The picture of achievement above belies the humble beginnings of the band and effort and hard work required in forming it.

The band formed in September 1979 when the 11 founder members held a meeting at the house of Keith Holbrook in Briar Close, Borrowash. By the end of the meeting, the structure of the new organisation, as well as a constitution, had been agreed. Stuart Henson drew up the constitution, which had been agreed, and the Borrowash Band Fund was opened at the Midland Bank. The opening balance of £11 was the donation of £1 from each of the Founder Members. To these people we are eternally grateful.

Over the following months the hard work of fund raising for instruments and eventually uniforms began. As funds built up and the prospect of the band forming took shape, Keith Holbrook and Steve Barry began the job of actively seeking performing members. Through advertisements in local papers and touring local schools, potential members were invited to attend an induction meeting at St. Hughes Social Club, Borrowash one Thursday night. Practices on Sunday mornings began shortly after, at the Scout Hut, Borrowash, where the art of marching was taught by founder member Baz Shakeshaft. As second hand instruments were purchased out of the funds that had been raised, members were taught to play an instrument, a drum or to dance.

At a committee meeting in January 1981, the name of the band was added to the constitution. The band may well have been called The Skyliners but after much debate the name, Ambassadors of Borrowash, was chosen.

The search for a uniform raised more than a laugh when students from Derby College of Art, now Derby University, came up with some ideas and designs, including the band being dressed as spacemen. A uniform was eventually decided upon and a tailor employed to make them.

The band joined the CBSL (Carnival Band Secretaries League) in the fall of 1981 and the performing members were equipped with uniforms.

The first public performance came on 10^th July 1982 in a contest at Allestree where the band came last. This trend was to continue for the rest of the season as they gained confidence and experience.

Whilst entertaining the public at various fates, gala's and shows the band continued to improve in contests until on 25^th June 1983 they achieved their first Win in competition. The contest at Duffield saw the Ambassadors secure first place with 77 out of 100 points beating the Rangers of Derby and the Derby Regalia who tied for second place with 76 points.

Not resting on their laurels, the band started on their quest to win one of the Major CBSL Championships. The three Championships in the CBSL are the League Championship and two open contests, the Midland Counties Championship and the South East Midland Counties Championship.

The 1987 season began well, winning contests at Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Beeston, Ashbourne and Horsley Woodhouse. The next contest at Chesterfield saw the Ambassadors beat the Derby Serenaders for the first time. This was no mean feat as the Serenaders had dominated the premier spot of the CBSL for the previous two decades. With runners up positions at Derby and Lowestoft, and a further win at another contest at Long Eaton, the band won the 1987 League Championship.

To date the band have won 18 Championships and been runners up 18 times. During the past five years the band have been League Champions in 1997, 1998 and 2000. Other achievements in this period include the biggest point's difference between first and second place, a 20 points difference, winning 10 contests in a row and being undefeated in 1998.

Although an impressive record this is, the band still strives to achieve more and improves year upon year.

2004 World Championship Finalists and winners of two silver medals

2004 Saw the Ambassadors enter the The 2004 World Show Band Championships Festival of Music
21st to 25th July, in Bournemouth. ( see link below for more information )
 

They achieved more than they thought they would winning two silver medals in  there first day of competing and then going on to manage to get through to the world championships finals.

There overall ranking in the world is 14th this must be there greatest achievement to date.

2005

2005 saw the band entering the European open band  championships, what a fantastic weekend it was. With the first day seeing the bands parade through the streets to entertain the crowds of people gathered.  The Ambassadors achieved a Gold medal on the second day.

After the European championship the band did not realise the impression they had left, Keith Holbrook received a phone call, with a unbelievable new. The band had been invited to take part in the 2005 Birmingham Tattoo  ( http://www.telinco.co.uk/maestromusic/Birmingham.html ) along side  bands such as The Band Of her Majesty's coldstream Guard, and many other. The band played to a croud of 6500 on the first day and 8000 on the second. This has got to be the biggest event that the band has ever taken part in