The Lydney Training and Starter Bands have just given out their annual awards in recognition of the hard work put in by all 50 members of the two bands in the past 12 months.

The enjoyable social evening was also full fun and skittles (plenty of skittles!) as the awards reflected the progress made during 2018 — a year that saw the bands perform at over 20 events and host a hugely successful brass and percussion workshop day with conductor Tom Davoren.

Continue to thrive

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Both bands continue to thrive and successfully raise their standards. Many members are also involved in the senior Lydney Town Band's promotion to the Second Section at the West of England Regional Championships."

Conductor Kevin Ford used a quiz to highlight the achievements but also admitted that he had a very difficult task picking the various award winners.

He also hoped that the progress would continue in 2019 with plans for another brass and percussion workshop day and the imminent delivery of new stand banners.

Both bands continue to thrive and successfully raise their standards. Many members are also involved in the senior Lydney Town Band's promotion to the Second Section at the West of England Regional ChampionshipsLydney Band

Award winners

New Member Certificates were presented to youngsters Mark, Megan, Jaydn, Ruth, Millie, Minnie, Mostyn, Sam, Orla, Miaya and Dougie, with individual awards going to Millie McKechnie, George McKechnie, Zoe Fransham, Lysander Waring, Samuel Hunt-Clark, Mark Phifer, Ben Hannaford-Waddington, Jenny Woodward and Lily Mountford. The 'Section of the Year' was the euphoniums and baritones.