Description

The Band plays for general public enjoyment, mainly on Sunday afternoons, and often outdoors in some of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire, including stately homes, abbeys, and seaside resorts.

The busiest schedule of playing is from the Spring through to Autumn. At home the Band supports the local community playing at occasional church services, and at the traditional village shows and fetes, giving an annual Christmas Concert in Chop Gate village.

The band is neither a 'competition band' nor a 'marching band', but has occasionally attempted both, just for fun, coming fourth in the Lofthouse Grand Village Band Contest back in 1859, (as ably described by Charles Dickens), and winning class 'C' for unregistered bands at Malton Brass 2002. In 2006, the Band came second in this competition.

There is a weekly practice in Chop Gate Village Hall, and everyone plays just for the love of it, nearly all income going towards new music and repairing and replacing the instruments.

Description

Fully restored to its Victorian splendour, Ropner Park is a real delight at any time of year. You can stroll by the lakeside or along tree-lined avenues and admire the beautiful floral displays. There’s a fabulous play area, tennis courts, bowls club and large grassed areas for games and picnics.

The splendid pavilion houses a café and toilets. The café is run by the Friends of Ropner Park, who also organise a programme of concerts on the bandstand and run other events in the park. The Friends have made a big contribution to the restoration and on-going success of the park, and they welcome new members.

The Ropner Park Cafe is managed by Friends of Ropner Park and is subject to opening times changing at short notice.

Park opening hours shown are for the warmer seasons: The park will close at 5pm between 21st October and 21st March Each year.

Ropner Park,

Stockton-on-Tees,

County Durham,

England,

TS18 4EF.