Haverhill Silver Band AGM and Annual Awards

Haverhill Silver Band are pleased to announce the appointment of their new Chairperson, David Stevens, following their recent Annual General Meeting. The band wish to thank the outgoing Chairperson, Tom Walker, for his contributions to the band over the past 16 years.

David Stevens said: “Haverhill Silver Band is very sorry to be saying goodbye to Tom Walker as he stands down due to increased work commitments after 16 years as a cornet player and in more recent years as band chairman. Tom has been a popular and highly valued member of the “back row” in that time as the band has progressed to national championship level and been involved with multiple award-winning performances across the country. Tom has also made very notable contributions to the band behind the scenes. His leadership of a highly effective committee as chairman through the energy and pragmatic approach he has brought to the role has been a significant factor in the success of the band. The band will also inevitably miss Tom’s logistical skills as he has often been seen transporting much of the band’s equipment in his van to wherever we have been performing. He always had a warm welcome for everyone, and the band will miss Tom most as a friend. I am sure that we will keep in contact, and we all send Tom our best wishes for the future.”

The AGM also saw the announcement of the band’s annual awards. Tom Walker was voted the Bandsperson of the Year following a poll of the band members, and the band’s Musical Director, Paul Filby, presented Adam Waterson with the Most Improved Player award and Tim Pannell with the Player of the Year award.

Paul Filby said: “Choosing two of the annual player awards at Haverhill Silver Band is a pleasurable task for the MD although, with many suitable candidates, it isn’t necessarily easy! This year I chose Adam Waterson to receive the Most Improved Player award. Adam has developed tremendously since moving to Bass Trombone. He works extremely hard at improving his technique and is just such a great team player.

For the Player of the Year award, I had a list of band members that all consistently performed well throughout the year both on stage and in our isolation recordings. I decided to award it to principal cornet Tim Pannell. Just one of the highlights was his second movement solo in Contest Music at the 2022 Area contest, where he demonstrated such artistry and strength. His playing on that day played a big part in our win and he was also awarded the outstanding cornet player cup by the adjudicators Steve Sykes and Stephen Roberts.”