The enjoyment that can come from music-making was obvious in the Gala Concert given to celebrate their 35th anniversary by Castle Brass, the Pembrokeshire wind band.

The dedication and enthusiasm of their musical director, Val McInally, who has been with the band since it was started by her husband, John McInally when he was teaching in Pennar School, was reflected in the performance of the band.

The chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Tony Brinsden, Clr. Dennis Evans, Mayor of Pembroke, and Clr. Maureen Colgan, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, joined the audience which packed the Pembroke Town Hall to enjoy a varied programme of music, which included pieces by Sousa, the American march king, Glenn Miller, Edward Elgar, arrangements of American Spirituals in addition to two pieces written especially for the band.

One of the younger members, 13-year-old Sam Hodgson, who plays tenor sax ikn the band, gave a superb solo performance on the alto sax of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, which was originally written for Elvis.

Golden Grove School choir then performed four songs which the choir members had chosen from their repertoire, ably directed by Mrs. Sarah Benbow.

After the interval, the band struck up again with an energetic rendition of Liberty Bell by Sousa, in which they were joined by several members of the audience on various percussion instruments.

Eleanor Hodgson, who came third in the Young Musician of Dyfed competition, then gave a spirited performance of Polish Dance by Edmund Severn, accompanied by Anna Tiller. The newly formed quartet from the saxophone section then performed two American Spirituals. After two more band items, the band ended their programme with the well-known concert march, Bandology, again ably assisted by members of the audience.

The compere for the evening was County Clr. Mrs. Tessa Hodgson, who had previously introduced the band, stressing their ethos, which is to offer to anyone of any age, absolute beginner or experienced musician, the opportunity to play a wind instrument and enjoy making music. Present members come from all over the county and there are instruments to borrow free of charge.

Clr. Hodgson concluded the evening thanking the band and Val McInally for a fantastic concert. There was then a standing ovation from the packed audience, during which Val was presented which a bouquet by Jack and Finlay Bruce, the youngest members of the band.

For further information, please see www.pembrokecastlebrass.org.uk