(Update 28th April: The Flowers Band won, and are now European Champions! The first English band to win since 2015. Warmest congratulations from all at the Honourable Company!)
The Flowers Band (Gloucester) will be representing England in the European Championships in Austria over the weekend of 25/26 April. They received their first ever invitation to the Championships after they achieved second place (the highest placing of the English bands) out of 18 bands at the British Open Brass Band Championships. They have raised considerable funding to be able to go to Austria.
On the first day of the Championships, all 19 bands taking part will play the same set piece. On the second day they can choose their own piece and Flowers Band commissioned a new work, which incurred extra cost. Needless to say all donations are gratefully received and can be made on their website https://www.flowers.band/
The Band extended an invitation to the HCG Charitable Trustees to attend their Open Rehearsal of both pieces of music in Gloucester Guildhall on Saturday, 18 April. Michael Jones (Warden and Trustee) and his wife Elizabeth attended, together with trust secretary Margaret Fuller. It was clear how much hard work goes into such events and rehearsals will take place almost every day in the week before they travel to the Championships. The Band’s playing on Saturday was impressive and at a small reception after the rehearsal Michael and Elizabeth were able to congratulate them during a conversation with Gregor Spence, the Band Manager.
The Trustees wish the Band every success for their first appearance at the European Championships representing England and, of course, Gloucester.
