THE Launceston Town Band held its annual awards evening at Trethorne Leisure Park recently.

The mayor Margaret Young, in proposing the toast to the band, said that the town council really valued the band and appreciated it turning out regularly to play at events such as the carnival and the Armistice Sunday parade as well as representing the town further afield. She said she particularly enjoyed their playing in the square.

Band chairman Mike Warne, responding in the unavoidable absence of the president John Ware, thanked musical director Colin Gay and junior and training band musical director Ann Brown for the hard work they do for the band. He also extended his thanks to players from other bands, some of who were present, for helping when the band was short of players.

The band extended its thanks to the town council for its strong support and appreciation for the increased grant it received this year. Several mayors in recent years had made the band their charity or one of their charities and he welcomed Cllr Brian Hogan, who had raised almost £1,300 for the band in his mayoral year as well as helping in practical ways. The chairman also welcomed Cllr Paul O’Brien and his wife Rosemary, who have for several years held a garden party at their home in aid of the band and were always prepared to help at band functions.

The mayor then presented the trophies. Ann awarded Jo Bansal the ‘Ian Rattray Trophy’ for the most improved learner. She chose Henry Bye as junior band player of the year and he received the ‘John Ware Shield’.

Colin awarded Sue Manzi the ‘Conductor’s Baton’ for novice player in the senior band making most improvement and Brian Balsdon the ‘Gordon Hodge Trophy’ for novice member contributing most to the band, mentioning his work in and around the bandroom.

Colin chose William Neale as the recipient of the ‘Plestin-les-Greves Cup’ for the junior player showing commitment and good attendance and Charlotte Barker the ‘Eric Tiplady Cup’ for junior player of the year. The players also voted Charlotte as their ‘Players’ Player’.

Colin chose Derek Kidby as the senior member contributing most to the band and he received the ‘Dobson Cup’ and Linda Wilde received the ‘Chairman’s Shield’ as his player of the year.

Mike awarded the ‘President’s Shield’ for bandsman of the year, playing or non-playing, to Keith Henry for his work as secretary, for helping regularly with the Wednesday lunches and for being the band’s most regular collector.

The keepers’ trophies and engraving were sponsored by John Whiting & Co, solicitors

The enjoyable and successful evening ended with bowling.