MEMBERS of Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band enjoyed their last contest of the year on Saturday.

The band travelled to the South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) annual contest at Torquay, which was celebrating its 70th year.

The adjudicator, Steven Sykes commended the band on its dynamic detail and made particular mention to the percussion section, Paul Chammings and Emily Alexander, as ‘being super throughout’ the tricky piece of music.

Under the leadership of Richard Beardon the band enjoyed a successful year on the contest stage. In the spring it came tenth out of 24 bands in the whole of the South West at the national qualifying rounds. In June the band came first in deportment and second in the test piece at bugle contest.

The band is always ready to welcome players, old and new. If members can’t make every practice session it is not frowned upon and members are just happy to see players when family and work commitments allow. For more information email [email protected]