In a strong field, including a former Belgian double winner of the European title, Friary Guildford were placed second in last weekend’s Southern Counties Amateur Bands’ Association Autumn Contest at The Hawth, Crawley. Playing the atmospheric ‘Music of the Spheres’ by Philip Sparke, they earned high praise from adjudicator Dennis Wilby, who summarised their performance as: “A great choice of music for your band. Excellent soloists – bravo soprano cornet. Technically superb playing. BRAVO MUSICAL DIRECTOR.” Band Chairman, Nigel Stevens, was delighted with the result. “Friary have historically done well at the Autumn Contest – we had a clean sweep of the silverware last year – but we were up against some stiff competition, and to make the podium was a great achievement playing this challenging piece.” Friary Guildford Band will be performing at Alton College, Old Odiham Road, Alton, GU34 2LX on Saturday 13th October at 19.00 in a concert organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Alton. Tickets £10 inc. glass of wine are obtainable from Altonian Coaches, Westbrook Walk, Alton Tel: 01420 84845 or 01420 89121, from Inner Wheel members and on the door.