Undetered, the Band rehearsed in the village square, as the dep Bass player learnt his solo. Eventually, late into the evening, the Band descended on the only restaurant still open.

The digs were allegedly not far away, not much more than a 5 minute walk. Of course, France being an hour ahead, that meant an hour and 5 minutes (don't forget to add the hour when calculating times abroad!)

The contest started 9am prompt the following day. The Band had chosen to play the cornet solo "Solitaire", followed by the compulsary test piece "Rise of the Pheonix" and closed the performance with "Saints Saens Variations"

The contest also included a march, and in 35 degrees of heat, the Band decided shirt sleeves was the order of the day. Marching through Amboise to "The Thin Red Line", the Band then adopted concert formation to play "Knight Templar", and that concluded the serious part of the weekend.

But before the real relaxation began, and the hospitality of Amboise fully exploited in celebration of receiving a rather nice piece of silverware, the Band played an open air concert, which, much to the delight of the locals, Mike Lock compered entirely in French - it's not often the interludes get as much applause as the performances!

As a few flakes of snow began to fall, the warmth of Christ Church was most welcoming on a bitterly cold winter's evening. A warm welcome also awaited Francis Cowley and members of Swindon Brass as they joined the Band for a landmark concert.

Tightly packed on the Christ Church stage, the combined bands of Swindon played a mixed programme woven with a Christmas theme. Old favourites such as Howards Blake's "Snowman" and John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" to theme tunes from traditional Christmas films such as the "James Bond Collection".

The first half was conducted by former Musical Director Francis Cowley. Francis was associated with the Band for over 50 years until the early '90s, and this concert marked the renewal of that association as he once again conducted the Band after a break of 18 years. The Band would like to thank Francis, and Swindon Brass, for making the evening such a success. Check the gallery for more pictures of the evening.

The concert also featured the Band's own training band, the Swindon School of Brass, who continued the Christmas theme with numbers including "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", and the whole evening was compered by Shirley Ludford. Shirley is a regular presenter on Swindon 105.5, and the concert was recorded again this year for broadcast on Christmas Day. So, if you missed the concert, or just simply want to enjoy it again, tune into Swindon 105.5 on Christmas morning.

Radio 105.5 presenter Martin Upfold gave a resume of the Band, reminding the audience that the Pegasus Brass lineage could be traced back to the Great Western Railway, and that St Mark's, in the centre of the Railway Village, was a fitting venue.

The evening had a film theme; some obvious, like the themes from Star Wars, The Incredibles and Pirates of the Caribbean, to the really obscure, such as Amazing Grace, which could apparently be heard as a background track in one scene in an episode of Star Trek.

The programme included the sultry Flugel solo "Misty", the moving Euphonium solo "Benedictus", and the foot tapping "Sing Sing Sing". As regular audience members will know, an evening with Swindon Pegasus Brass is always guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Interupted briefly only by a Hercules fly-past, the band closed the Armed Forces Day celebrations at Faringdon Road Park. As the sun blazed down, the Band played many war time greats including a medley of Glen Miller numbers, Keep Smiling Through and A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.

As the crowds gathered, Radio 105.5 presenter Shirley Ludford gave the Band a great introduction, and also reminded those listening that the Band could be heard again at Swindon's Queens Park the following day.

As the glorious summer weather continued, the Band once again entertained the crowds with a range of music from films, musicals and the classics. A wonderful end to a fantastic weekend - British summer at its best.

Swindon Pegasus Training Band, The Swindon School of Brass, held an Open Day on Saturday 26th April and managed to attract a new clutch of players.

The afternoon was a great success, and the following rehearsal saw several new cornet players, a new horn player and a new trombone player join the ranks.

As ever, School of Brass is open to all standards; some of its newest recruits had never played before, some were already having lessons, and some just obviously had "the gift".

If you missed the event, but are still interested in joining, please get in touch, or just come along on a Wednesday evening. With free instruments, and free lessons for the first term, there are no expensive instruments to buy or rent, so why not give it a try? For more information, see Swindon School of Brass

Members of School of Brass rehearsing

Drawn number 13, the day did not start well for those of a superstitious nature; the Band, on the other hand, got off to a flying start.

