*
banner

Silver linings for Gillingham in 2015

Gillingham Imperial Silver has enjoyed a great year thanks to an influx of new talent...

Gillingham Silver logo
 

Gillingham Imperial Silver recently celebrated a successful 2015 at their annual Christmas concert.

Awards

The town's Mayor presented their annual awards which went to Jess Hudson as the 'Most Improved under-18 in the Senior Band', Sarah Barnes ('Highest Rehearsal Attendance'), and Tom Malleson ('Greatest Contribution').

Megan Bokker received the 'Most Improved Player' in the Training Band with Ellie Stiles taking the same award in the Beginner's Band. The 'Youngest Player' Award was won by Maddie Currie. (All above)

Contest high

The Dorset band ended 2015 on a high after their recent Third Section win at the Wessex BBA contest in Bournemouth to round off a year that started with the loss of five regular players.

However, the return of flugel star Michelle Hudson after a 16 year sabbatical playing in Cornwall, alongside Elaine Laurence, Sam Vaughan and Clare Chapman has boosted things once more.

Delighted

Band Manager Tom Malleson told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome back Michelle alongside her mum Jackie on solo horn and daughter Jess, who at only 14 is a great young talent on solo cornet."

He added; "Elaine is also joining her sister Mary to boost our cornet section, Clare has been a regular helper for a while and Sam is another promising young cornet player. Great thanks go to our stalwart Marcus Adams, who teaches most of the band's youngsters and gives help and support to those joining the back row."

The band also recently held a very successful beginner's open evening. Organised by training band percussionist Lottie Dean as a school project, the evening attracted over 20 people, of which nine are now regular members4BR

Beginners group

The band also recently held a very successful beginner's open evening. Organised by training band percussionist Lottie Dean as a school project, the evening attracted over 20 people, of which nine are now regular members.

After a year in which the band also welcomed German friends Musikzug Viktoria Hille and Cory's Glyn and Helen Williams for a great concert, the band is looking forward to 2016, starting with an exciting concert in February and the West of England Championship in Torquay in March.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd