The Butlins Skyline Resort in Skegness was a vibrant venue for the start of what promises to be a fascinating 2014 contest season, as Flowers, Sandhurst, Mossley, BMP Europe Goodshaw, Ifton, Youth Brass 2000 and Wardle Juniors bagged hefty title winning payouts.

Ambitious champion

It was Flowers who gained the biggest windfall of all, as the ambitious West of England band claimed the Championship Section title for the third time in four years.

Under the assured baton of Paul Holland they topped both contest disciplines to coolly pocket the £10,000 first prize as well as the extra grand on offer for the ‘Most Entertaining Performance’.

In addition, recent signing David Childs ensured it was celebratory ‘triples’ in the Centre Stage bar on Sunday night as he took the ‘Best Soloist’ Award for his superb rendition of ‘Endearing Young Charms’.

Classy brace

In a closely fought battle between the top two bands, Desford Colliery produced a brace of classy performances under Tom Davoren to take the £5,000 prize as a clear runner-up, with EYMS providing further evidence of their growing top flight competitiveness under Alan Morrison, to boost their bank balance by £2,500 in third.

A consistent weekend’s work from Woodfalls saw them end fourth, with the final top six places going to a misfiring Carlton Main Frickley and a more delighted Unite the Union.

Taxing Energy

The taxing set work, ‘Energy’ certainly caused extensive problems for the 14 contenders, with David Read and Derek Broadbent telling 4BR that only two bands really portrayed a sense of secure musicality within its ever accelerating framework.

Meanwhile, the marathon session of entertainment sets on the Sunday also provided variations in quality and approach — from the colourful spectacle of audience favourites EYMS to the cerebrally inspired fayre of Redbridge and the dark, disturbing undercurrents of Thoresby.

Singular intent

Flowers victory was certainly of borne of singular intent to kick start a year in which they hope to not only add further hefty bank account deposits, but more importantly, return to the British Open.

"We came to the contest with one thing in mind," MD Paul Holland told 4BR. "We wanted to start our season with the type of victory that we can build on for Yeovil, the Area, Grand Shield and beyond.

We want to be competing at the very highest level possible — and that certainly includes the British Open, so this win provides us with an ideal start to what I hope will be a memorable year."

Confirmation

Confirmation of the band’s excellence came with the written remarks of the adjudicators, with David Read calling their rendition of, ‘Energy’, as, ‘well thought out and directed’, whilst Derek Broadbent added that it was a performance of, ‘great character’.

Their entertainment set also gained plaudits from judges Ian Porthouse and Derek Southcott, with Ian calling it, ‘high class... from start to finish’, and Derek adding that it was, ‘simply brilliant!’

In the end though, it simply added up to a fourth Butlins victory since 2006 and a long night of celebration.

First Section:

In contrast, there was a first Butlins victory to celebrate for Sandhurst Silver, as under the direction of Ian McElligott they claimed the £2,000 First Section winner’s cheque thanks to a solidly constructed performance of, ‘Vitae Aeternum’.

However, much like the top section set work, Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s short and engaging composition proved a troublesome test of musical and technical character for the large field of 22 contenders, as adjudicator Frank Renton (joined by Derek Southcott) told 4BR.

Surprised

"We were rather surprised just how problematic it was," he said.

"There was certainly a fine account from the winners, but elsewhere conductors couldn’t get to grips with the tempos and dynamics, and the players had real problems maintaining ensemble precision and balance.

There were decent performances in the prizes, but overall it was puzzling and a little disappointing."

Early marker

VBS Poynton gave the judges the early marker to assess against off the number 4 draw, with Neil Samuel’s band eventually claiming second place ahead of fellow North West challengers Longridge.

The remaining top six places went to Thundersley Brass, Leicester Co-operative and City of Coventry.

Basic problems

The three linked sections of what was essentially a concert finisher seemed to cause bands major headaches — with basic problems in intonation and the maintaining of accurate tempos sinking the hopes of many performances.

No such problems for Sandhurst however, who posted their third win in their last four contest outings, and who can now look forward to trying to regain their Championship Section status at the Areas in Stevenage.

Marketing Manager Jonathan Cox told 4BR: "This has been a great win for the band, as we have come such a long way from the days not so far back when we were in the Fourth Section.

The camaraderie is superb and we are actively developing out next generation of players through our Sandhurst Community Band.

Planning

He added: "We are now already planning for the next contest appearance at the Area. Ian McElligott has done a wonderful job in recent years and we took to the stage on Saturday with a positive mental attitude — one that he has instilled in us.

We were confident, despite a strong group of rivals, but we knew we were well prepared and we felt that we had really delivered. This is a huge boost."

