A BAND says it is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic in a stronger position than it was two years ago.

Boxted Methodist Silver Band, the only Methodist silver band in the country, was made homeless in the summer of 2020 following the closure of Boxted Methodist Church the year before and the future looked bleak.

However, it managed to secure a new home in October last year at Fillpots Garden Centre, in Straight Road, Boxted, where it now holds weekly rehearsals.

Now, following its annual general meeting, the players are feeling cautiously optimistic for the year ahead.

The band has been invited to play at Westminster’s prestigious Methodist Central Hall and a weekend in September will see it play inside Dover Castle.

Read more: Historic band will play on after finding a new home... in a garden centre

At the meeting there was a secret ballot for members to choose the bandsperson of the year for 2021, which was scooped by musical director Victorian Steinitz.

Tuber player Erin Stoker, 14, the band’s youngest member, was voted musician of the year.

The pandemic also prevented last year’s annual meeting being held, so the two awards for 2020 were chosen by the committee.

Bandsperson of the year was cornet player David Bavister, with Malcom Hook on the euphonium crowned musician of the year.