For the whole of Sunday’s opening hours at Sainsbury’s in Banbury, the band entertained the shoppers and raised much needed funds to help keep the band going through the winter.

The band and its helpers played shifts throughout the day, and Mr. Owens (Chairman Rhys to us) gave some of his school pupils a taste of performing in public when they joined us for a massive performance of Jingle Bells. The Mayor popped by to say hello, many shoppers commented on how nice it was to hear a proper band, and one even admitted to singing along to the carols as she went up and down the isles.

We then decamped, via the pub, to Brackley to play with the Junior band at this year’s community Carol Singing in the market square. As usual it was packed out and the players, John Bennett, the weather and Santa’s performances were all excellent.

Sharing their musical duties with a steel band the senior band were able to instil a little humour into proceedings with performances of Singing in the Rain and A Grand Day Out as the heavens opened at regular intervals during the afternoon. Thanks go to Nigel Hall for conducting the band and to Angus Oliver, Steve Clapton and Julie Jackman for helping us out at our last engagement before a well earned summer break.

A small group from the senior band played in the open air for the first time when they started the Air Ambulance Music Festival at Brackley Town Football Club on Saturday. Bolstered by the presence of Angus Oliver on Eb Bass, Dan Blake on cornet and Lee Smith on drums the group were pleased to hear that their arrangements work equally well outside and to report that their 40 minute session was well received.

For the first time in the long history of the Brackley Music Festival, the Brackley bands were honoured to headline with the first concert of the 2011 season. The senior band were delighted to welcome back David Williams as guest conductor for the night, his first time in front of the band since our purple patch in the 80s. A return to the traditional Magdalen Chapel venue saw a typically well attended event with fine performances from both the senior and junior bands.

An early start at Padbury for the band’s second showing at the annual Padbury Sick Benefit Society march supporting the Society’s collection for local people in need. A wet morning didn’t hamper the band’s spirits or that of our hosts as we entertained the villagers between regular stops for refreshments and the drying out of wet uniforms. A small ensemble stayed behind after the marching to provide musical background for the Society during their roast beef lunch. Again, a very enjoyable and worthwhile morning enjoyed by all the band. Special thanks to our hosts for their appreciation and hospitality.

Having endured winter conditions for this event on the previous two years, the band were pleased to round off a sunny spring holiday weekend by providing the music for Weston and Weedon Lois Country Fayre. We are very pleased to welcome Matt Cotton to our trombone section who made his debut today.

The Holt Hotel near Oxford provided a perfect setting for the marriage of 2nd cornet Liz to new husband Billy. Guests were treated throughout the afternoon to a light programme of music provided by the band playing in the hotel gardens. Liz looked absolutely lovely for her special day and the band enjoyed being part of such a great occasion.

The band, under the baton of Jason Glynn, secured its national First Section status in the annual Midlands Regional qualifying contest at Bedworth Civic Hall. A competent rendition of Carnaval Romain received encouraging comments from the adjudicators but saw the band placed 13th of 18. Not quite what we had hoped for but enough to keep the band in the First Section on the basis of results over the preceding two years. This represents the band’s 9th consecutive year in the First Section, which contains a large number of high quality bands, many of which have commercial sponsorship or other financial benefactors. The band now looks forward to a busy summer season of concerts and outdoor events throughout Brackley and the surrounding area.