AVB took part in the scaba (Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association) Own Choice/Hymn Contest, at The Hawth, Crawley on Sunday 30th September. They were delighted to have come 5th out of 12 competing bands for their section.

It was a lovely sunny afternoon at Gostrey Meadows Bandstand, Farnham and lots of people came to listen to a variety of popular music. The cake stall was run by Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. Cllr Paula Dunsmore, Deputy Mayor of Farnham introduced the Band.

The Emsworth Horticultural Show was the final summer 2018 bandstand appearance. What a great way to finish too, such a amazing show, with so much going on. Thank you to everyone who has listened to us this summer, also to all our customers who have booked us.

Many thanks also to those musicians who have dept for us, and of course all of our own musicians who give so much of their time to practice and turn up to play. It’s been a great summer.

The afternoon's entertainment at the bandstand had to be cancelled due to the heavy rain. However, a quick change of plan, made it possible for the band to move to St Peter and St Paul Church, Borough Road, Godalming and the afternoon entertainment went ahead as planned.

Set in the Sussex countryside, high on the South Downs, is the lovely National Trust property of Uppark House. This was the venue for some music by the band, while people found shade to picnic and enjoy the surroundings and relax.

The annual Bourne Show took place during July. The show attracts a large amount of People from the Farnham area. It was lovely weather to enjoy the many stalls, classic cars, dog show and the general atmosphere.

The bandstand in Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames hosts a summer programme of weekend performances. Alder Valley Brass were there at the beginning of July and played to a large audience, which sat under the trees by the river to listen, on what was a very hot, sunny afternoon.

We were in Farnborough for the Get Involved Fair. Organised jointly by Rushmoor Borough Council and Rushmoor Voluntary Services, the fair is a chance for voluntary organisations, community groups, sports clubs and societies to raise the profile of the work they do in Aldershot and Farnborough.

The band played at Addlestone Community Centre at a cream tea concert. Plenty of people turned up, despite the super weather outside. Our thanks to the organisers for the hospitality.

Alder Valley Brass lead the procession at the annual Victoria Parade in Aldershot. The event celebrates close ties with Queen Victoria and attracts thousands of local people to the town centre. 800 people marched this year, including schools, community groups, Normandy veteran and Nepali dancers.

A cheque was presented to The Woodlarks Centre for £577, the charity the band supported during 2017. On the left is Ben Madombwe, Fundraising Manager for The Woodlarks Centre and on the right is Roy Hancock, Chairman of Alder Valley Brass.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks was the venue for a very successful concert in April. Well known music was played, some of the players also did solos. During the evening a presentation of £577 was made to Woodlarks Trust, the charity which the band supported during 2017. Alder Valley Brass would like to thank Rev Howard Wright and the Wardens for allowing them to use the venue.

Thank you also to families and friends who helped on the night. A special thank you has to go to local shop keepers who donated raffle prizes. The following raffle tickets have not been claimed: White 261, Blue 416 and Green 491, if you have one of these please contact us by email via this link. Lastly, thank you for coming to support us.

The AGM took place on April 9th at All Hallows School in Farnham, new officers were elected to the committee, (see the full list below) and awards made.

Roy Hancock presented the Band Person of the Year award. To the person who had made a significant contribution to the band in the last 12 months, beyond just playing their dots, to Bob Larbey.

The AGM took place on April 9th at All Hallows School in Farnham, new officers were elected to the committee and awards made.

Lee Woodward - musical director presented the award to the Musician of the Year 2017 to Laura James, who, during the year has changed over instruments from Cornet to Percussion.

In December we had an amazing concert at the John the Evangelist Church in Godalming. Thank you to the Guildford Vox Community Choir for inviting us.

The band spent many hours playing carols during December, taking the opportunity to boost much needed funds. The band is a charity and needs to raise at least £1000 a month to cover its overheads. Therefore, December is a very important month.