At Shipston Town Band’s recent Centenary Concert, five stalwart members received richly deserved ‘Long Service’ awards in recognition of their contribution to the banding movement for over 50 years each.

250 years

Soprano player Paul Lay, solo cornet John Smith, euphonium duo David Birch and Alan Birch and Bb tuba player Paul Sargent have served Shipston Town and other bands with great distinction for a combined total of well over 250 years!

Alumni return

During a memorable night the quintet were presented with their awards, whilst the audience also had the opportunity to enjoy a former Shipston alumni in Kirsty Abbotts, who thrilled a packed hall with her remarkable playing talents on ‘Pandora’, ‘I Hear You Calling Me’, ‘Hailstorm’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’.