Aldbourne Band poised for grand finals

Members will compete for nationakl glory at Cheltenham

ALDBOURNE Band members have achieved three great firsts this month - and hope to add another at the weekend.

A new website has been launched, a new training band has been launched and new uniforms bought…all in time for the National Brass Band Championship Finals in Cheltenham on Sunday.

Some of the old uniforms were bought 30 years ago and band chairman James Sheppard said: “It will be a joy to wear new uniforms of a high quality that have been made in England. We have updated the Dabchick Logo but kept similar colours to the original set.

“Brass banding is all about tradition. We did some research and found many examples of fashionable uniforms that quickly became outdated. We therefore decided to stay with what works, looks smart and retains the well known image of Aldbourne Band.”

He added: “We're very grateful for the local support that has been demonstrated in such a helpful way. I know that the band will wear these uniforms with great pride when we perform at the national finals.”

Meanwhile the band has launched its new training section with the help of St Michael's CE Aided School and the Friends of Aldbourne Band.

The youth project is being led by Janet Rowe with the aim of forming a second band which will also provide the players for the future of the main Band.

The inaugural session took place on September 6 and rehearsals will start in earnest at 7pm on Tuesday, September 27 in the village memorial Hall.

Meanwhile the new website, designed by band members, can be found at www.aldbourneband.org.uk and Facebook and Twitter are also available for supporters to follow the band's progress on a daily basis.

A supporters coach is running to Cheltenham on Sunday and will leave Aldbourne in the morning. For more details telephone Gavin Dixon on 01672 541204.