Players recognised in Whitburn Band award presentations

Whitburn Band has named its award winners for 2023.

Graham Fraser was awarded Player of the Year. The band’s principal Eb bass player was recognised by the band’s management and conductors after featuring as a soloist in many of its contest performances throughout the past year, including victories at the Scottish Championships and the Grand Shield.

Charlie Boax was named Players’ Player of the Year after a fantastic 2023 on principal baritone including a stand-out performance at the British Open. She also became the Rotary Club UK Young Musician of the Year.

Georgia Adamson was Bandsperson of the Year and also won the special Chairman’s Award. As well as performing in the cornet section, Georgia’s work off-stage was recognised as she helped to ensure the band’s participation at the European Championships in Malmo, Sweden. She also became band secretary when long-standing incumbent John Fraser took on the role of contest secretary.

Martyn Turnbull was also given a special recognition award by the band. The percussionist with the Whitburn Heartlands Band has been pivotal in helping Whitburn perform throughout the year as the band’s driver, helping ensure instruments arrived safely as it performed across UK and Europe.

The band also awarded several members with long-service awards. Stalwarts Chris and Evelyn Bradley were both presented with medals to recognise over 30 years of service, while Stephen Duncan, Scott Forrest, Robert Fraser and John Fraser all received 20-year medals. Band chairman Charlie Farren, Caroline Farren and Heather McMillan were all recognised with 10-year medals.

Whitburn's development bands also issued their awards for the year. Amber Gourlay was voted Whitburn Heartlands Players’ Player of the Year, while Hamish Clark won the Bandsperson of the Year. David

Orr was named Whitburn Youth Band Player of the Year and Eilidh Stephenson won the Bandsperson of the Year. Nathaniel Steel and Blake Burchill were jointly awarded the Most Improved Player accolade.

Award winners (from left) Martyn Turnbull, Charlie Boax, Georgia Adamson and Graham Fraser