By popular demand, Alford Silver Band will be making its second visit of the year to Chapel St Leonards Village Hall this Saturday, 12th May.
And following its hugely successful concert at Alford’s Corn Exchange a few weeks ago, and its annual awards ceremony recognising the achievements of some of its members, the band is in buoyant mood.
Bandmaster Alan Waite was recognised as the outstanding Bandsman of the Year for his unstinting efforts behind the scenes. Alan spends hours organising the band and in finding stand-in players when band members are not available for engagements.
“It’s true to say that without Alan’s efforts, we would sometimes struggle to meet our commitments,” commented band chairman Martin Briggs. “Our musical standards are extremely high, but it’s the unseen work that Alan does that helps our performances to be as professional as they are.”
Principal cornet Josh Wilkinson was voted by his fellow band members to be the Player Personality of the Year. Apart from being a gifted player and excellent leader ofr the band, Josh has become asset to the training section where he conducts the beginners’ group before mentoring the more advanced trainees.
11 year old Kira Roberts received the Progress Cup for the player who has made the most improvement during the year. Kira only recently moved up from the training band to take the 2nd baritone seat but is certainly not out of her depth.
And 11 year old Olivia Willey was recognised as showing great potential within the training section, receiving a trophy donated by the band’s newly elected President, Mrs Margaret Sutton from the donor herself.
Assistant conductor Richard Walker will lead the band at the Village Hall in Sea Road, Chapel St Leonards on Saturday, with the performance set to start at 7.30 pm. And with tickets costing just £4 and available at the door, it promises to be yet another great evening of musical entertainment from this much-in-demand band.