Brilliant Boarshurst Silver Band crowned champions at National Finals in Cheltenham

TALENTED Boarshurst Silver Band have every right to be blowing their own trumpet after winning their section at the National Championship Finals and earning a promotion.

The band, led by Musical Director James Garlick, impressed in February at the regional qualifiers to book their spot at the National Championship Finals at Cheltenham last month.

They joined 17 other bands – including Delph Band – from across the country representing their local areas in the second section.

But it was Boarshurst Silver Band who impressed the two adjudicators to come out top after performing ‘Music Of A Legacy’ by Steven Ponsford.

James said: “We rehearse every Monday and Thursday and had been preparing for the competition for six weeks.

“Lots of hard work and individual practise went in to creating our winning performance.

Musical Director James Garlick with the trophy

“We would like to say a big thank you to Kathryn at Play Diggle for letting us use their venue as a rehearsal space in preparation.

“We played exceptionally well then had to wait for the other bands to play and wait for the decision.

“Both adjudicators were unanimous in our placing, which was to be awarded first prize, meaning we were crowned National Champions of Britain in the 2nd Section. We were delighted as it has never been won by the band before!”

The band has now been promoted to the first section as of January 1, 2018.

James added: “It was an amazing feeling to win! All the hours of preparation and hard work from all the players was worth it.

“There is no better feeling to be awarded 1st prize and it meaning you have been crowned the best band in the country in that section.

“The amount of time, effort, practise and commitment the players give is second to none and Boarshurst wouldn’t be Boarshurst without them.

“The players were over the moon and very emotional as sadly earlier in the year we lost ‘Our Janet’ (Janet Payne), the band’s long standing secretary.

“Somewhere up there Janet will be having a drop of whiskey and a dance for us. Winning it this year for her made it that little bit more special.”

Find out more about Boarshurst Silver Band on Facebook /BoarshurstBand, including details of their Sunday Brass Series at the club (doors 7pm for 8pm start) and other up-coming concerts.

National Finals – 2nd Section – results