Band members recognised at dinner dance

Aaron Rivkin

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Members of Milnrow Band were presented with awards for their efforts throughout the year at the band’s annual dinner and dance held at Milnrow Cricket Club.

The event, held on Saturday night (24 March), was organised by the female members of the band. Guests enjoyed a meal and the theme for the evening was in keeping with the Diamond Jubilee year, with each table bearing the name of a member of the Royal Family, place cards were also suitably decorated.

The awards, as voted by members of the band, are as follows: 

• Player of the Year, receiving the Richard and Marian Hodgson Cup was Aaron Rivkin (Principal Euphonium)
• Most Improved Player, receiving The Arthur Bailey Cup was Rachael Squibbs of the Trombone Section.
• Most Committed Player: Angus Connell
• Band’s Person of the Year: This was a joint presentation of a Silver Salver to Jonny Shaw (of the Bass Section) and Principal Baritone Michael Thewlis, given to both for services over and above provision of their playing abilities.

A quiz and a raffle with numerous prizes were held during the evening to raise monies for band funds.

The band wish to thank the following for their support: Abby Rose Holistic Therapies, Milnrow Balti, The Co-operative, Milnrow and Morrison’s Rochdale.

Band President, Ken Watts, said: “Louise Plant let it be known that owing to the lack of corporate sponsorship at present, a scheme is about to be launched to encourage individual supporters to become ‘Friends of Milnrow Village Band’ and that a Presentation Document would shortly be available to encourage local and perhaps national companies to provide sponsorship.

“Milnrow Band is currently in the world rankings at number 59 and locally ranks around number 6 in the North West.

“Louise went on to praise the assistance, support and guidance given to the band over the years by many people, not least by the present Executive Committee, incidentally members of which have racked up a cumulative total of some 150 years loyal service to Milnrow Band between them.

“Milnrow Band officials, committee and members wish to whole heartedly thank Milnrow Cricket Club, officials, members and staff for previous support and for use of their facilities on this occasion.”