Marsden Silver enjoyed a very profitable time of it on the weekend thanks to a busy schedule that saw them come third overall at the Saddleworth Whit Friday march contests and win both the Hebden Bridge and Morley march & hymn tune events on Sunday.

Three days

Conducted by Paul Andrews, it was an exhausting three days for both the band and the guest MD – although by banking over £5,000, it was well worthwhile.

Flew in

Paul flew in from Brisbane on Wednesday evening after enjoying a successful month in Australia where he led Brisbane Excelsior to the Queensland Championship title in Maryborough.

And despite the growing weariness of 24 hours of non stop travel, he still had the energy to prepare Marsden on Thursday evening on their chosen march ‘Knight Templar’, before heading to the Whit Friday circuit where they claimed victory at Uppermill and three other podium finishes to come third overall in the Area standings.

Double

After a days rest, the band then completed a march & hymn tune ‘double’ by winning the Morley and Hebden Bridge events – also playing ‘Knight Templar’.

With £4,100 already banked from Whit Friday, Morley saw the figure boosted by another £660 and then another £400 pocketed at Hebden Bridge – bringing the weekend’s contesting payday to £5,160.

I can’t thank Paul enough. To come back from Australia and straight into things within 24 hours because of my Foden’s commitments shows you just what a great musician he is. The band also showed just how well they are playing tooGlyn Williams

Happy

Glyn Williams was a very happy MD – and paid fulsome praise to his friend Paul and his band for their efforts.

"I can’t thank Paul enough. To come back from Australia and straight into things within 24 hours because of my Foden’s commitments shows you just what a great musician he is. The band also showed just how well they are playing too."

He added: "To claim third place overall in Saddleworth is a great achievement, but to top it off with two more wins is something else. The band is playing with such confidence at the moment."

Exhausted

Paul meanwhile was also very happy — but completely exhausted too!

"The last month has really rejuvenated me as a conductor. I had a great time with Brisbane Excelsior in Australia winning the Queensland Championship, and then to come back and get right into the very heart of Whit Friday contesting with such success has given me a real boost, despite the jet lag! I do need to catch up on my sleep now though."

Marsden started Sunday at Hebden Bridge, before making the three quarters of an hour trip over the Morely in convoy to complete their day’s work.

Brilliant response

He added: "Both bands responded to me brilliantly, with Brisbane showing just what a fine outfit they are and Marsden really showing their class in their performances over the weekend. They are a band to watch out for at major events, and I can’t thank them enough for the way in which they performed so well for me."