Wantage Silver Band

The first picture shows our 'B' Band celebrating with the Christie Challenge Cup after being placed 2nd out of the 27 bands in the London & Southern Counties 4th section (although due to the difficulty of the testpiece, 'The Talisman', only 16 entered the contest). This qualifies them for a place in the National Finals to be held in Harrogate in September, and most important of all, promotion to the 3rd section from next January! So congratulations to conductor Danny Dullforce and all the players - their hard work has really been worthwhile!

On the same day (22nd March), the Wantage 'A' band conducted by Phillip Bailey competed in the Championship section and were disappointed to come 7th (out of 12) after what most considered a brilliant performance. However, they retain their position in the prestigious Championship section, beating local rivals Kidlington who came 9th. So from next January Wantage will be Oxfordshire's leading top section band. A pleasing consolation was that Judith Chapman (above) won the prize for best tenor horn player.