Sweet, sweet music

Source: Melbounce Weekly Magazine
Date: 12 August 2009

Sounds to lift the soul and honey to make the medicine go down

The Black Dyke Band is acclaimed as the best in the world. The band was formed in the West Yorkshire village of Queenshead - which later became Queensbury. Queensbury has fine views to the hills of Bronte country and the sweeping Yorkshire Dales. It is the home the of the old Black Dyke Textile Mills, where a band was formed in 1816 to provide a creative outlet for the thousands of mill workers. The group survived for some years but was disbanded through a loss of members. A new band was established in 1833, and with new instruments in 1855, became the present band. The Black Dyke Band celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2005, a remarkable achievement by any standards, and last toured Australia
21 years ago.

Before the sweeping changes to local ABC programming - which axed many specialist shows -1 enjoyed a Saturday morning production that showcased Australian brass band music. The Black Dyke Band is the most recorded band in the world with more than 300 recordings.

The band is touring Australia under the command of Dr Nicholas J Child, a leading
figure in the worldwide brass community. He is a world master of the euphonium, and has featured with most major brass bands throughout the world, especially with universities in the US.

The Black Dyke Band plays Hamer Hall on Saturday. For tickets, call 1300 136 166.

A spoonful of honey

It comes as no surprise to learn scientists have discovered the medicinal properties of manuka honey from New Zealand. I have long known the healing power of honey. The late Dame Barbara Cartland espoused its virtues; she wrote cookbooks and toured the world, lecturing on the magic of honey. Academics and doctors branded her eccentric, while scientists mockingly dismissed the utterings and writings of the "Crusader in Pink". Curiously, now she has been proven correct, her detractors are mysteriously silent. Some are equally dismissive of Chinese herbal medicine. New Zealand's Maori ancestors identified the healing properties of manuka honey and some of their remedies and tonics are still used today. In 1981, New Zealand biologist Professor Peter Molan discovered the exceptional antibacterial and healing properties of manuka honey, which is
produced from the flowers in the dense virgin manuka forestlands on the North
Island.

According to Australian research, all types of honey have some therapeutic
value, but manuka honey has a different antibacterial component that sets it apart. The antibacterial activity doesn't lose its potency or effectiveness when exposed to dilution, heat or light.

Pure manuka honey is now considered a natural wonder. It is antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral. It is also an antioxidant that can help increase vitality and immunity. Patient trials have indicated that manuka honey can heal wounds and skin ulcers that haven't responded to standard treatments.

Professor Molan stresses, though, that not all health honey has the ability to
fight super bugs.

The Australian national roll-out of manuka honey is currently under way, and will be available from selected chemists and health food shops.

ROLAND ROCCHICCIOLI