M’colleague’s husband plays bass trombone in the Hade Edge Brass Band. They were playing today in the Band Stand, Wetherby. We wandered along on the wind of wondering if the ‘come along’ suggestion would come good. It did. Particularly, this bit:

… Dave Smith on the Euphonium – Impressive Grandfathers Clock work. The whole band was a treat to watch though. Tight and well balanced. Charismatic conduction. So that’s Morris Dancers yesterday, Brass Band today… it feels like a theme of sorts. Steeped in tradition, the pair of them.

Wetherby – now, I’ve not done much hanging out in Wetherby before. Always thought of it as a ‘nearly home’ town on the way back from somewhere as opposed to a destination, but today it shone. We fluked a Grade A parking spot as well as a lovely patch of grass at ring side. There must have been around 100 people watching – properly watching (as opposed to half watching whilst nattering) – the performance.

It’s a shame there wasn’t a park there for the bin lids to have a chuck around in, but there was a geographic gem in the form of a beautiful shallow patch of river on the lee side of Wetherby Bridge which Sophie and Annie had a right good paddle in. Actually, in Annie’s case, a right good paddle, wade, then full sit down in.

Days like today are extra appreciated – by me at least – as I feel the hot summery days are numbered. Will there be another day in 2016 that involves outdoor music, ice cream and paddling? Only time will tell, but if there isn’t, it was a lovely summer swan song.