The ‘40s theme proved a huge success when the band played to a full house in Kettleshulme Village Hall on Saturday night. Wing Commander Shaw took command not only of the band but also of the audience – “Dance!” he said and dance they did!

The programme included a wide range of music in a variety of different tempos but the Kettleshulme dancers were up to the mark whatever speed or style. It was a great to play a “home” fixture in our own band room to such an appreciative and supportive crowd.

The dance was organised by the Village Hall Committee, and we are delighted to report that over £1000 was raised, so thank you to everyone who organised and supported the evening.

The sun shone and the band was proud to lead the march through the town on Remembrance Day. Newest band member Javan Carrinton, aged 10, played the last post at Furness Vale and Bridgmont War Memorials and then joined the band in a packed Trinity Church where we accompanied the singing and played a meditation; an arrangement of Eternal Father edited for the occasion by MD Matt.

Principal cornet Daniel Sargent sounded the last post both in church and at the laying of wreaths at The Cross at Whaley Bridge Station. The Band wreath was carried by Steven Farragher who plays cornet in the Training Band.

Sunday 27th October saw the bands’ annual slow melody competition. Competitors from both the Senior and Training bands performed solos and duets to a packed audience in the band room. The adjudicator for the event was the band’s own Musical Director Matt Shaw, who had nothing but praise for the high standard achieved by all the players. 

In the Training Section prizewinning soloists were youngsters Stephen Farragher on cornet, (Wilson Shield) Laura Nettleton on flugel horn (Cedar Finance Shield) and Laura’s mum, Wendy, on euphonium who took the Barry Hinde Trophy. The Shannon Tolley Trophy for the best senior soloist went to Lindsay Penney playing tenor horn.

The ensemble prizes went to Laura Nettleton, with her second win of the day, and Sheila Walton playing a flugel horn duet who took the Wilson Cup, and trombone duo Peter Brown and youngster Alex Camenzuli who won the Arthur Hulme Shield.  The final prize of the day, the Norman Mackay cup for the most improved player in senior band, was awarded to Karen Cridland, baritone horn.