Hahndorf Town Band 80th Anniversary

Reunion Dinner, The Hahndorf Inn, 5th May 2006

A gathering of over 100 past and present members and supporters of the Hahndorf Town Band celebrated the band's milestone with a sumptuous dinner at The Hahndorf Inn.

Present and past members and supporters of the Hahndorf Town Band gathered at The Hahndorf Inn Hotel for the Reunion Dinner to formally mark the occasion of the band's 80th Anniversary.

The pub was warm and cosy - and very noisy - but the noise didn't detract from the exuberance of the celebrations. Actually, the exuberance was probably the cause of the noise! Nevertheless, a gathering of over 100 guests settled in to share dinner and recount the great achievements of the band from the Adelaide Hills.

Mr Greg Francis, Band President for the last 18 years, welcomed guests to the dinner.

Dinner orders were taken, and the menu choices were beautifully brassy! (I suspect someone has a little too much time on their hands...Kevin?).

Entree - Trombonio Soup

Main Course - Flugel Chicken or Baritone Beef Schnitzel with a choice of sauce (Db Dianne or G# Gravy) for a delicious chord served with Eupho salad and chips - or - Rallentando Roast of the Day, served with vibraphone gravy and seasonal percussive vegetables - or Brass Band Beer Battered Bass and Horn-fried chips served with Repiano Lemons and Tartare Tuba Stule Sauce

Dessert - Wild Cornettio Berry Cheesecake - or Home made Crescendo of Apple Strudel, served warm with a fresh Coda of cream

Dr Kevin Cameron, Musical Director, spoke eloquently about the history of the band.

Dr Kevin Cameron, Musical Director, Hahndorf Town Band

Kevin paid particular tribute to four long-standing members of the band who were present: Mick Kuchel, Gordon Kramm, Len Schneemilch and Jeff Faehrmann (the longest serving conductor of Hahndorf [1956-72] who joined the band as a cornet player in 1932). These four statesmen of the band all commenced with the band in the 1930s. They were invited to unveil the band's new Honour Roll.

Len Schneemilch, Mick Kuchel, Jeff Faehrmann and Gordon Kramm after unveiling the Honour Roll.

Throughout the evening, a DVD compiled from various sources, was screened for all to enjoy. There was some terrific black and white footage of the band marching at Tanunda.

Mrs Beryl Braendler took us all on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Mrs Braendler was a Thiele Family member, a family which had an extensive and multi-generational involvement in the band.

Down memory lane with Mrs Beryl Braendler.

Band Secretary, Donna Williams, then read messages of greeting from those who could not be present. Best wishes flowed from all points of Australia and around the world.

Badges of Merit

Two members of the band received Badges of Merit from the South Australian Band Association. President of the SABA, Bruce Raymond, was in attendance to present the badges to Dr Kevin Cameron and Debbie Jackson for outstanding service to the band. Debbie was particularly surprised and thrilled to receive her award. Kevin has made a comprehensive contribution to the band since his appointment about five years ago. Both are deserving recipients and they were clearly proud to display their badges and certificates.

Bruce Raymond (President, SABA) with Badge of Merit recipients Debbie Jackson and Dr Kevin Cameron.

Greg Francis called upon the Patron, Mrs Aileen Woolford, to propose a toast to the band, which included a champagne for all, together with a complimentary commemorative wine glass. (My glass went straight to the pool room!)

Mr and Mrs Woolford

The Hahndorf Town Band 80th Anniversary Dinner was a fitting celebration to mark this wonderful achievement. All in attendance had a great night, and the evening will be a treasured memory.

Chris Bowman
Hahndorf (Adelaide Hills, SA)