Phoenix Brass celebrated its 25th Annual Dinner and Awards Evening when members, supporters and friends gathered at the Royal British Legion, Hungerford in May 2018.
Mr Roger Dewey toasted absent friends before Mr Steve Rogers, Chairman, Phoenix Brass, welcomed the guests of the evening. These included Mike Kilroy, Band President, and Vice Presidents, Lieutenant Commander Mark Sheldon RN and his wife, Karen, and Mrs Christine Peacock accompanied by her daughter, Cheryl. Unfortunately, a prior engagement prevented Commodore Jamie Miller, RN, OBE, from attending. Lieutenant Commander Sheldon has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Band ever since his days aboard HMS Marlborough before the affiliation ended with her decommissioning and sale. Similarly, Christine Peacock has supported the Band since 1993.
Musical Director, Mr David Watson, spoke of the number of people who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the past twelve months to ensure that the band ran smoothly.
Guest of honour, Mike Kilroy addressed the evening’s guests and spoke of brass banding, the creation of environments where people from all walks of life could flourish and develop, socially, educationally and artistically. He commented that all the glories of a top tier band are as nothing in comparison with the family atmosphere and dedication of grass roots brass bands. Commitment and loyalty are traits of banding that stay with a brass player throughout their life.
Mr Watson announced the awards and Mike Kilroy presented the trophies. Mrs Betty Walley received the Musical Director’s Award. Charlie Rogers received the Young Player of the Year Award. The Musician of the Year Award was presented to Mrs Teresa Fradgley. The Nora Edwards Award was presented to Mrs Marilyn Mason in recognition of her work behind the scenes and the George Edwards Award was awarded to Miss Julie Waller. Mr Richard Fradgley received the Friends of Phoenix Award for his work supporting the band. The Training Band Award went to Stuart Hyatt.
