Well. it was nice to have a short break after the antics in Blackpool, but the action was soon upon us! First on the agenda was the band keeping their fingers crossed in support of our MD Glyn Williams and his wife (and regular Flugel dep) Helen when they competed with their Fodens band at the 2009 Masters Contest in Cambridge. There was no need to worry though as they regained their title and Glyn picked up his third major contesting Best Soloist prize in under twelve months!!

So, what has the Marsden Silver Band been up to since the heady days of early May? We took in a little marching practise at Scapegoat Hill up on the tops above Golcar on the morning of Whit Sunday, followed by a trip over the border to Springhead and Lees in the afternoon. We were blessed by gorgeous weather and it could not have gone better! One prophet of doom (who shall remain nameless) forecast a much darker end to the following week though!

Whit Friday morning in Saddleworth couldn't have been better, perfect conditions for marching - not too hot but nice and bright and all was well with the processions from Diggle into Uppermill. (A special thanks to all the guests that turned out to give us a 'boost', some from far afield!!) Unfortunately, the same could not be said of the evening adventures! The rain was threatening upon arrival at the bandroom around 3pm, it held off to an extent as we rehearsed and performed our 'first over' at Greenacres but our arrival at Lees signalled the unwelcome use of the 'special coats'. With everyone togged up in our very attractive rainwear we battled on through the storm! With the drive and unquenchable (pardon the pun!) enthusiasm of our guest MD Richard Evans we ploughed on through rain and queues to finally compete at seven Saddleworth & District contests. Our final tally saw no places lower than ninth and the highest came at a miserable Uppermill where we came second. The Saddleworth & Oldham District Central Prize for Best Local Band was our main award - resulting in a grand prize total of £1600 for an evenings work!

After such a hard weekend you could forgive us for putting the breaks on again, but no we had to keep going, 'silly season' has officially started for Marsden Silver Band! Just eight days after a tortuous Whit Friday the band decided to enter the St Helens Hymn & March Contest, no big deal you may think - but on the same afternoon as our own Hymn & March Contest was to be held!! A 'quick' dash over the tops to St Helens and back saw the band scoop the awards for Best Championship Section Hymn and March, but due to the prize structure at this contest miss out on the overall 'Best Performance' prize which went to JJB Pemberton Old.

One of the (very) local bands at this contest - Rainford, had decided to follow us home and compete at our own contest later in the evening. We were blessed with some good weather and Rainford were blessed with the larger share of the spoils for their efforts. A comprehensive run down of the results will follow soon.

Last Sunday (21st) saw the band in Hymn & March Contest action yet again, this time at Morley. It was great to see the band retain the overall winners title, winning in the best band on the march and contest march sections. The hymn tune and deportment awards went to Silk Brass and our neighbours Meltham respectively.

Our next main venture will be the concert in Brighouse on Friday 3rd July with guest soloist Richard Marshall (Principal Cornet of Black Dyke Band) which will be held at the Methodist Church and is part of the weekend festival there. This weekend will culminate with the famous Hymn & March Contest to be held on Sunday where we will be hoping to retain our title. We will keep you posted!!