Not even blizzard conditions in South Wales could stop European champion Cory from celebrating their 2010 Annual Awards at a dinner in Cardiff.

Black tie and ball gowns

The annual black tie and ball gown event has become a firm date in the Cory calendar and there was a fine turn out as the guests eagerly awaited the announcement of the ‘Player’ and ‘Band Member’ of the Year awards.

And with the secret ballot voting having taken place the previous week a little bit of history was made with the announcement that for the first time, that both awards had been won by one player.

Double

Chairman Austin Davies opened both envelopes to reveal that the band’s euphonium star David Childs had claimed a personal ‘double’.

David later told 4BR: "I believe all the players contribute to the success of a top band, so the individual awards are for me all about being part of that success. The support I get from the players is amazing – so I owe them a few ‘doubles’ to help me celebrate!"

The support I get from the players is amazing – so I owe them a few ‘doubles’ to help me celebrateDavid Childs

Thanks

MD Bob Childs was both a proud conductor and father on the night: "All the players in the band delivered great contest and concert performances this year, and I can’t thank them enough.

However, David's contribution has been outstanding, and despite the number of high profile world wide appearances this year his commitment to the band has been 100% — and I think this has been recognised by his fellow players."

Shift work

Band Chairman Austin Davies was also delighted that David’s contribution had been formally recognised. "David puts his shift in every week – from concerts and contests to help with the painstaking research to the new Cory book ‘Cory Cory Hallelujah’. The audiences sit back and enjoy him perform, but he does much, much more besides for Cory Band."

Cory Casino

To complete the formalities for the evening, John Southcombe presented a leather bound version of the 25th anniversary book to both Bob Childs and to David Childs in recognition of their contribution towards its publication.

With the formalities of the evening out of the way, a special Casino evening was organised where band members pitted their gambling skills against each other – with Joanne Childs showing off hidden talents to sweep the board against her counterparts to claim the title and her new nickname – Miss Moneypenny!