Second Section:

Mossley certainly placed their names in the Butlins record books with their fourth consecutive victory in the Second Section.

A fine performance of ‘Kenilworth’, described by adjudicator John Berryman as ‘outstanding in all departments’, enabled MD Duncan Byers to fill another gold trophy with celebratory Butlins champagne with the proceeds of a hefty £2,000 winner’s cheque.

"It was a very stern test for the bands," John (joined by Brian Rostron) later told 4BR.

"It caused a great deal of problems, but the winners were very good — technically secure and balanced and able to bring out the character in the music. It was outstanding in every department."

Pleased

That was something that particularly pleased the winning MD. "That was great to hear, as this was a real team effort," Duncan told 4BR.

"It’s an amazing achievement for the band. We just love coming to this contest — and to win it four times in a row is something the players should be very proud of.

Now all we want to do is play just as well at the Area and not just qualify for Cheltenham but also get back into the First Section where I think we belong."

Prize pot

The band has now won an incredible £8,000 in prize money at Skegness since 2011 — an amount more than doubled by their success on the Whit Friday circuit.

"It’s a bit odd," Duncan confessed. "We haven’t had much luck at the Area over the last couple of years, but as a result it has meant we have been brilliant here and on Whit Friday.

Now I want to put the record straight at Blackpool — and with this great bunch of totally committed players I’m confident we can do just that."

Lock horns

However, Duncan will be aware that Mossley will once again have to lock horns with North West rivals Eccles, who produced a solid rendition to end runner-up under Marieka Gray, whilst St Keverne enjoyed their long trip from Cornwall to end third under Gareth Churcher.

Pemberton Old Wigan DW ‘B’ and Middleton will also be bands to watch out for at the Winter Gardens in March as they put in strong performances to end fourth and fifth respectively, with Yorkshire contenders Kippax in sixth.

Third Section:

A band that refused to give up when it was down to just 10 active playing members this time last year, led by a seasoned campaigner who first tasted contesting success 45 years ago, provided the Third Section with an inspiring success story.

The decision of Mike Cotter to help restore the fortunes of BMP Europe Goodshaw Band came to fruition as months of hard graft and commitment paid off on Philip Sparke’s ‘Music for a Festival’.

Highly enjoyable

In what turned out to be a highly enjoyable contest, Goodshaw claimed the £2,000 first prize ahead of Midland rivals Rushden Town, with the much fancied North West duo of Coppull & Standish and Hucknall & Linby in third and fourth.

Reigning champion Boarshurst Silver had to be content with fifth place as they sought a hat trick of victories with Dinnington Colliery ending sixth.

Delight

There was hiding the delight in the voice of the winning MD when he spoke to 4BR.

"Even though I’m now in my 70s, I just love building up bands," Mike said. "I came to Goodshaw about nine months ago and things did appear a bit grim, but the core of players was so committed that as soon as we started to work together I knew we would be successful."

Now the band has become Butlins champion, and Mike is determined to taste more success.

"It’s 45 years ago now that I first took up the baton and won an Area title in the old Third Section — so I would like a repeat of that in 2014!"

Secret

The secret to Goodshaw’s victory was summed by adjudicator Barry Thompson (joined by Mark Walters), who told 4BR that it was a question of putting good banding basics in place and then building on them to create a controlled musical performance.

"There were a number of well constructed performances and the overall standard was good, but the winners had that little bit of extra quality. The control and adherence to the basic of good brass band playing really enabled them to stand out."

That delighted Mike Cotter, who revealed that hard graft and being able to call on those 45 years of contesting winning experience had proved critical.

Hard graft

"I like my bands to work hard — and to work intelligently, so we had plenty of sectionals which enabled us to bring things together quickly in full rehearsals.

I was fortunate to learn quite a bit under the great Alex Mortimer at CWS Manchester, so maybe a bit of his magic worked on me and the band on the weekend."

Fourth Section:

Perhaps the clearest title winner in Skegness came in the Fourth Section, where an outstanding performance of ‘Three Saints’ by Ifton Colliery directed by Wayne Ruston claimed the £2,000 first prize by a considerable margin.

That was later confirmed by adjudicator Ian Porthouse (joined by Alan Fernie), who said that they both felt the winners wouldn’t have been out of place even in the Second Section.

Brilliant

"It was a brilliant performance," Ian said. "It really made us sit up and listen — with all the basics in place and quality music making in each of the three movements. The MD did a great job and so did the players.

It would have been a contender a couple of sections higher."

Solid accounts

Ian also confirmed that some solid accounts featured in the prize list but that the winners were a good margin ahead of their rivals.

