Saturday 19th November 2011 is a date to remember, for the Conquest Alliance 25 year reunion party at Brighouse Sports Club.

This unique organisation was formed from The Northern Skyriders (formerly The Brighouse St Johns Ambulance Brigade) and The Brighouse Royal British Legion who have always formed part of the Remembrance Day parades. However, we also attracted many members from far and wide, such as Essex, Nottingham, Warrington, Tewksbury to mention just a few.

The people in the local area will no doubt remember seeing their rehearsals on Wellholme Park in Brighouse, but however could not imagine the hard work and dedication required to become DCUK Champions 2 years running. Rehearsing 3 hours most week nights, Saturday and Sundays up to 8 hours, in the pouring rain, hot sun, wind whatever the British weather threw at them. Running the same 32 count set until it was perfect musically and visually. Most local people would have been “touched” by someone concerned with banding. Brighouse was known by CB radio users as “Bandtown”. Brighouse pubs must surely owe a large part of their turnover to band members and followers, particularly the Stotts Arms when Jack and Joyce were in charge and also the New Tavern with Pete and Linda at the helm. Also Mr Pizza who was kept going making pizzas and jacket potatoes at all times of the day.

The staff involved with this organisation also deserve to be remembered, whether UK or US teaching staff or in fact the backroom staff who were required to get the show on the road, whether it be lugging equipment around, driving vans, cooking food, making flags and altering uniforms or just supporting, they were all extremely important to the success of the corps.

A special mention must go to Jim (Full Monty) Turner, who unfortunately passed away in August 2006. Jim was Corps Director in 1987 and was not only a fantastic motivator but also a great friend who was always larger than life and very witty, always with a story to tell. He will be sorely missed. Also missing who also passed away recently, will be John Girardi, who along with other USA instructors, formed a formidable team. His sad passing will have a special moment for many at the event. Making friends was a major bi product from being part of this organisation, long lasting friendships that have continued and helped with the existence of the Anchormen in Elland and the Anchormen Ensemble who will be playing some Conquest favourites as well as their own Big Band Jazz repertoire on the evening in November.

Tickets for the evening are now available and selling fast, please do not miss this great opportunity to recount your memories and to catch up with old friends. Tickets are priced at £10 each.

Numbers are limited therefore please do not delay, contact Julie Barraclough on 07738 561033, Robin Barraclough on 07740 909085 or for people with access to the Internet, please visit the Conquest Alliance Facebook site for details. Also keep checking the local press for announcements.

Lets have a great time in November and remember those fantastic times we all had.

Venue:
Brighouse Sports and Social Club
Russell Way
Brighouse
West Yorkshire
HD6 4LX

Julie and Robin Barraclough