Milestones (2001) Ref: DGE CD2 Conductor - Alan Lawton

On a wintry weekend at the end of January 2001, in the Peel Hall at the University of Salford, Wingates Band made their latest CD recording. The result was 'Milestones" which was released in April 2001.

We are delighted at the success of the recording and are confident that it will be as well received as our much lauded "Marching into the Millenium" recording.

Why "Milestones"? Well, our work has been generously sponsored by Krones Limited of Westhoughton and we are most grateful to the company and their MD, David Kaye for this kind support. It is 10 years this year since Krones first became involved with the band. That is in itself the first milestone. Co-incidentally, Krones will be celebrating 50 years in business this year, another well-deserved milestone.

The CD contains 16 tracks and features fine playing in solos from Andy MacDonald on cornet ("Georgia"), Donna Lewis on tenor horn ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"), Andy Blackledge on flugel horn ("Share My Yoke") and Len Charnock at breath-taking speed on Euphonium ("La Belle Americaine").

Sensitive quartet playing is evident in "The Irish Blessing" where Andy Blackledge, Len and Donna are joined by our solo baritone, Tony Daniels.

An entertaining repertoire is encompassed in what we believe will be a great value and treasured recording, including the following items: "Battle Abbey" march, "The Corsair" overture, "Slaughter on 10th Avenue", "Skye Boat Song", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square", "Berne Patrol", "Blue Rondo a La Turk", "Lass from Richmond Hill" and "Lord of the Dance".