Tameside Council recently recognised the achievements of its community brass bands at the North West Regional Championship in Blackpool.

Representatives of Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Mossley and Stalybridge Old met with the Mayor & Mayoress of Tameside to be congratulated on their performances.

Much to congratulate

Unfortunately, whilst none of the bands managed to make the National Finals, there was still much to congratulate them all on — led by Ashton who came fourth in the highly competitive top section.

A rejuvenated Stalybridge Old also just missed out on a podium finish in the Fourth Section, although any collective disappointment was diminished when band members Colin Cheshire, Colin Doran, Trevor Hamilton, Anne & Shaun Jackson, Philip Meredith and John Withers received well deserved ‘Long Service Awards’ from the North West Brass Band Association.

Well deserved

Audrey Greenwood of Stalybridge Old told 4BR that each of the recipients was surprised to have received the awards, as they had no idea what was happening.

“They were all genuinely surprised to have received their long service awards,” she said.

“They can be proud of their dedication that they have given not just to Stalybridge Old, but banding as a whole. Over three hundred years collective service is a truly astonishing achievement.”

They can be proud of their dedication that they have given not just to Stalybridge Old, but banding as a whole. Over three hundred years collective service is a truly astonishing achievementAudrey Greenwood

Looking forward

All of the bands who competed in Blackpool will now be looking ahead to further success at the Tameside Whit Friday contests that takes place on 29th May, whilst Ashton will also carry the hopes of the borough at the Spring Festival in a few weeks time.