He added: "There were some well worked performances that came in the prizes, but the winners were clear cut."

The best of the rest came from runner-up, Sherwood Forest Brass directed by Christine Lippeatt, with Greenfield under Tom Haslam in third.

The remaining top six places went to Whitwell Brass under Kevin Holdgate, who certainly gave their regular MD Alan Needham a boost as he recovers from illness in hospital, with Banovallum Brass and Maltby Miners just behind.

Windfall

"We are delighted," Ifton Treasurer Barry Roberts told 4BR, "And not just because of the financial windfall!

Wayne is doing a wonderful job with us and we are growing in confidence and numbers with each contest performance."

Barry was referring to the fact that the band had now gained three first, a second and a third in their last five contest outings, whilst personnel numbers have also grown — from being six down at the Nationals in Cheltenham last September to a near full band now.

Seats to fill

"Most of our players had to make it to the contest on the day, so we didn’t manage to have a rehearsal before we went on stage. We still have a couple of seats to fill, but we will be at full strength for the Area contest at Bedworth."

Youth & Ensemble Sections:

If there was one band that could justifiably claim to enjoy coming to Skegness more than multiple title winners Flowers and Mossley, then it must surely be Youth Brass 2000.

They created an unique piece of brass band history in completing a remarkable ‘Double Hat Trick’ of victories — the first time it has ever been achieved at a major youth band championship as they claimed the Butlins Trophy and £1,000 first prize under inspirational MD, Chris Jeans.

Immensely impressed

Adjudicator Alan Fernie was certainly immensely impressed by the efforts of every competitor on the day (giving a wonderful summing up from the stage), but remarked that he felt Youth Brass 2000 had simply produced a ‘truly outstanding’ winning performance.

Cloud Six

Not surprisingly, MD Chris Jeans still hadn’t quite come down from ‘Cloud Six’ when he spoke to 4BR.

"It will be cloud nine if we can now go on and win the British Open title time and retain our Action Research title in a few weeks time," he said.

"I can’t thank the youngsters enough. They are so committed and dedicated to what they want to achieve that it makes my job an absolute delight!"

Superb rivals

He added: "We really worked hard on the programme as we knew we were up against some superb rivals, but it all came off in the end and we also had a great time with our concert appearance on Friday night with Chris Dean. It’s been an unforgettable weekend."

Each of the five competitors delivered excellent programmes for a packed audience to enjoy at the Reds venue, with Wardle High under Lee Rigg pushing the eventual champions all the way to the finishing line.

Just behind them came St Helen’s Youth, with their principal cornet player Georgina Moulsdale taking the solo prize for her outstanding rendition of the ‘Harry James Trumpet Concerto’.

Remarkable youngsters

In the highly entertaining Junior Ensemble Section it was the remarkable youngsters of Wardle Junior who claimed the honours ahead of Youth Brass 1000 and Wigston Enterprise.

The winning performance also contained one of the musical highlights of the weekend with Rachael Clegg's superb ‘Best Soloist’ contribution throughout their programme.

Speaking to 4BR, MD, Gwen Smith was bursting with pride: "We had a great time at Butlins and the children played brilliantly. I really enjoyed the performance and so did they! We are all very proud of all our musicians."

A retrospective of each contest will appear on 4BR in the next day or so.

We came to the contest with one thing in mind.We wanted to start our season with the type of victory that we can build on for Yeovil, the Area, Grand Shield and beyondFlowers MD, Paul Holland

Full Results:

Championship Section:
Set Test + Own Choice = Total

Test Piece: Energy (Robert Simpson)
Adjudicators: David Read MBE & Derek Broadbent (Set Work); Ian Porthouse & Derek Southcott (Entertainment)

1. Flowers (Paul Holland): 1st/1st = 2
2. Desford Colliery (Tom Davoren): 2nd/2nd = 4
3. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison): 3rd/6th = 9
4. Woodfalls (Phil Randell): 5th/5th = 10
5. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Leigh Baker): 7th/3rd = 10
6. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield): (David Hirst) 4th/9th = 13
7. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke): 9th/4th = 13
8. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant/Steve March): 6th/10th = 16
9. Aveley & Newham (Melvin White): 8th/8th = 16
10. Wingates (Paul Andrews): 10th/7th = 17
11. Redbridge Brass (Jeremy Wise): 11th/11th = 22
12. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt): 13th/12th = 25
13. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill): 12th/14th = 26
14. Wantage A (Phillip Bailey): 14th/13th = 27

Set Work placing takes precedence in event of tie.

