HATHERLEIGH Silver Band has been reaping in the silverware recently both on the band and individual front.

Seven junior players performed at the 14th Bideford solo and quartet contest organised by the Bideford Band and held at Bideford College recently.

Andrew Collier, aged 9, played a solo on his cornet, accompanied by Adrian Edwards on the piano.

This was the third year Andrew had played at the contest and his best performance yet ? adjudicator David Williams awarded him first prize and the Pascoe shield.

Carl Woodison, 11, was successful in the 10 to 12 age group. Carl, from Zeal Monachorum, was placed second in his group, and awarded the Bideford Town Band cup for most promising player for the second time.

Andrew and Carl learned to play the cornet at Hatherleigh and Okehampton Primary Schools respectively.

Last month, the whole band played at the West of England Bandsman?s festival held at Bugle in Cornwall.

The band?s performance of Pennine Moors by Darrol Barry earned first prize in their section and the Bowdy Cup.

The band?s flugal horn player Karen Squire was awarded the prize for best soloist. Karen was deputising for Marion Quick who was attending a wedding.

The band is now into its busy summer period, and during August the band has the following engagements:

Saturday, August 2: Save the Children fete, Reed House, Hatherleigh, 3pm.

Thursday, August 7: Outside the New Inn, Sampford Courtenay, 7.30pm.

Sunday, August 24: Ilfracombe bandstand.

Thursday, August 28: Moretonhampstead Carnival.

On Saturday, August 30, the band will round off the month with a performance in Hatherleigh Square at 7pm, as part of a cider and pasty evening to raise funds for the band.

If you would like to find out more about the band, contact bandmaster Robin Wonnacott on 01837 810678