Band hits a high note (From Stroud News and Journal)

Band hits a high note

THE YOUNGSTERS of the Nailsworth Silver Band, playing cornets, euphoniums, trombones and other instruments just about big enough for them to handle came out youngest and best of the brass bands entered in the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association's Annual Contest at the end of last month.

Playing a difficult test piece, Music from Kantara by Kenneth Downie, their new conductor, Wes Thomas, inspired them to fourth place at the contest on Sunday, November 21.

What raised the big cheer from players and supporters was the trophy they brought home - the Ossie Adlam trophy for the band with the most players under 14 years of age. Out of 23 players, 11 are aged under 14.

The band's long time musical director Trevor Picken declared himself delighted with the result. "It's our best achievement in the three years of our contesting career", he said.

Trevor recently handed over the conductor's baton to Wes Thomas but will be the compere when the band plays the Philip Sawyer Memorial Concert on Sunday, December 12.

The concert is in Christ Church in Nailsworth at 6.30pm. Entry is free, but there will be a retiring collection.

All proceeds from the collection will be going to the appeal to rescue the Nailsworth Boys' Club building so that it can be restored and used by the Nailsworth community at large. There will also be programmes on sale. Ticket are available only by calling 01453 825603.