Nailsworth Silver Band capped off a hectic week of festive engagements with their annual Christmas Concert.
Titled ‘A Christmas Spectacular’, the band played to a full house at Christ Church, Nailsworth.
They played Christmas classics such as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song, as well as more modern reworkings of iconic tunes, including A Festive Herald and A Partridge in a Pear Tree. The former allowed the audience to join in with a spirited rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The concert concluded with a lively version of Jingle Bells. Members of the training band were also given the chance to shine with their Christmas Medley, under the baton of Shona McDougall.
The annual event also features an opportunity to celebrate individual members and sections of the band.
The band inaugurated a new award in memory of musician Steve Legge which was awarded to the players’ player of the year. The first recipient of this award was Anna Malpass, who was commended for her organisation and positive attitude in organising a band of 30 people – no mean feat! The award was proudly presented by Steve’s husband Des.
The bandsman of the year award went to Laurence Atkinson for his hard work behind the scenes, ensuring everyone has the right music at the right time and upkeeping the band’s publicity.
The most improved player award was given to trombone player May Harper, who performed a wonderful solo entitled Share My Yoke during the concert. The training band award went to William for his great start to banding.
The coveted ‘Section of the Year’ award, named the Bill Bruton Shield after the late Nailsworth legend, was awarded to the Tuba Section, featuring Tim Robbins and Mark Bodenham on Eb Bass and Laurence Atkinson and Paul Bradley on Bb Bass. A special presentation was also made to long-serving player Ron Medland, who has decided to step down from the band after 21 years. The band would like to thank Ron for all his hard work and dedication over his years of service and he will be very missed in Nailsworth.
The concert is a memorial to Philip Sawyer who left his estate jointly to Nailsworth Silver Band, Christ Church and Shortwood FC. The event always raises funds for charity in Philip Sawyer’s memory and this year’s chosen charity was the Mark Townsend Charitable Trust which received over £500 in generous donations from the audience.
