The Copthorne Silver Band Annual Dinnner was held on 27th March at Rowfant House, Rowfant. This has become a regular venue for our dinner over the past 4 years where once again a very pleasant meal was enjoyed by around 20 bandmembers together with family and friends.

In addition we were pleased to welcome again our Band President Ken Balcombe with his wife Maureen and also one of our Vice Presidents, Mrs. Peggy Keenan.

With so many of us gathered together for a social occasion, it provided a special opportunity for the village of Copthorne to publically acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Gwyn and Christine Cheesmur have made to the community over many years.

Our Bandmaster, Mervyn Tarrant proposed these thanks on behalf of the village and highlighted some of the many projects they have both been deeply involved in. This list includes vital contributions to the construction of both Guide and Scout headquarters, regular productions of Gang shows, VE day & Millenium celebrations, reconstruction of the Morgan Centre and many others. All this in addition to a continuous involvement in local Guide & Scout Group activities, including local Jamborees.

A number of people from Copthorne who felt very strongly these efforts should be recognised have put together two folders containing many letters of appreciation. They were also present at the dinner to see Mervyn present these folders to Gwyn and Christine together with some small gifts.

Well Done Gwyn & Christine!