Band trimuph at annual festival

A MILITARY volunteer band returned triumphant from a successful festival picking up a number of awards.

Northwood Headquarters, in Sandy Lane, Northwood, is home to many leading military organisations, but it is also home to an award winning military band.

The JSU Northwood Volunteer band, made up of musicians from the Northwood, Uxbridge and Watford area, recently returned from a Royal Naval Volunteer band festival in Portsmouth.

At the annual competition all eleven volunteer bands compete against each other by performing a fifteen minute concert performance, to include a solo as well as an entertaining programme, and a fifteen minute marching display.

This year the band was placed third in the marching display, the highest position yet in the bands short history. Formed just nine years ago they are one of the more junior bands competing against some with 30 year old pedigrees.

Nick Brown, 31, who plays in the Corps of Drums, said: "This year's festival was special as we won the Daedalus Trophy for outstanding contribution to the volunteer bands, as well as coming second in the drum display."

Colour Sergeant Dave Boorer, a Royal Marine musician with 26 years experience, said: "Northwood volunteer band's best attribute has to be their enthusiasm for music making.

"We rehearse twice a week, and the band never ceases to amaze me with their enjoyment of performing.

"We have players ranging from 17 to 75, of all standards from semi-professional to complete beginners and we perform around the area at official functions and help local charities' raising money with concerts."

The band rehearse on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 10pm at Northwood Headquarters.

Mr Boorer said: "We are desperately in need of trombone players at the moment and can supply the instruments if necessary."

Anyone interested in joining the band should call Mr Boorer on 01923 957890 or email david.boorer807@mod.uk.