Wantage Silver Band

The Annual Concert on Saturday 2nd October once again entertained a full hall at the Civic Centre, Wantage. The format was the same as previous years, enabling all our bands to be showcased, each playing three or four pieces.  The Cossack, played by 'B' Band opened the Concert and certainly set a very high standard which was maintained throughout the evening, by Training band, Concert Brass and Youth Brass through to A Band's wonderful "The Incredibles" which drew the Concert to a close. Youth Brass brought their usual magic with their pieces, especially the audience participation section which required "bing binging", ( yes! that's a brass band term!) in "Beverley Hillbingy".  Special mention too for our soloists Joanne King ( Contest), Harry Kent (Concert),  Laurence Wells (Youth) and Steve Chapman (A) who held the audience spellbound when they played. Judging by the applause for all the bands, we certainly will have no trouble filling the hall next year.

The main picture shows our Pirates, or Concert Brass as we know them, playing an inspiring "Sullivan at Sea", with appropriate headgear.

The opportunity was taken, as usual, to present the WSB awards for the past year. The photos show the awards being presented by Town Mayor, Major James Sibbald.

Bandsman of the Year - Mark Butler;  Joe Payne Cup for Personality of the Year - Richard Stanyon; Kowalski Cup for Youth Band Trainee of the Year - Lizzie Myers; The Enterprise Award - David Tinker; President's Award - Gary Madgwick; Pollard Cup for most Improved Trainer Band Player (presented by Brian Thomas) - Tom Penrose; The Ken Robey Trophy for Meritorious Service was presented to Helen Wright by Peter Robey.