just to let you know that the Music played at the event and performed by the BBA Celebrity Band on the Friday concert, together with the DVD can now be ordered from The Big Blow website at www.thebigblow.co.uk (http://www.thebigblow.co.uk)!

The Music played at The Big Blow, now renamed 'Zephyrus' (the Greek God of the west winds!) is priced at just £19.95 and the DVD is £10.00 (both prices include postage and packing).

The music will be available for despatch on 10th February and the DVD should be available to send out to customers at the end of February/beginning of March depending on editing and production times.

Both are great items whether you were part of the event or not! Both are great fund-raisers to help make a difference in Adet, Ethiopia where Brass Band Aid are focussing their efforts into the building and equipping of a school.

Thanks in advance for your continued support.

The Music Company

dyl

07.02.2007, 13:50

Hopefully, there'll be a much bigger announcement in User Subscribed News section shortly
No, there won't be! But check the Classified Ads section. ;)

TheMusicCompany

07.02.2007, 14:37

No, there won't be! But check the Classified Ads section. ;)

Apologies for the misdirection of this news item. Because of the charitable fund-raising element for both these items we got carried away with the news side and overlooked the fact it should have gone into a more appropriate area.

Many thanks for moving it to the Classifieds Section.

stephen2001

08.02.2007, 18:29

andyh

01.03.2007, 21:05

... the DVD should be available to send out to customers at the end of February/beginning of March depending on editing and production times....

Is there any more news on this? I paid for my DVD at Butlins and it would be good to know if they will be sent out anytime soon...

Andy

Bob Thompson

02.03.2007, 22:49

andyh

02.03.2007, 22:58

Hi Andy,
I have checked today re the DVD. I am advised that the final editing has been completed and the DVD is on its way for mastering and then production. It is hoped that the finished article will be sent out by the end of this month. Sorry it isnt any sooner, but its out of our control to a large extent.
Having said that we were told early late Feb early March, so its not that far out!

Hope this is ok Andy.
Cheers
Bob

Thanks Bob, it's good to hear that things are progressing. Looking forward to seeing some more pictures of the Big Blow too if you have any, as there weren't any of the cornet section on the website :-)

Cheers
Andy

Bob Thompson

03.03.2007, 18:14

The reason there are no photies of the cornets is quite simple, I dislike cornet players with a passion second only to gazzoo's!

But seriously.......ha ha....I shall have a look at what I have and post more pics on the BBA site.
Im not sure exactly what I have, given I wasn't actually there, sadly, so I have relied upon others who had cameras with them.
Indeed if anyone who took part in the event and have pics they would like to share, please send them on to me and I will post them on the website.
No nudies please!!
Cheers
Bob

andyh

12.04.2007, 21:40

Bob - any more news on the DVD? It's been quite a while now...

Andy

Bob Thompson

14.04.2007, 09:31

Hi ANdy,
As far as I know the DVD is in manufacture stage, which means it is almost complete! It has been some time now, but this is beyond my control. I have grown 5 beards and shaved them all off waiting to see it, especially as I ended up in hospital and missed most of the weekend, so I want to see it too.
I do apologise on behalf of the peeps who are managing this side of the project and hope everyone waiting for their copy understands, good things are worth waiting for. But not forever!!
Cheers
Bob

andyh

14.04.2007, 20:41

Hi ANdy,
As far as I know the DVD is in manufacture stage, which means it is almost complete! It has been some time now, but this is beyond my control.
Bob
Thanks for letting us know Bob - I was getting a little concerned as no receipts were given out at the time. I look forward to receiving the DVD - hopefully the cameraman liked cornet players :->

Andy

Shaz

09.06.2007, 21:47

Hi Bob,

sorry to keep asking, but any more news on when the DVD might be posted out?:(

Shaz

yank67

27.06.2007, 17:20

DVD News?

