TRUMPETS poised, Aldbourne Band crossed the Channel to claim fourth place in the French Open Brass contest.

It is the first time the band has travelled to Amboise in the Loire region of France to take part in the competition, where they competed against other groups, including Stavanger Band from Norway, and Ensemble de Cuivres from Switzerland, and the French contender from the Nord Pas de Calais.

It is several years since the Band played overseas in Holland and they made new friendships and links with other brass players from around the world.

Chairman James Sheppard said: “This is a great opportunity to sho case our gifted and talented players and gives our new musical director, Joshua Ruck, the chance to take the band to a new arena.

“We were very pleased with our result at the British Open Qualifiers in Blackpool in May, retaining our place in the Grand Shield. Now it is time to build on that success and play to a wider audience.

“Amboise is a beautiful town with friendly and welcoming people. We enjoyed good company, great food and wine and of course, fantastic music. There were many youth bands there too and it was encouraging to see the European commitment to Brass.”

The band were placed second in the march element of the competition and fourth overall.

Highlights included solos from Paul Bilkey in Flowerdale, Ian Keene with On with the Motley, and the brilliant performance of the whole band for The Torch Bearer.

The band has a number of other free concerts planned during the summer by the pond in Aldbourne.

These include from 7.15pm on June 14 and July 5.

For more information visit www.aldbourneband.org.uk.