CINDERFORD Band, along with six other Forest bands, competed in Torquay on March 11 and 12, at the West of England Regional Championships.

Eighty-one bands from across the region assembled at the town’s Riviera International Conference Centre to compete in five different sections

Musical director, Chris Howley, said: “We hoped to win a place in the National Finals of Great Britain to be held later this year, but unfortunately none of the local bands made it through this time.

“We did however achieve the highest placing of all the Forest bands by being placed fifth out of 18 bands in our section. As in previous years we were unfortunate not to get a favourable draw in terms of order of play, playing second of the 18 bands.

“Not to be deterred and having to cancel a planned 9am rehearsal, I got the band together for an impromptu practice in the open air at the rear of the conference centre, minutes before taking to the stage with a polished performance of the test piece Darkwood.”

The band now settles down to a very busy summer events programme. If you are interested in booking the band visit www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk or contact Ruth Davies on 01594 563884. The band practises twice a week, on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at the Foxes Bridge day centre in Cinderford. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

Cinderford’s academy band will be competing at the Soundsport competition at Lydney on April 8.