Bob Thompson

02.07.2007, 00:23

Hello,
Sorry I have not been in touch for a spell, however Ive been in nd out of hospotal over the past couple of months.
Re DVD, I spoke to Jonathan Handley, Tor Designs, who is organisong this , He advises that the DVD shoud be ready and available in the next 2 weeks.
Sorry about the delays, and I understand the frustrations..

Apologies
Bob

andyh

02.07.2007, 00:35

Hello,
Sorry I have not been in touch for a spell, however Ive been in nd out of hospotal over the past couple of months.
Bob

Sorry to hear that Bob, I recall you were also in hospital about the time of the event? Hope things are improving for you now...

We can wait for our DVDs, I'm sure !

Regards
Andy

kerrytoy

17.08.2007, 22:57

Hi,
Just wondered if there was any more news about dvd.
Just cant wait to see it thats all.

Kerry

yank67

05.09.2007, 13:59

Any chance of seeing this DVD befor the next Minworkers?:oops:

Brassy Lady

22.10.2007, 13:20

Still waiting for the DVD - is there an update on when we will be receiving it? Thanks

andyh

30.11.2007, 23:13

What's going on? Willl someone please explain why we've been waiting very nearly a whole year for this DVD to materialise? I'm as patient as the next person, and at the end of the day a tenner isn't that much, but I'm beginning to feel done-over and unless we get a satisfactory explanation there's no way I'll be supporting Brass Band Aid again...

Sorry for the rant, but come on, it's been 10 months since the event now...!

Andy

Shaz

30.11.2007, 23:41

I feel much the same I'm affraid. Please let us know what has happened. Even if it's not good news, at least we will know. It does not reflect well on Brass Band Aid which is a shame as I know that a tremendous amount of good work has been done from the fundraising.

kerrytoy

01.12.2007, 00:03

Me too. All the members off my band are starting to get fed up waiting for our dvds.

dyl

01.12.2007, 09:13

andyh

01.12.2007, 20:46

Can we suggest you folks that are waiting for your DVDs to try and contact Brass Band Aid directly, as we notice from our records that the BBA's representative hasn't veiwed this particular thread since July.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have now contacted Tor Designs, who I understand was leading the project on behalf of BBA, and I'll report back if I get a reply on this issue.

In the meantime, could I ask any tMP members who have received their DVD to let us know?

Cheers
Andy

JustBrass

02.12.2007, 03:55

DVD UPDATE - WE BELIEVE IT'S NOW READY!

To all Big-Blowers

We are extremely grateful for all your patience and we are sorry that there has been such a delay to the production and despatch of the DVD of The Big Blow 2007 event.

BUT, WE BRING GOOD NEWS! IT'S NOW DUE TO ARRIVE AT OUR OFFICES NEXT WEEK FOR DESPATCH TO YOU ALL :-)

Just Brass were one of the Official Partners for the event and apart from producing the website and managing online registrations and merchandise sales, we also offered our free of charge services to provide sales facilities for the DVD.

Whilst the production side of the DVD has been out of our hands we fully support the focus on maximising the money it could raise towards the work of Brass Band Aid. However, following the various unexpected delays in bringing the DVD to you, we realise the inability to obtain informed updates for a considerable time has caused avoidable concerns. In addition, we would like to highlight the fact that Brass Band Aid has had no involvement with the problems leading to the delays and we appeal to you not to rest any responsibility for these on their shoulders. Brass Band Aid continues to work relentlessly towards its objectives and remains a key charity to support.

Everyone involved in the provision of the DVD leads your enthusiasm for the finished item to be ready. We were, therefore, especially delighted to receive the news that the DVDs should be with us next week. We are now poised, with packaging prepared, to send out all the orders shortly after.

Should anyone who ordered a DVD have moved address since placing their order, please let us know as soon as possible so we can amend our records. Likewise, if you don't receive your DVD by 15 December, please contact us direct at enquiries@justbrass.co.uk (inserting "The Big Blow DVD" in the subject line) so we can confirm your delivery details.

