“THERE’S more silverware to come!” That was the message proud Sidmouth civic leaders had for a triumphant Town Band this week.

“THERE’S more silverware to come!” That was the message proud Sidmouth civic leaders had for a triumphant Town Band this week.

After notching their best result since 1929 by coming third in their division of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain last month, Sidmouth Town Council thanked the band on behalf of residents on Monday.

Speaking of their success, Chris Holland, chairman of the West of England champions, told the town: “We really did dedicate it to the people of Sidmouth… We are Sidmouth Town band- your band.”

October’s trip the Harrogate for the national competition cost �6,000 but proved to be worth every penny, Chris told councillors.

The band took on 17 others from all over Great Britain and had to wait until 9.50pm to perform after a day of nervous waiting.

“We hoped to fly the flag for Sidmouth, the whole of Devon and the South West,” said Chris, Principal Trombone and a band member for 24 years, “we would have been happy to be in the top ten. We came third and were absolutely over the moon.

“We really did dedicate that to the people of Sidmouth. It puts the name of Sidmouth on the musical and brass band map.

“We are very much a town band, and not just put together to win competitions. The same band that came third in a national competition will be sat out in the wind and rain playing for the Hot Cross Buns or marching down the street for Remembrance Day. We are Sidmouth Town band- your band.”

Town Council chairman Peter Sullivan said the band had gone from strength to strength. “

You can go further- I don’t think you have reached your peak,” he told Chris,

“On behalf of the town council and residents we can’t thank the band enough. People come from all over the country to go to their concerts… there’s more silverware to come.”