Bertram Muncaster was a keen member of the society, joining the orchestra as a trombonist in 1964 when Kasimerz Hardulak was conductor. He became orchestra librarian in the 1980s, a job which he loved, and he would always arrive early at rehearsals to put out music on stands for all the players.
Following Bertram’s untimely death in 1988 it was proposed by the conductor, Mike Eveleigh, that a prize be awarded annually as a memorial to him. The original prize, given anonymously, was a small wooden shield, presented to a member of the orchestra chosen by the musical director as ‘Most Improved Player’.
Over the years the shield has been enlarged to allow more space for engraving, and has changed its title to ‘Most Improved Young Player’ and ‘Musician of the Year’, but always with the intention of encouraging musicianship, especially among younger players. In 2008 the enlarged shield finally ran out of space for engraving, so it is now awarded along with a gift token and a personal certificate.
The prize is awarded each year at the summer concert by Bertram’s widow Ann.
List of Winners
- 2023: Mike Standley – Bass Trombone
- 2022: Selina Hamilton – Violin
- 2021: Not awarded due to Covid pandemic
- 2020: Not awarded due to Covid pandemic
- 2019: Iestyn Harding – Trombone
- 2018: James Joseph – Percussion
- 2017: Diana Turnbull – Violin
- 2016: Alice Cox – Violin
- 2015: Stephen David – Cello
- 2014: Sally Roberts – Viola
- 2013: Paul Kelly – Trumpet
- 2012: Hannah Stonelake – French horn
- 2011: Heather Leighton – Flute
- 2010: Tom Cunningham – Violin
- 2009: Adam Harris Adamson – Violin
- 2008: Mike Downes – Cello
- 2007: Cheryl Roussel – Violin
- 2006: Clare Fisher – Cello
- 2005: Joanne Elliot – Flute
- 2004: Alex Woodward – Double bass
- 2003: Peter Geraghty – French horn
- 2002: Ian Smith and Chris Poynton – Bassoon
- 2001: Barbara Price – Double bass
- 2000: April Games – Oboe
- 1999: Bethan Barlow – Flute
- 1998: Sue Willcox – Cello
- 1997: Jane Veevers – Cello
- 1996: Hal Hutchison – Percussion
- 1995: Katherine Saunders – Violin
- 1994: Lindsey Brown – Flute
- 1993: Gareth Poulton – Violin
- 1992: Steven Shingler – Double bass
- 1991: Val Lewis – Oboe
- 1990: Helen Rogers – Viola
- 1989: Malcolm Bennett – Clarinet
- 1988: Helen Jones – Cello