Once again, we are sorry for the inconvenience and frustration you have all experienced with the hold-ups and we thank you for your understanding now that the issues seem to have been resolved and we appear to be in a position to complete your orders.

We thank you for your support of The Big Blow 2007 event and Brass Band Aid.

andyh

05.01.2008, 15:44

DVD UPDATE - WE BELIEVE IT'S NOW READY!

if you don't receive your DVD by 15 December, please contact us direct at enquiries@justbrass.co.uk (inserting "The Big Blow DVD" in the subject line) so we can confirm your delivery details.

Don't you just love the sound of deadlines as they go whooshing by? Good job I wasn't holding my breath as of course I don't have my DVD.

Nor has Just Brass bothered to reply to my email which I sent as directed above when my DVD had failed to materialise several days *after* the 15th.

I don't reckon it really exists, you know :mad:

Andy

Veri

05.01.2008, 17:29

Same with me - no DVD, no reply to email. I would quite like to see it before the next Butlins!

Some funky user name

05.01.2008, 21:01

No DVD, but I did get a reply to my email on the 18th December...

"Thank you for your email. We have been chasing the delivery and have now been told that they should be with us this week. We will shortly put another message on The Mouthpiece to update everyone with the latest situation.
We are dreadfully sorry for the continued delay, but we are doing everything possible to ensure a speedy despatch as soon as the DVDs arrive at our offices.
Thank you in advance for your further patience.
With kind regards,
Just Brass"

So will we get them before Butlins this year? Only 13 days to go.

Shaz

06.01.2008, 21:27

I also have emailed, but with no reply. Thanks for letting us know of your reply 'Some funky user name'.

yank67

07.01.2008, 10:51

Andy,
You know me, I will be makeing a fuss at the Mineworks. So if anyone sees a big yank jumping up and down at the Just Brass stall you will know why. Heck , if you feel like it you all can come and join me!:biggrin:
Paul

JustBrass

07.01.2008, 11:40

Dear AndyH, Yank67, Shaz, Some Funky User Name, Veri and all other Big Blowers

Following the Christmas break, Just Brass has only just returned to work today (as notified on our online shop). For this reason, any emails received after Thursday 21st December will have been unread until today. So, we apologise AndyH, Yank67, Shaz and Veri if you felt that our lack of response was unacceptable, but I'm sure you will now understand why this has been the case - it was due to absence rather than because we couldn't be 'bothered' as suggested by AndyH.

We too are very disappointed with the lack of appearance of the DVD within the timescales we had been given. As stated before, Just Brass is only able to act upon information with which it is provided and in this case, we were extremely hopeful that the information was going to be correct.

After attempts to obtain the DVDs for despatch within the deadline given or at the very least, before our office Christmas closure, we failed to secure the stock delivery. To avoid anyone being in any doubt about our own enthusiasm to complete this job, we had even made arrangements for a third party to process the packaging and despatching of the DVDs during our office closure if we had been able to arrange receipt of them during that period.

Whilst we understand and indeed share the continued frustration of all those who have purchased the DVD, we are disappointed that some appear to be resting the blame of the delays on our shoulders. "Shooting the Messenger" is the unfortunate adage that appears to have been awarded here. However, we understand why there is a need to find a focus for some and I suppose we are the obvious and easiest target for this - sad though it is when all we are trying to do is complete the orders.

From our successful enquiries today, the latest information we have been given is that the DVDs will be delivered to us on Thursday evening of this week. In preparation for this, and to minimise any further delay, we have now made special arrangements for these to be packaged overnight and made ready for despatch on Friday morning - turning them around in a number of hours rather than days. In line with the information we currently have to hand, this should mean that you will receive your DVDs on Saturday or Monday, depending on Royal Mail's part in the process.