This year's Area test piece, Pentacle, commenced with a movement called "Earth", and the adjudicators really liked the Band's interpretation. The old adage that a contest is won or lost in the first few bars clearly didn't hold true this time though, and although the Band was pleased with the way the rest of the piece went, the adjudicators saw fit to place the band 11th overall.

Generally acknowledged as another milestone for the Band, and, whilst not quite a return to contest form, it's highest place for 3 years.

The Band now turns its attention to the concert season, and is currently planning a joint concert with Swindon Brass. Swindon Brass is conducted by former Pegasus Musical Director Francis Cowley - several of the current Band still remain from Fran's days at the helm. As soon as details are finalised, they will be released here first...

Following Steve's departure, to focus on his business, the Band is delighted that Paul Uzzell has stepped up to take over as Musical Director. Paul, a former player with the Band, who has played with other bands including Aldbourne and Jaguar during his musical career, initially offered to keep things ticking over whilst the Band recruited a new MD, but has now agreed to take the Band to Torquay and beyond.

This year's test piece is called Pentacle, and comprises 5 movements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Quintessence. The "five" theme doesn't stop there, with groups of five (quintuplets) featuring throughout the piece.

Unfortunately Paul's spell at the helm will be relatively short-lived, and the Band will be seeking a new MD ahead of next year's Area, so if you are interested in the role, or would like further information, please contact info@swindonpegasus.com

The Band was hoping that the economic gloom didn't affect the Town's generosity over the Christmas period, and that Santa's Band would be rewarded for it's hard work. Well, they need not have worried, for this year's collections have beaten last, and as a result, nearly £2,500 will be going to NSPCC through reciprocal funding.

The Band would like to thank all those who gave so generously, and to all those businesses who allowed collections on their property.

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The Band got Christmas off to rousing start with its annual Christmas Concert. A near full house was treated to a mix of traditional Christmas numbers interspersed with classic and popular music. Opening with Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival", the Band worked through a programme including the Euphonium duet "Deep Inside the Sacred Temple", "Troika" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas".

Guests this year included Allanah Skuse with her beautiful rendition of "Away in a Manger" and Swindon School of Brass, who included "Little Drummer Boy" featuring the Youth Band's percussion section..

The Band was also joined by Ten in a Bar, who famously "don't do Christmas", but still managed a hilarious version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and other numbers including two joint numbers with the Band; "The Prayer" and "Pie Jesu".

If you missed the concert, there will be another opportunity to hear it, as it will be broadcast on Christmas Day on Swindon's community radio Swindon 105.5.

Finally, the Band would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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The band promised a festival of music, and provided a veritable musical feast. From the opening chord of "The Jaguar" to the final chord of "Pomp and Circumstance", Pegasus and guests thrilled a very appreciative audience.

Steve Armstrong-Watkins and the band would like to thank Lynn Hawkins, Mike Lock and the Swindon Concert Band, SYM Young Voices, Shirley Ludford, and all those who helped raise money for the Prospect Hospice by attending the gala evening.

As the band entertained a good crowd at the Wyvern Theatre with a centenary flavour to its annual Proms Concert, a surprise turn of events happened. An audience member made himself known during the interval, holding a folder full of old band photographs.

The gentleman was Trevor Wilkins, great grandson of Sidney Wilkins, who was a founder member of the band. Trevor’s father, Sydney George Wilkins, who also played in the band, was conductor of the band in the 1950s.

As well as the pictures, Trevor was also holding a roll of tissue paper containing a ceremonial baton that was presented to the band around the time of the First World War.

Full story

Swindon Pegasus Brass has recently discovered that it is older than it previously thought. Until a few weeks ago it was thought that the band formed in 1912, making it 95 years old. However, whilst researching his family tree, soprano player Paul Mundy found an article from the Swindon Evening Advertiser from 1928, stating that the band had been formed over 20 years earlier.

The article covered a competition in which the then named GWR (Swindon) Social and Educational Union Silver Band competed.