The town's band enjoyed a busy Christmas season, with 17 performances throughout December - including a number of Lights of Love services in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The Band was pleased to hear that the Shanklin service, which took place in the Crab Inn due to rain, raised over £250 for this worthy cause.

After a New Year break, the Youth Band continued the charity fundraising with a concert on Saturday 3rd February in aid of the Isle of Wight Cheshire Home, in Shanklin. Nearly £300 was raised in a packed concert at the United Reformed Church, and this was presented to the Home shortly afterwards.

As you read this, the Senior Band will be taking part in the West of England Regional Championships in Torquay on Saturday 10th March. It will be competing against over 20 bands from across the south-west in the Fourth Section - and hoping to secure a good result for the Island. This will be followed on Sunday 22nd April by the Southern Counties Amateur Brass Association Spring Contest in Hove, with both Senior and Youth Bands taking part. Following 2006's Senior Band win, and 2005's Youth Band win, they will be looking to bring the silver home again.

January saw the Band hold its Annual Awards Evening, where a number of trophies were presented to members in recognition of their talent and commitment over the past twelve months:

* Senior Player: Tracey Bennett (Principal Cornet)

* Senior Novice Player: Martyn Durkin (Tuba)

* Senior Section: 2nd & 3rd Cornets

* Youth Player: Robert Bartlett (Euphonium) / Harrison Marsh (Tuba)

* Youth Novice: Hannah Mudge (Cornet)

* Youth Section: Solo Cornets

* Brass Academy Player: Millie Pusey (Tenor Horn)

* Intermediate Band Player: Amy Deakin (Tuba)

* Chairman's Award: Yvonne Sparks (Non-Playing Member)

Congratulations to them all. A number of badges were also handed out in recognition of commitment over the Christmas period.

The Band is finalising its summer performances for 2007, and is set to have a busy season once again. Aside from playing in Rylstone Gardens and Ventnor Park, the Senior Band will be visiting the mainland to perform on Eastbourne Bandstand, and hopefully at Westminster Abbey again. For a full list of the Band's engagements, please visit www.shanklintownbrassband.org.uk or call 868614 for a copy.

The "Friends of STBB" is an organisation made up of parents, family and friends of the Band who wish to support its activities and help it continue providing opportunities for local young people through fundraising. Membership of the Friends is only £10 a year, and entitles you to advance notice of forthcoming activities, invitations to special events and other benefits. If you would like to join the Friends as a member (no level of commitment required!), please get in touch with Yvonne Sparks on 863667.

Alternatively, if you are more musically minded, or would like to be - we teach from scratch, and also take existing players, so please get in touch. Instruments, music and tuition are provided at £3 a week (£1.50 for children / concessions).