After a difficult period during the middle of 2008, there was plenty to celebrate for the players and supporters of the Staffordshire Band at Pontins on the weekend, as the band picked up 4th place in the Championship contest.

Very happy

Chairman Shaun Elliott told 4BR: "We were very happy with our performance and to have come 4th from a very unhelpful draw is all the more satisfying. The players worked very hard once again and the opportunity of having Huw Thomas conduct us, clearly worked wonders."

The band has been through a difficult year but I now believe we have turned the corner and are really on our way backChairman Shaun Elliott

Difficult year

Shaun added: "The band has been through a difficult year but I now believe we have turned the corner and are really on our way back. The new players, who's first contest this was with us, all performed very well and best of all, really enjoyed the experience — it all bodes well for our future."

Chemistry

Shaun also revealed that Huw will continue to work with the band to recover the ground they lost this year.

"He is a very ambitious and experienced conductor who is working with some of the best brass band conductors around, all of which can only serve to benefit the band. There was an immediate chemistry with him the instant we started to work together and it certainly showed on stage."