The Friary Guildford Band has reflected on another successful year as they held their Annual General Meeting at Weyfield School in Guildford last week.

Loyalty

Membership Secretary, Nigel Stevens, that despite losing a few players, loyalty has helped contribute to arguably Friary's most successful year in its 25 year history.

New players

New players include percussionist Emma Stoffer, who helped th bands percussion team win the 'Best Section' award at this year's Yeovil Entertainments contest, whilst former member Nigel Simmons returns bringing with him a wealth of experience to the bass section.

Other new faces include Ben Dowsett on baritone and Janatha Yarham, to the cornet section.

...recent successes at Folkestone, Pontins and Yeovil, as well as becoming SCABA 'Band of the Year' has meant that people across the country are really starting to sit up and listen!Chairman Mark Yarham

Suprisingly pleased

Looking back over the past year Chairman, Mark Yarham, commented that he was "...surprisingly pleased with the band's progress", against its short and long term objectives over the year. He added: "Whilst the band had a disappointing result at the Area Contest in Stevenage last month, recent successes at Folkestone, Pontins and Yeovil, as well as becoming SCABA 'Band of the Year' has meant that people across the country are really starting to sit up and listen!"

The band will hope to continue their recent success by returning to Blackpool to compete in the Spring Festival in May.