Should we receive any further information which could indicate the delivery to our offices being delayed past Thursday evening, I will let you all know via tMP. However, as far as we have been made aware and contrary to AndyH's closing comment, The Big Blow DVD very much exists and will be despatched on Friday morning to everyone who purchased a copy either at the 2007 event or online/post/fax via the Just Brass Online Shop.

In the meantime, we would like to thank all those customers who have offered their support and confirmed their new or existing details. Individual responses will be sent out separately now that we are back at work, but should anyone wish to discuss their individual order privately, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via PM or clair.tomalin@justbrass.co.uk.

Likewise, I would be happy to discuss the matter further should you wish to visit the Just Brass trade stand at the 2008 Butlin's contest. However, 'jumping up and down' will be an unnecessary requirement unless of course you are a visiting kangaroo or pogo-stick user.

Once again, I would like to thank you all in advance for your continued patience and understanding in this project and I look forward to sending a post to The Mouthpiece which will confirm the successful despatch of the DVDs on Friday.

With kind regards,

Shaz

07.01.2008, 11:57

Hi Clair from Just Brass,

thanks for your reply. It has restored hope and faith once again in me. I'm sorry for the bad feelings and mistrust that has arrisen from this, but as I'm sure you will agree, the time taken for yourselves to receive this DVD has been unbelievable. I expect there will be corks popping when you finally take delivery.;)

Thanks once again. I hope my next post will be a comment on the DVD and whether I recognise anyone in it!

Shaz

yank67

07.01.2008, 12:12

Thanks for the info Clair. I will leave my Po-Go stick at home. :clap:

Happy Paul:D

andyh

07.01.2008, 21:29

Thanks Clair, for explaining what the position is re the DVD. I'm sure I would have seen the christmas closedown notice had I visited your online shop but in fact I had no need to; however a followup post by yourself once it became obvious that the 15th Dec date was untenable would I'm sure have been very much appreciated by all concerned. The lack of regular communication over the 12 months since the event is, I feel, part of the problem.

Naturally, I don't personally blame Just Brass and I apologise if that seemed to be the case. I understand that BBA had their difficulties too.

Andy

JustBrass

09.01.2008, 13:11

Dear Andy

I fully understand the comments of your latest response and gratefully accept your apology.

On face value, I agree, a follow-up post would have provided a 'latest status' on the situation, but I'm not sure how positive a step it would have been when all we could have said at one point was "They haven't turned up and we don't know why".

From there, we then received information from a third party that we would receive them during the week of 17th December, hence our individual and optimistic response to "Some Funky User Name" on 18th December. However, due to the repeated misinformation to date, we were extremely wary of posting tMP with yet another promised deadline which may, (and indeed was) missed, until we could be more confident of the information.

From that point forward, even after the office closure, I was personally attempting to obtain a definitive response about the delivery of the DVDs, with plans afoot for them to be despatched on our behalf. However, my holiday location did not have access to the internet and even required me to stand on a hilltop to achieve any sort of phone signal to make the calls. So, when it became clear that we would not be able to despatch the DVDs until the new year, I was unable to then send a posting to tMP until my return ... which, as you know,is exactly what I did.

Maybe you still think more could have been done on the communication front, but a business only has so much time and resource available, and I believe we did as much as we were able to amidst our commercial activities in the lead up to Christmas.

I hope this more detailed explanation (and summary of my holiday activities - hilltop photos available on request!!) will now clarify the judgment calls that have had to be made with regard to the DVD during December/January.

In an ideal world, the DVDs would have arrived when first promised and the significant extra time, effort and money that has been given and absorbed by Just Brass free of charge would not have been necessary.

Despite all this - knowing that the sales have raised funds for the work of Brass Band Aid is what has kept us going. So, when we are able to send a posting to confirm that the DVDs have all been sent out, the impact of time and resources on our business, the frustrations, attacks, criticisms, chasing, telephoning, letter and email writing and other related work which has been going on in the background over the last 12 months will have all been worth it!

With kind regards