Milnrow Band Annual Ball and Presentation evening

Milnrow Band's persons of the year and outgoing managers Natalie Beer and Chris Buckley

The Annual Band Ball and presentation evening was held at the Cricket Club on Saturday evening, 18 November.

Most Improved Player Award

Alan (Angus) Connell - received the 'Arthur Edward Bailey Memorial Trophy'

Known by many as Jock or Ang, he is a well liked and respected member and along with wife Adrienne they are the only two remaining of the members who joined Milnrow after the amalgamation with Rochdale Band in 1994/5.

Player of the Year Award

Chris Musgrave (Soprano Cornet)

Chris is one of the youngest members and is a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire, he is a most valued band member and has been prominent in Milnrow Bands' recent successes. He has received several 'best in' acclamations for contest performances

Chris was presented with “The Richard and Marian Hodgson Memorial Trophy”

Band Person(s) of the Year

Natalie Beer and Chris Buckley - received Rose Bowl and Plinth

After several years, they both relinquished their positions as band managers due to family commitments but continue to be loyal playing members.

Flugel Horn player Natalie provides lovely solos when required and Chris fills the ‘third man’ position on the cornet front row.

Chris said a few words of thanks for Frances Thewlis and Adrienne Connell, recognising their work done for the band although not now playing members.

Chris is also now known as ‘Marathon Man’ after his efforts for the recent Royal Albert Hall (London) appearance fund. He went over and above ‘the call of duty’ by completing six half marathons over a period of six months.

Organised by Adrienne Connell and other lady members of the band, this year the event was a Masquerade Ball, and everyone was encouraged to wear a mask of their choice which gave rise to some exotic facial adornments.

Compere for the evening was band manager Frances Thewlis.

Soup, succulent roast beef and all the trimmings, was followed by cheese cake, tea/coffee and chocolates.

Recipients of the awards are decided by band members who vote for their peers in three categories taking regard of their unselfish efforts over the year.

Musical Director Mark Bentham gave a short address on the aspirations he and the band have for the future and complemented all concerned on the bands` most recent successes, before making the presentations.

Music throughout the evening was provided by the Ronnie Scott Disco.

On show was a series of 10 framed photographs depicting the rise of Milnrow band over the past 30 odd years. 

A band spokesperson said: "We wish to make known our gratitude for the support in donations given by the local (and not so local) businesses. Butterworth and Son (Butchers), the Co-Op, All about Flowers, Photography by Karl and the Bella Vista (all of Milnrow), The Italian Job and Londis (both of Newhey) and Denis Hope (Rochdale) and Gordon Rigg Garden Centre.

"Thanks also to entrepreneurial businesses Sweet Things-Cakes by Rebecca and Helen Russell Creations.

"Lords (Caterers) are to be complemented for the excellent fare provided

"Once again, this annual event was an unqualified success due to the many friends of the band, not least the committee and members of Milnrow Cricket Club for the use of their facilities, not forgetting Adrienne Connell and the ladies for their artistic and organisational skills."