FRIARY GUILDFORD BAND CAROLLING HELPS TO SAVE LIVES
	Hard work by band members raises money for Surrey Air Ambulance

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	GRANT CASH FOR FRIARY GUILDFORD BAND
	Charitable trust grant awarded to assist purchase of a new xylophone

Friary Guildford Band have been awarded a cash grant by the Woking-based Deakin Charitable Trust, to be used towards the purchase of a much-needed xylophone. Public Relations Officer for Friary, Tim Straker, explained: ‘Although Friary is a brass band, the percussion section is an important part of the band, and a xylophone has been on our shopping list for some time. We are delighted to have the support from the Deakin Charitable Trust to help us add this exciting instrument to our bandroom. Friary Guildford Band will commence its 2012 contesting programme on Saturday 11th February at the Yeovil Entertainment Contest, with some members of the band taking part in the Southern Counties Amateur Bands’ Association Solo, Quartet and Ensemble contest at Ringmer, near Lewes on Sunday 12th as well.

	FRIARY GUILDFORD BAND AWARD WINNERS
	Players receive recognition of their achievment at at Christmas dinner.

Friary Guildford Band celebrated Christmas with skittling, dinner and presentation of their annual awards at The Grantley Arms, Wonersh on Saturday night. Cornet player Joan Barker was awarded ‘Most Improved Player’, commended by Musical Director Chris King for her perseverance and dedication particularly in getting to grips with the increasing demands of contest test pieces in the Championship Section. The band’s hard-working secretary and sub-principal cornet, Lauren Cave, was an obvious choice for ‘Bandsman of the Year’, voted by the band members. Solo euphonium player, Chris Straker, was awarded ‘Player of the Year’ by MD Chris King, not only for his consistency but for making a notable contribution to the band’s success with his solo performance at the Wainstones Cup contest in Middlesbrough last September. Band Chairman Nigel Stevens reflected on a long but successful year: “The band has worked really hard this year, travelling as far afield as Yeovil, Folkestone, Blackpool and Middlesbrough for contests, where we’ve enjoyed considerable success despite moving up to the top flight Championship Section. We’ve also had the privilege of playing at Ascot and Wembley Stadium which has heightened our profile immensely.” “It’s been a terrific team effort by everyone and we’re all looking forward to 2012 with renewed enthusiasm,” he concluded.