Bitter Sweet Cheltenham Appearance In Store For Bradwell Silver

Securing the winners trophy and banner at the London & Southern Counties Regional Brass Band contest and an invite to compete at the National Finals in Cheltenham is a landmark in the 117 year old history of Bradwell Silver. It’s the culmination of years of dedication by the players and Musical Director Brian Keech and no matter the result on 15th September, the Band will be determined to perform to their best ability and just as importantly, have a fabulous day out.

Anonymous Benefactor

Attending National Finals has the same financial impact to Bradwell Silver as we see with other community bands. Coming to our rescue is an anonymous benefactor who has donated the money to pay for the transport costs. The Band has been able to secure a coach to carry the instruments, players, MD and supporting friends and family to the event in style. We may not know who this charitable donor is but they have our heartfelt thanks as without this support we would have struggled to raise the necessary funds.

Brian Keech, Musical Director of the band told A4B: “The Band has worked so hard to create a performance to make all our supporters in the local community and wider Milton Keynes proud. To compete at the finals as winners of the region is an historic achievement and one that the players will remember for a long time”

Time to Say Farewell

The band are fortunate that all but one of of the members of their winning Band will be on stage with them at Cheltenham. A relocation has meant that our 2nd Baritone Martin Oliver will not be competing with them. The band wish to thank Martin for his hard work and dedication and wish him well with his retirement and new home. The band announce that Louis Wilson is returning to the Band to fill this vacant seat for Nationals. Louis is about to start his second year at the University of Leicester and had taken a sabbatical from Bradwell Silver where he previously held the 1st horn seat.

A spokesperson for the band told A4B: ‘Finals will be bitter sweet as once the day is over we have to say farewell to three of our cornet section. Adam Chappell, bumper up and featured soloist, has secured a place at the University of Huddersfield and starts his studies on 17th September. We thank Adam for interrupting his moving to University and wish him the very best of luck with his studies and finding a new home at a brass band in the Huddersfield area. Orla Howell, solo cornet, is taking a year to travel and see the world before settling into University life. We are sure she’ll be taking her cornet on the journey and wish her bon voyage. Daniel Gaylor, 2nd cornet, has completed his A Levels and secured an engineering apprenticeship and again we wish him all the best as he starts his career journey. All three of these ‘youngsters’ learnt to play in the Band’s development programme and have become important members of the Bradwell family. We hope this goodbye is not final and they will always be welcome at Bradwell Silver.’