On Sunday 25th September 2016 current and past members of the Hahndorf Town Band gathered together for a celebration lunch at the ‘3 Gums Bistro’ situated within the Hahndorf Resort complex.

Guests included Myrtle and son Bruce Keen. All of Myrtle’s (and late husband Rex’s) children were past stalwarts of both the Hahndorf Junior and Senior Bands. Bruce commenced with our Junior Band in 1967 as a founding member, (together with current president Greg Francis).

Alf Maslen and wife Beth were in attendance, and with a few of our current members, Alf was able to reminisce the time he was with Hahndorf playing euphonium – and a very accomplished player he was.

Lynette Sims remembered being a part of our non-player support crew (aften the wives of the players as it was in the old days), while her husband Bob Sims (deceased) played percussion with the Hahndorf Town Band. Bob was a great percussionist and was also our drum major for a short while.

Lloyd and Kathy Norton, joined us with fond memories of father and father-in-law Clarrie Norton’s (deceased) well remembered contribution to the band as its B-flat tuba player. Lloyd and Kathy have rarely missed a Hahndorf Band concert over the years.

Other more recent past members also joined us for this celebration including Alan Luesby, George Willanski, and Nadia Henriks. Other past players who could not make it on this day, including Trevor Kramm – our current Patron of the band, Gordon Kramm and of course Kathy Francis – who is still a keen supporter of both the Senior and Junior Band in an administrative role, all sent their good wishes for the day.

It was also great to see quite a few of our Youth Band members come along – as they are the future of the Hahndorf Town Band.

During the luncheon a photo slide presentation was on display, prepared by Greg Francis – our President, which certainly brought a lot of memories back with our older guests.

The afternoon was a very relaxed one, with only one formality – the presentation to two current members of the band of their 25 Year Service Awards from the National Band Council. Congratulations to Fiona Camac-Lambert and Andy Luyten who both received these as acknowledgement of their service to the community banding movement while playing with a variety of bands and now currently playing with Hahndorf Town Band.

It was a great afternoon of fun and fellowship, reliving fond memories with others about being part of the long serving Hahndorf Town Band. We are now all looking forward to celebrating our 100th!