Anniversary, anniversary, anniversary. Yes, an anniversary three times over.Firstly, it is the 40th anniversary of the Bolesławiec Vial and Ampoule Factory, which on 16 July 1952 began producing vials and ampoules for pharmaceutical needs using sixteen Italian machines. There is no need to explain to the residents of Bolesławiec how large the enterprise has become—it can be seen.Today it is a large, modernly equipped factory, furnished not only with machines but also with automated production lines. In addition to the familiar vials and ampoules, it currently produces veins and disposable syringes, tubes and other aluminium products, as well as a wide range of plastic products.Secondly, it is the 30th anniversary of the vocational school attached to the factory. Most of the currently valued locksmiths and turners working in the large, well-equipped mechanical workshop of “Polfa” are its graduates. It is only a pity that this will be its last anniversary, as the school too has been affected by the process of closure.Finally, thirdly, it is the 15th anniversary of the factory brass band, which still exists today. More about it later in the article.Already in 1965, the author of these words gathered a group of willing and talented young boys from among the students of the vocational school. With the professional assistance of the bandmaster of the garrison orchestra, Mr Henryk Biały, a youth brass band was formed, which later, for many years, enhanced numerous events in Bolesławiec and beyond.Then came a time of “tightening the belt”, and the promising ensemble had to suspend its activity for quite a few years. In 1977, as the factory’s 25th anniversary approached, the idea of reactivating the band was revived: the then director’s decision—“we are forming a band”—was unequivocal. Intensive rehearsals began in 1976.Few remained from the former youth band, but people such as Colleagues Zdzisław Maniak, Kazimierz Białousz, Ryszard Jankiewicz and Zbigniew Kocoń actively joined the work. The small group of already advanced players was supplemented by students of the vocational school, and, in preparing them, the musicians of the garrison orchestra, Messrs Stanisław Dubaj and Edward Krawczewski, assisted the employed bandmaster. Thus, after several months of intensive learning and practice, on 15 March 1977 the “Polfa” factory brass band gave its inaugural performances.Over time, further enthusiasts of playing wind instruments joined the band: Kazimierz Lisiewicz, Stanisław Burmas, Karol Burniak, Bogdan Iwanowski, Michał Zawrotniak, Mikołaj Lekawski and others. The repertoire is systematically expanded and the band’s performance level improves. Special recognition here is deserved by the doyen of Bolesławiec’s brass musicians, Mr Zbigniew Czernigiewicz, whose dedication to brass bands dates back to the time when he played in the first post-war railway orchestra.After a period of intensive work and constant expansion of the repertoire, the first successes came. In 1978, at a festival in Kielce, the band won the “Silver Fir”. At that time, the average age of the band members was 22.The band thereafter began to gain recognition and high marks in the annual amateur brass-band competitions, as well as while performing at numerous events. In May 1984, the band travelled abroad for the first time. It began in Pirna, Germany, where by 1989 it had given a total of 14 concerts. A genuine surprise for the band was an invitation from France, from the town of Villerrancine-de-Rowerque. The organising committee of the festival known as the “Flower Parade” selected the band to take part in its celebration, which was also attended by bands from Germany, England, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Yugoslavia and the Netherlands. It would not be boastful to add that the “Polfa” band made a magnificent showing, as confirmed by its winning the Second Cup. During its stay in France, the band also undertook a small concert tour, performing outside the festival in two other towns, where it was warmly received.In 1990, the city of Mazamet in southern France invited us to its third international festival of brass bands and musical ensembles. The band’s participation in this festival ended in complete success. A genuine pleasure for the band was the opportunity to perform the French anthem as the orchestra representing the visiting guests. In the organisers’ assessment, “La Marseillaise” performed by the boys from Bolesławiec sounded best, for which the city’s mayor himself offered his congratulations.The band members gave themselves an additional pleasure by spending the entire afternoon after the festival on the Mediterranean coast, enjoying a sea swim in beautiful, sunny weather. These were wonderful moments that will remain in their memories for a long time. Last year, the band also participated successfully in a similar festival, likewise with an international line-up, in the beautiful mountain town of Riomes-Montagnes.The participation of the Polfa band in festivals in France made it possible to establish many contacts with other ensembles, compare skills, gain experience and, above all, acquire many interesting repertoire pieces that the band now intends to present to the public of Bolesławiec. It is a pity—a great pity—that there is so little demand here for brass bands, which could truly provide listeners with many pleasant experiences. Incidentally, it is worth mentioning that during its 15 years of activity, the band performed publicly on various occasions an average of 2.2 times a month—in total, 397 times.From September this year, children from Ocice, Kraszowice, Mierzwin and Nowa will study in better conditions. The renovated school has gained six classrooms, two gymnasiums and refurbished sanitary facilities. The one-year effort of the Social School Reconstruction Committee, supported by the assistance of the municipal authorities and the efficiency of “Modern bud”, ended in complete success. The reconstruction cost approximately 4 billion złotys, although it is impossible to determine unambiguously the value of the very substantial contribution of work made by the Social Committee.On the occasion of the anniversary, my wish and that of my colleagues from the band is that, despite all difficulties, we remain together as such a harmonious ensemble for many more years, while constantly improving our performance skills. And that through our music we continue to make all celebrations in our city more enjoyable.President of the Band’s Board, Idzi BzylFrom the editorial office: On the occasion of the anniversaries, to the management and staff of “Polfa”, and to the friendly band: MANY HAPPY RETURNS!