1st MALVERN COMPANY BOYS’ BRIGADE
BOYS & GIRLS BRIGADE ENGLAND & WALES
NATIONAL BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008
STOKE ON TRENT
Saturday 7 June 2008
1st Malvern Company participated in the above competition, in the Beginners Class, for the third time since 2006. On this occasion and to mark the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the Company as well as celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Brigades National Formation, they were successful in pulling off a clean sweep.
In all they took 6 trophies which included
• Best Wind – bugles
• Best Percussion – drums
• Best Drill & Deportment
• Best Drum Major – Individual Competition
• Best musical effect
• Overall Class champions
Band Members
Staff Sgt Chris Styles – Lead Drummer
Staff Sgt Tom Hern – Drummer
Corporal Chris Noble – Drummer
Lance Corporal Nick Rushen – Bass Drummer
Sergeant Simon Noble – Flatbed Bells
Corporal Alastair Hall – Flatbed Bells
Staff Sergeant Callum Jolliffe –Bugler
Sergeant Peter Soley – Lead Bugler
Sergeant Josh Elston – Bugler
Lance Corporal Dale Barker - Bugler
Private Luke Walters – Bugler
Private Josh Plumstead – Bugler
Private Josh Monk – Bugler
Lance Corporal Robert Church – Bugler
The Band have been working together now for some 3 years and have had input from a number of instructors including Mr David Cherry from London who is now in his 80th year. A sprightly octogenarian he attends Malvern bi-annually to give the drum corps a Master Class. John Frith a local brass instructor has assisted from time to time. Other involvement has included playing with the London Massed Bugle and Drum Bands in the Lord Mayors Show and at Royal Chelsea Hospital as well as locally for the Royal British Legion. The Royal Marines assisted with drill in April.
Chris Styles commented that it was great after 3 years of continuous practice, attendance at the competition and lots of commitment to walk away with all the trophies. Tom Hern said it was especially good for those older boys who were moving on now to have achieved this result. Bass Drummer Nick Rushen whose metronomic efforts on the bass drum had been crucial to success was highly delighted as were the younger buglers who are now keen to have a shot at the Novice class, the next higher grade, next year. Callum Jolliffe and Peter Soley both said it was the cream on the cake and a most enjoyable experience. Company Captain Paul Hern said it was a fitting finale to his 20 year Captaincy.
The Band has received financial assistance from several sources over the years including Worc County Council, Malvern Town Council, Awards for All and LIONS and to whom it is indebted.