The Abingdon Town Band had the honour of being invited back to Windsor Castle to perform on the Jubilee Garden Bandstand within the precincts of the Castle.

The Musical Director of the Band, Steve Rich, said “The Band were excited and honoured to be invited back to Windsor in the Diamond Jubilee year of HM The Queen and of course during the London 2012 Olympics.”

This was the Band’s third performance at the Castle after being invited to play there in 2010 when the Abingdon Town Band had the distinction of being the first non-military band ever to play in Windsor Castle

The Band has a very busy year of engagements this year including the MG celebrations at Blenheim Palace and the Royal County of Berkshire Agricultural Show at Newbury both in September.

Today many bands, including the Abbey Brass from Abingdon, have converged on Saddleworth in the North of England.

Saddleworth is an area near Oldham comprising several villages. There has been a day of processions with bands marching through the villages in the area.

The last picture I have of the Abbey Brass was taken back in April on Clubs and Societies Day. But at Saddleworth they are mixing with the likes of the Brighouse and Rastrick Colliery Band, and bands from round the world.

After the parades the bands, including the Abbey Brass, seen here playing March: The Thames Valley, take part in contests in various Saddleworth villages to win some big money prizes.

The only news comes from their tweets …

We’re about to do our first march at Whit Friday

Dobcross now, after a long queue through Uppermill   (two of the villages)

Its all over.