Highest Placed Mining Band: Desford Colliery
Most Entertaining Band: Flowers
Geoff Dove Soloist Award: David Childs (Flowers)
Best Bass Section: Desford Colliery

First Section:

Test Piece: Vitae Aeterum (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
Adjudicators: Frank Renton & Derek Southcott

1. Sandhurst Silver (Ian McElligott)
2. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Neil Samuel)
3. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
4. Thundersley Brass (John Ward)
5. Leicester Co-operative SMW (Graham Jacklin)
6. City of Coventry (Stephen Cooper)
7. Strata Brass (David Holling)
8. Cornerstone Brass (Damien Wileman)
9. Becontree Brass (Matt Hardy)
10. Whitworth Vale & Healey (John Binns)
11. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
12. Haverhill Silver (Mark Ager)
13. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Mark Wilcockson)
14. Morecambe (Andrew Warriner)
15. Harborough (Chris Groom)
16. Haydock Band (Mark Quinn)
17. Gresley Colliery (Simon Jones)
18. Langley (Cliff Parker)
19. Uppermill (Alan Widdop)
20. Enderby (Simon Jones)
21. Bedworth Brass (Jason Glynn)
22. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)

Highest Placed Mining Band: Leicester Co-operative SMW

Second Section:

Test Piece: Kenilworth (Arthur Bliss)
Adjudicators: John Berryman & Brian Rostron

1. Mossley (Duncan Byers)
2. Eccles Borough (Marieka Gray)
3. St Keverne (Gareth Churcher)
4. Pemberton Old Wigan DW ‘B’ (Peter Ashley)
5. Middleton (Martyn Evans)
6. Kippax (David Lancaster)
7. Old Silkstone (Simon Kerwin)
8. Colchester Band (David Maddocks)
9. Dodworth Colliery MW (Eliot J Darwin)
10.Shirland Welfare (Lynden Cooper)
=11. Murton Colliery (John Pearson)
=11. Tilbury (Andrew Austin)
=13. Dronfield Genquip (John Davis)
=13. Epsom & Ewell Silver (Jack Smith)
15. Fulham Brass (Chris Agustine)
16. Ibstock Brick Brass (Huw Thomas)
17. Amington (Wesley Kendrick)

Highest Placed Mining Band: Kippax

Third Section:

Test Piece: Music for a Festival (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Barry Thompson & Mark Walters

1. BMP Europe Goodshaw (Mike Cotter)
2. Rushden Town (John Hudson)
3. Coppull & Standish (Matt Stringer)
4. Hucknall & Linby (Paul Whyley)
5. Boarshurst Silver (David W Ashworth)
6. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathon Beatty)
7. Worsbrough Brass (John Roberts)
8. Stamford Brass (Robert Prew)
9. Foss Dyke (Gareth Westwood)
10. Darwen Brass (Steve Hartley)
11. Hawk Green (Marple) (Neil Hewson)
12. Dunstan Silver (Steven Archer)
13. Waterbeach Brass (David Minchin)
14. Great Yarmouth Brass (Colin Swaep)
15. Market Rasen Resdev (Dave Dearnley)
16. Chinnor Silver (David Pegram)
17. Hemel Hempstead (Philip Fisher)
18. Melton Band (Graham Sutton)

Highest Placed Mining Band: Coppull & Standish

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: Three Saints (Goff Richards)
Adjudicators: Alan Fernie & Ian Porthouse

1. Ifton Colliery (Wayne Ruston)
2. Sherwood Forest Brass (Christine Lippeatt)
3. Greenfield (Tom Haslam)
4. Whitwell Brass (Kevin Holdgate)
5. Banovallum Brass (Steve Ingham)
6. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford)
7. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Keith Buxton)
8. Royston Town (Steve Earley)
9. Brighton & Hove City Brass (Matt Hackett)
= 10. East Coast Brass (Paul Speed)
= 10. Tewkesbury Town (Nigel Morgan)

Highest Placed Mining Band: Ifton Colliery

Youth Section & Junior Ensemble

Adjudicator: Alan Fernie
Own Choice programme

Youth Section:

1. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans)
2. Wardle High (Lee Rigg)
3. St Helens Youth (Anna Hughes-Williams)
4. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)
5. Gresley Colliery (Duncan Jackson)

Soloist Prize: Georgina Moulsdale (Cornet)- St Helens Youth

Junior Section:

1. Wardle Junior (Gwen Smith)
2. Youth Brass 1000 (Adele Hudson)
3. Wigston Enterprise (Pat Allsopp)
4. Shirland Training (Dave Harvey)
5. Silver Sounds (Roy Duncan)

Soloist Prize: Rachael Clegg (Cornet) — Wardle Junior