Today has seen the band play at a very busy Beamish Museum. The general public and staff around the bandstand were very appreciative of the Christmas music and carols we played.

The band were very proud and honoured to take part in the Sunderland Remembrance Parade providing music alongside the Royal Signals (Northern) Band this morning. Thank you as always go to our helpers and friends of the band, David, Garry and Dave for boosting the ranks.

Below are Tonight has seen the band hold their Presentaton Evening at Redworth Hall. It was a fantastic night with a lovely meal, speeches, awards, bingo and a boogie on the dance floor. The band has also managed to raise an amazing £220 for the band funds from the bingo.

The Alan Beaumont Trophy for the Most Improved Player goes to Anna Bird, our 3rd Cornet player. Since joining the band, she has made great progress with her playing and has worked hard to get to where she is. Anna is building good foundations for moving up through the ranks.

The David Waterworth Trophy for the Player of the Year goes to Joanna Harrison. She has shown excellent dedication to the band and also stepped up to the mark on principal cornet for the League and Area Contests this year whilst Michael was out of action.

The Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band Trophy for Bandsperson of the Year (as voted for by the band members) was awarded to Ray Lee, our 2nd Euphonium player. As he wasn't at the presentation evening, he nominated Thompson to receive his award from our Life President, Dr. Bill Lamb. Below are some of the wonderful reasons why the band members voted for Ray.

The Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band Trophy for Most Improved Section was awarded to the Bass Section. Our conductor chose the basses for the progress they made preparing for the Area Contest and the solid foundations they are developing as a team. Helen, our Eb Bass player, was the only player available to collect the award.

Valerie Craig was awarded with her 5 years service

Lindsey Rowell & Daniel Maitre were both awarded with their 10 years service  (If Lindsey hadn't broken her service with the band when she lived away, she would have clocked up 25 years service. Daniel was unable to attend tonight, so he nominated Helen to receive his award).

Alan Beaumont was awarded with his 20 years service. Alan, our principal percussionist, is a loyal and dedicated member of the band who does a lot behind the scenes. He is our resident composer and arranger who has written many fantastic pieces for the band.

Finally, Marion Waterworth (the band's secretary) was awarded with her 50 years service, with 26 of them being in the secretary role. Marion is such a loyal and dedicated member who ensures professionalism on all levels. Not only keeping us all right, she also sorts out music and ensures the band has the reputation of being one of the most organised bands in the region.

To view the images from the night, please click read more.