PEMBROKE wind band Castle Brass recently celebrated 35 years of entertainment and music at a special gala concert at Pembroke Town Hall.

The June 24 event saw the dedication and enthusiasm of 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, reflected in the performance of the band.

Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tony Brinsden, Cllr Dennis Evans, mayor of Pembroke and Mayor of Pembroke Dock Cllr Maureen Colgan 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 band members, 13-year-old Sam Hodgson, who plays tenor sax in 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’s choir then performed four songs which the choir members had chosen from their repertoire, ably directed by Sarah Benbow.

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.

Compere for the evening was County Councillor Tessa Hodgson.

Cllr 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.

Castle Brass meets on Saturday mornings at Foundry House Community Centre, The Commons, from 9.30am -12.15 pm.