Friary Guildford Band was honoured last Saturday with the Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community. Along with individuals and couples who had given years of dedicated voluntary service, Friary’s Public Relations Officer, Tim Straker received a certificate on behalf of the Band from the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr David Elms at The County Club.
Friary had been nominated for the award by Shirley West, Chair of the Guildford & Godalming branch of the British Heart Foundation: the Band has p
erformed a Christmas concert for the BHF at the Park Barn Centre for a number of years, as well as raised funds for a number of other good causes.
‘It was a marvellous surprise to receive this recognition,’ admitted Tim. ‘The players love performing – they are amateurs in the true sense of the word – but it’s particularly pleasing that in doing so, they can also help others as well as provide enjoyment for the audience.’
‘2015 has started extremely well for Friary, he continued. ‘So far this year we have won the Most Entertaining Band prize in our debut performance at the Butlin’s Mineworkers contest; become Regional Champions; risen to 38th in the World Rankings (courtesy of www.4barsrest.com); and are looking forward to our third successive appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in October. However, to receive this award from the Mayor is an honour which surpasses these achievements.’