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.

Christmas had come to the National Trust Uppark (nr Petersfield) Victorian Weekend and was well worth a visit.

The band played carols, at the start of the Victorian Christmas event.

The band played for the first time in Festival Place, Basingstoke on Sunday 26th November. They collected money for charity, and people stopped and listened while they were Christmas shopping.

Visitors to the town centre were treated to a day full of festive activities with a packed schedule of music and entertainment on a stage in Union Street. Alder Valley Brass and Cactus Brass entertained shoppers with traditional music and the Aldershot Lions offered mulled wine to raise funds for local community projects.

The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Sophia Choudhary, the Mayoress of Rushmoor, Attika Choudhary, the leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Cllr David Clifford and MP for Aldershot, Leo Docherty all took to the stage for the switch on.

Alder Valley Brass led a Remembrance Service parade through the streets of Farnham. It was an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. The event began with the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Mike Hodge and local dignitaries joining the parade and assembling at the War memorial for 10.45am. The Last Post was played by principal cornet player, Steve Burgess.

The two-minute silence was followed by Reveille also played by Steve Burgess. After the service, representatives from the services, armed services and youth organisations took part in a march past led by Alder Valley Brass. The salute was taken outside Farnham Town Council’s office by the Mayor of Farnham & visiting dignitaries including Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Bill Biddell. The morning concluded with a service at St. Andrew’s Church.

Alan Frampton and his wife Tracey, have now moved from Aldershot and gone to live near their daughter in Essex. This has meant that Alan has left Alder Valley Brass. There was a presentation to Alan and Tracey at the end of the church service in Farnham recently. Alan was presented with garden vouchers by Roy Hancock, Trustee & chairman of

Alder Valley Brass & thanked for the many years of service which he had given to the band. Tracey was presented with flowers, for the support which she had given at concerts & when collectors were needed for charity, by Liz McGrath, Trustee & solo horn player.

Alder Valley Brass were at the launch of the 2017 Woking Poppy Appeal.

There were many hours of music played in the centre of Woking.