The South West Brass Band Association recently held its 24th Mid-Winter Brass Band Workshop at West Buckland School near Barnstaple in North Devon.

65 participants from 20 different bands across the region enjoyed a weekend of music and education from tutors of the British Open and Brass in Concert Champion Foden's.

Foden's trio

A series of workshop sessions led to a massed band concert directed by Foden's MD Michael Fowles, assisted by star players Mark Wilkinson and Gary Curtin who joined them for the duet 'Time to say Goodbye".

The annual presentation of the 'Mervyn Sweet Memorial Shield' for the best under 18 musician over the weekend went to 14 year old George Watts, the talented principal cornet of Bideford Town Band. The award was presented to George by Mervyn Way of M Way & Son Transport, the event's main sponsor.

Great success

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The whole weekend was a great success and an indication of the health and talent that feeds into the bands in our region.

Our thanks got to our sponsors, to Foden's and their MD and players and to our brilliant volunteers including a fabulous catering team. Next year's event is already being planned."