Firstly, a Happy New Year to everyone.

Secondly, 2009 is hopefully going to be a bumper fun-filled year for the Band of the Red Hand ORG, with loads of activities for everyone to get involved. So do drop by to see what music and travel related threads are going on within our public boards here at DM.

Next, I am going to announce the winner of our "Christmas Carols - It's A Knock Out" competition that was held in December. Out of the 16 carols picked, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing managed to make it to the final. Winning by a margin of 4 votes to 2, it was Hark the Herald Angels Sing. In third place, it was O Little Town of Bethlehem, which defeated Once in a Royal David's City by 5 votes to 1. However, will Hark the Herald Angels Sing be able to hold onto its crown next Christmas, or will there be a new champion carol?

After a break over the Christmas holidays, "Tune or No Tune" returns. This week is a trip to 1968 and Fire by Arthur Brown. The link to the thread is below:

Direct link to Fire - this week's Tune or No Tune

With the success of the "Christmas Carol - It's A Knock Out", the same format is being used for the top selling singles of 2008. The best 16 selling singles from the UK chart's are battling it out to win your votes. The first tie up sees Duffy's Mercy take on Ne-yo's Closer. Other names in the mix include Leona Lewis, Beyonce, Sam Sparro and P!nk. Make sure you take a look and get involved. Below is the link that will take you directly to the thread on the Band's public boards here at DM.

2008 Top Singles - It's a Knockout

Within the Band itself, a new set of members have taken control of the three Regiments. El Nyn and F Horn of Valere are in control of the Archers and Cavalry respectively, and a possible brawl will determine the new Infantry Captain-General. Also, the announcement of the winners of The Matrim Awards for 2008 will be published at the end of the week. If you are a Bander and have not got your vote in, your vote may still count!

2009 sees a lot of exciting activities happening on the Band's boards - and this will be the first place to find...unless you happen to be a Bander!

Once again, Happy New Year and the Band of the Red Hand ORG looks forward to seeing you about.

Corki

Marshal-General

Band of the Red Hand ORG Leader