The Cobham Band under the musical directorship of David Ruel presented “Trick or Treat” in concert with Ian Porthouse’s IP Brass at The Menuhin Hall, The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham on Saturday 31st October 2009.

Ian Taylor, Member of Parliament for Esher and Walton, Mayor Councillor James Vickers, the Band’s Presidents, Ian Carter, Secretary of scaba (Southern Counties Amateur Band Association) and Nicolas Chisholm, Headmaster of The Yehudi Menuhin School were in attendance.

Performing with IP Brass on Trombone was Stephen Sykes, BBC Radio Two’s Young Brass Soloist for 2009.  From Principal Trombone with The National Youth Orchestra to guest soloist with the Black Dyke Band to The Menuhin Hall with The Cobham Band (!!!) both Band and audience were enthralled by his playing and that of IP Brass.

The evening’s concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all, culminating in the mass band items, Hymn to the Fallen and Arnhem in the first half of the programme and in the second half, Jurassic Park, Procession to the Minster and closing for the encore with the march True and Trusty.  Many good comments were received with regard to The Cobham Band’s playing notably by IP Brass and the

Headmaster of The Yehudi Menuhin School.  This concert marks the third time The Cobham Band has performed alongside IP Brass and the fourth time that the Band has been delighted to receive an invitation to give its Autumn concert at The Menuhin Hall, which is a reflection of the high standards that the Band continues to achieve with thanks to the loyalty and dedication it receives from its musical director, membership and supporters.

This loyalty and devotion has been recognised by scaba and Ian Carter who was in attendance was able to present three members, Joe Smith, Bryan Haynes and Tony Ranger with certificates in recognition of 60 years service to the Brass Band Movement.  Further to this David Ruel was able to present Bryan and Tony with silver salvers on behalf of The Cobham Band in appreciation and recognition of 60 years continual service to The Cobham Band.  Both Bryan and Tony joined the band on the same day in 1949.  Bryan is the great-nephew of two founding members of the Band and his father played with the Band for over 50 years up until his death as did Tony’s father who played with the Band for 72 years.  An evening of awards and presentations was brought to a close with Simon Bristow, the Band’s Contest Secretary receiving the award for Bandsman of the Year 2009.