Newtown Silver Band recently held its Annual Concert & Presentation Evening in their home town.

An appreciative audience, which included the Mayor and Deputy Mayor enjoyed a varied selection of music given by the organisation's three bands – the Learners Group, Training Band and Senior Band, under the direction of Steve Edwards.

During the concert solo items were given by principal horn Clair Foskett and solo trombone Osian Davies.

Awards

The concert also gave opportunity for the band to make their awards with the 'Most Improved Learner' trophy presented to Emily Simpson.

The 'Most Improved Member' award of the Training Band went to Sean Perks, whist the Training Band 'Person of the Year' was awarded to Mike Jenkins who has recently returned after forty years away from playing.

Senior trophies

The 'Most Improved Senior Player' award was claimed by trombonist Neil Bennett, whilst the 'Best Soloist' trophy went to Osian Davies.

The bass section of Neil Simkin, Rick Hughes and Robi Wood took the 'Best Section' award, whilst the Senior Band 'Person of the Year' was won by percussionist Adam Jones.

The Ian Bainbridge Memorial Cup for the people who have contributed most to the band during the last year went jointly to John and Helen Bennett.

Regret

During the evening it was mentioned that regretfully the band would be losing two members of its trombone section as Osian Davies would be leaving for Bangor University and Neil Bennett would be moving to work in London.

An award was made to Steve Edwards for his service Musical Director from 1983 to the present time – 28 years. Steve joined the band in 1974 on moving up from South Wales4BR

Long service

Additional awards were made for Long Service presented by the Band’s President John Bennett to David Lloyd Evans, Alwyn Nutting, Philip Pryce, Ingrid Simkin, Neil Vaughan, David Gardner, Helen Pryce, Paul Lloyd, Phillip Evans and Alan Breeze, who all together have put in over 375 years of service!

Band Secretary David Gardner presented the president John Bennett with his long service award for 65 years and the chairperson Helen Bennett for 28 years.

MD award

An award was made to Steve Edwards for his service Musical Director from 1983 to the present time – 28 years. Steve joined the band in 1974 on moving up from South Wales.