SALE City Band recently held a testimonial dinner to celebrate Hugh Davies' 21 years as band musical director.

The night, compered by Peter Howe, was a great success, with speeches commending Mr Davies' long association with the band.

Speakers included Wellington Shire mayor Peter Gault, as well as Ray Jago, Ken Garner and Bruce Armstrong, all congratulating Mr Davies and acknowledging his hard work and dedication.

Mr Davies' two daughters Terina and Marita entertained everyone with stories of their father and growing up in a band family.

The evening was also a reunion, as many past members attended.

Mr Davies was presented a painting of the Sale City Band room, painted by local artist Ingrid Steffen.

History was also made when father and son Reg and Matthew Monk were presented with life membership, for their dedicated service to the band. This was a surprise for both members, and is the first time in the band's history that a father and son have received this acknowledgement together.

The duo Joined the band in the early 1980s. Mr Monk junior is currently the band's secretary and plays the trombone and his father is the drum major.

YOUNG talent discovered . . . Monique and Courtney celebrations with Sale City Band. Lawless attended the recent Australia

Day SALE City Band is looking for new members.

The band will host an information night for all interested people, from beginners to accomplished musicians.

To be held Monday, February 14 from 7.30pm at the band hall, 128 Foster St, Sale, next door to the museum.

The band will perform giving prospective members an opportunity to hear some ofthe great music it plays and to learn about each instrument's function within the band.

Learners are provided with lessons for a minimal charge of $2 per week.

Some brass instruments are available for hire, or players are welcome to provide their own.

The band also offers families a chance to participate as age is no barrier to playing.

The band performs at a number of functions and events through the year and recently performed at the Australia Day celebrations at Rosedale, Sale and Stratford.

The Sale City Band is a great opportunity to become involved in a community group and to make valuable friendships through the performance of music.

Playing on ... Sale City Band member Bob Wallace

MONDAY was Bob Wallace's  37th Anzac Day performance at the Sale service with the Sale City Band.

The 79-year-old has only missed two services during his 39 years with the band; one year because he performed at the Melbourne service and another because he had suffered a stroke.

Nearing the age of 80 in June with no sign of retirement, Mr Wallace's status as a World War 2 veteran has heightened his contribution to the band as its only returned serviceman.

"The band grows on you," he said. "I've been involved in it for a long time, but I still enjoy it."

Mr Wallace and his Eb bass accompanies the band in many of its 20 to 30 performances each year.

His musical interest was gleaned from his mother, a pianist who used to play for silent movies at the Victoria Hall in Macalister St, Sale.

He began learning the piano when he was seven, but gave it away when he hit his teenage years. "By 1938 if you were learning the piano you were a sissy," he said. "When I was 13 I gave it up and my father said it would be the sorriest day of my life - and it was."

Mr Wallace joined the Australian Army when he was 20 and served in Aitape Wewak, Papua New Guinea, in the 6th division in 1945. He spent his 21st birthday in the Sale air force hospital at war's end.

He didn't pick up his musical  interest again until well after the war.

In 1966 he joined the Sale City Band as a bass drummer, along with his two children.

"I played the bass drum for 32 years, until my legs gave out from marching," he said. "Then I chose the E^b bass probably because it was the easiest instrument to learn."

The highlight of Mr Wallace's 39 years in the band was winning every category they competed in during a band competition in Tasmania in 1971.

SETTING their sights high ... Sale City Band's members hope to perform well at the Sale Eisteddfod following their pleasing result in Bendigo

SALE City Band placed second at the annual brass band competition in Bendigo at the Weekend.

It was at tight competition with Sale missing out on first placte by one point from Maryborough City Band.

Maryborough finished on 173, Sale City on 172 and third place went to Boroondara Youth Brass with 171.

Sale City received it's D grade placing when it outplayed eight bands from Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Croydon und Moonee Valley.

The band is now setting its sights on the Sale Eisteddfod on Sunday, May 29.

The event will begin with a street March competition from the clocktower in Raymond St, with the brass band section marching from lpm.

The hands will March down Raymond St to the Sale Memorial Hall, with each asessed on their uniform, marching and musical ability.

Five brass band are expected to compete, playing a  march and a hymn of their own choice.

The afternoon will be a chance to hear an array of brass band music and see the local band perform at competition standards.

Snle City Band will hold its fund raising car wash on May 21 from 1pm at Sale City Motors on the Princes Highway, Sale.

A car wash and vaccuum will be $8 with all proceeds going to impoving the band's equipment.