Verwood Concert Brass enjoyed a successful day at the recent Wessex Brass Band Association contest.

Not only were they crowned champions but conductor Kevin Smith took the prize for 'Best Musical Interpretation of the score', whilst principal cornet Elaine Close also won the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Best Bass Section

However, it was the presentation of the Arthur Spencer Trophy to the 'Best Bass Section' of Nigel Tiller, Mike Dunnings, Duncan Smith and Jane Cottee that perhaps meant most of all, as it was originally donated to the Association in 2005 in memory of Arthur Spencer, who was such an important part of the Verwood Concert Brass throughout his life.

Such was his commitment and dedication to the brass band movement, and especially of the band, that in 1995 he opened the new Verwood Band Hall with its main hall named the 'Spencer Room' in his, and his family's, honour.

Since 2005 we have seen other bands winning this trophy so it became an ambition to bring it home to the 'Spencer Room' in our band hallTuba player Nigel Tiller.

Ambition

Bass player Nigel Tiller told 4BR: "Since 2005 we have seen other bands winning this trophy so it became an ambition to bring it home to the 'Spencer Room' in our band hall. Now we have done it, and it has made it all the more special by the connection to Arthur."

He added: "We are sure Arthur would have been delighted with Verwood's recent rise back up to the Championship section and extra pleased that we have finally won his trophy!"