At the end of a hectic Christmas schedule the Emley Band stopped to catch its breath and hand out it's six annual awards.

Awards

'Player of the Year' went to solo euphonium, Keith Lawton, whilst the 'Bandsman of the Year' was won by bass trombone player and webmaster Kevin Hallas.

The award for 'Most Improved Player' was picked up by solo cornet player Alan Moore, whilst the unique 'Added Extra' award for the person who took on a non musical task within the band went to Chairman, Michael Clough.

Light hearted

The light-hearted MD inspired 'Most Persecuted Player' and 'Emley Award', for the member who takes the most ribbing and leg pulling and makes everyone laugh went to Welsh exile Emma Dyson, whose dulcet tones causes no end of morale boosting laughter in the bandroom

Goodbye

Sadly the band said goodbye to three players, with Pete Rhodes, Linda Atkinson and David Hudson all taking a well earned break after playing an integral part in the band’s growing success over the last few years.

We have worked hard at Emley to build a reputation for having fun whilst entertaining audiences far and wideMD, Garry Hallas

Thanks

Emley MD Garry Hallas told 4BR: "We are very sad to see three wonderful bandsmen leave the fray. I can't thank them enough for the effort and dedication they have put in to making the band what it is today. We will miss them all in January when we get back to rehearsals."

Garry added: "We have worked hard at Emley to build a reputation for having fun whilst entertaining audiences far and wide. New recruits are already in place and we look forward to announcing these in due course."