The band met at the Pier House Hotel, Charlestown on 20th March to have a meal and celebrate the area win. Organised superbly by Terry & Ann Sleeman and Becki Richards, the evening was a great success and allowed the players to reflect on a 3rd area win in 5 years and as always to have a chat about the future.

Over 50 people attended enjoying the fine food from the Pier House and it was great to see Mark Bray and his wife, Elaine, attend. The band are delighted to announce that Mark has joined the band on a permanent basis on 2nd euphonium. Mark has been a 'squad member' for some time now but has decided that he has enjoyed the camaraderie so much as a squad member that he wanted to join on a full time basis.

Chairman, Derek Thomas, gave an impromptu speech after the meal to thank the Pier House for being such good hosts as well as reflecting on the Area win and before Terry raised a toast to professional conductor, Andy Duncan, who was unable to attend the meal.

The Band is now preparing for a BBC Radio 2 'Listen to the Band' recording before starting in earnest on the Grand Shield test piece, Vienna Nights by Philip Wilby.

Our thanks also go out to the many people who congratulated us at and since the Area contest.