Lee is an experienced Musician, who has directed bands since 2007. His most recent success has been conducting both Saint Sebastian's and Staines Lammas Bands. In 2016, Lee led Saint Sebastian’s to their first ever appearance at the Area Contest second section finals. He is now looking forward to the challenge of taking Alder Valley Brass forward, building on the strong foundations left by Mr Roger Burke. Having had lots of experience playing in bands, Lee joined the Army as a musician, serving firstly with the Band of The Kings Regiment, before successfully auditioning for a post with the Band of The Irish Guards. Lee was later posted to the Band of The Logistic Corps. Retirement from the Army came in 2014. Lee is now looking forward to the challenge of preparing the band for the Area Contest, held in March, as well as a busy summer season. The Band currently have vacancies on bass trombone, cornet & percussion. So if you would like to be part of Alder Valley's exciting future please get in touch with MD Lee Woodward.

Alder Valley Brass had great pleasure in presenting Gemma Craig from Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, a cheque at their rehearsals on 23rd January at All Hallows' school, Farnham for £1163. The money was collected during 2016, at various locations and in different weather conditions, while the band were playing. Thank you to everyone who donated money so generously.

Congratulations to the Band and Lee! The results are in at the London and Southern Counties Region of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. 17 bands were competing in the 1st section.

1. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)

2. Regent Brass (Nick Thompson)

3. Hitchin (Graham Chambers)

4. Alder Valley Brass (Lee Woodward)

The Alder Valley Brass AGM took place on Monday 3rd April at All Hallows School, Farnham. The outgoing Trustees reports had been circulated, and the new Trustees were nominated and voted for.

Greg Hayes announced the winner of the 2016 Musician of the year trophy, which went to Donna Tubb (below), Flugelhorn player. In 2011 Donna made the move to take up the Flugelhorn seat at Alder Valley Brass.

The Band voted for the Band Person of the Year, and this went to Claire Wade, (below) for her tireless work during the year as General Secretary.

The Chairman, on behalf of the band, then made a special award to Roy Hancock, (below) in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service to Alder Valley Brass.

Greg Hayes, former Chairman of Alder Valley Brass and Timpani player, was presented with a leaving present by Claire Wade, General Secretary at a recent rehearsal.

Greg will be really missed by the band and everyone wished him and his family well. Greg is moving from the area to Wiltshire. He was presented with garden gift vouchers which can be used at his new home.

The band were playing for charities, and this year we are supporting Woodlarks Trust. This is a care home and activity centre on the outskirts of Farnham. Their mission is to provide care and support for people with a range of disabilities, in a warm and friendly environment. It was a very warm day in Guildford, temperatures rose to 29.5c. Thank you to the players, deps, collectors, Lee and of course all the people who came to listen and gave so generously, the collection will be split between two charities, Woodlarks Trust and the Band.