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The 2002 4BR End of Term Reports
With 2002 officially now at an end the time has come for the Headmaster
at 4BR to give his annual reports on his top 25 pupils and to indicate
in writing how well the pupils have done to their parents.
So – to stop anyone coming into the pub with a set of tall
tales and false statistics we have provided the top 25 bands (as
in keeping with Government directives on class sizes) in our 4BR
World Rankings with their “End of Term Report”. We’ve
included details of how each band did on the “exams”
– Regionals, Masters, London etc and our own thoughts of whether
they’ve been good hard working pupils or have been sat at
the back of the class having a sneaky fag and look at Penthouse
magazine. We’ve also given them a marking from A+ to D- to
take home to their parents. Some will be happy and will get extra
presents for the start of the new term in January while some may
get their arses slapped and be sent to bed early.
A grades and above will indicate a pupil who has
achieved all, or nearly all that was expected of them.
B grades will indicate a pupil who has worked
hard, but who has the potential to do even better.
C grades will indicate mostly satisfactory progress,
with room for improvement.
D grades will indicate a year of under achievement
with room for considerable improvement and even the possibility
of relegation from the Grammer school to the dreaded comprehensive
brass banding educational system!
It is however very sad to report the death of one top 30 pupil
– Master Todmorden Old of Yorkshire after an argument concerning
his home accommodation, whilst Master First City of London has also
been cruelly taken from us, although he was a pupil in the lower
stream and not quite OxBridge material. Others such as the two from
Point of Ayr and Marple remain in need of financial help to pay
for their fees to enter future exams.
Of the alumni of 2001, a few have been put down a set or two and
so there is no desk space for Bodmin (down from 28 to 41), British
Telecom (29 to 39), Fishburn (26 to 33) Rothwell (27 to 36) and
Trieze Etoiles (24 to 26). However some pupils have taken the chance
to shine so Cwmaman (up from 41 to 11), JAG Mount Charles (34 to
23) and Besses (36 to 20) all take a seat in the 6th form common
room.
As in school we go through the register in alphabetical order.
Now pay attention…………
Aveley and Newham
4BR Ranking: 24th (down 4)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 2nd
Masters: 9th
Grand Shield: 4th
Nationals: 12th
Pontins: 9th
Yeovil: 9th
A drop in the league table of achievement of four places during
2002 for Aveley and a fair indication that the past twelve months
haven’t seen the improvement that the band hoped for.
A huge improvement at the Masters from 19th to 9th, but they relinquished
their London title, once more missed out on qualification to the
Open after coming 4th at Blackpool (up 1 from last year), but held
their own to repeat their result at the National Finals. They should
have done better at Yeovil where they lost their crown and came
9th, whilst Pontins once more saw a long trip for no reward as they
dropped five places to come 9th.
2003?
Should be capable of doing better, but does the band really
have the class in them to make that final step up in class and have
a crack at the Open examination? The demise of First City may help
though.
Overall Mark: C – (C+ in 2001)
Besses O’ th’
Barn
4BR Ranking: 20 (up 16)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 4th
Masters: 11th
Grand Shield: 2nd
British Open: 13th
Nationals: 13th
Spennymoor: 11th
The pupil from one of the banding schools oldest families had been
underachieving of late, but some very persuasive and determined
female control has lifted the band back into the big time.
Lynda Nicholson’s arrival has been a catalyst for a fine year
with good results at the Regionals, a super performance at the Grand
Shield and solid committed showings at the Open, Masters, Nationals
and Spennymoor. Nothing quite yet to frighten the big boys in the
school playground, but there is enough character here to make sure
that the improvement will continue.
2003?
It will be more difficult to repeat the achievements
of 2002 in 2003, but they will do well to maintain the progress
shown in the past twelve months. More good performances at the Open
and Nationals shouldn’t be beyond them (qualification for
London is a bit easier in the North West as 4 bands go through),
so look for a further gradual rise in the rankings.
Overall Mark: C + (no mark last year)
Black Dyke
4BR Ranking: 3 (down 1)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
European: 3rd
British Open: 3rd
Nationals: 3rd
A slight drop in the league table for our pupil from Queensbury,
but a disappointing drop nonetheless as at the end of 2001 we had
such high hopes for the band.
A repeat top of the class performance at Bradford was a great start,
but away from “Blighty” on the school trip to Europe
saw them perform a tad below par and take 3rd place in Brussels
when there were genuine hopes of a win before hand. This seemed
to upset the mind set somewhat and getting up early from a warm
bed at both the Open and London saw two third places when once more
they had it in them to possibly top the exams. On paper any parent
would be proud of what they had achieved in the past twelve months,
but Dyke’s parents expect more than just well done.
2003?
There is a feeling that a stern lecture has been given
and that this pupil will have spent the Xmas hols swatting away
in preparation for the challenges of 2003. Don’t be surprised
if the remedial work pays extra dividends.
Overall Mark: A – (A in 2001)
Brighouse and Rastrick
4BR Ranking: 6 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 3rd
Masters: 8th
British Open: 4th
Nationals: 5th
Well done Brighouse. 2001 was a year of highs and lows, but 2002
has seen the pupil from West Riding stick nose to the grindstone
somewhat and be rewarded as a result. A change of parental direction
initially seemed to upset them, but by the years end things were
looking distinctively encouraging (although there have been a few
in house squabbles of late).
A solid enough result at Bradford was followed by the change at
the helm and a slightly unlucky defence of their Masters title when
they cam 8th. However a bit of military discipline has put them
right back on form and 4th at the Open (up 4 from 2001) and 5th
at London (up 6 and off the number 1 draw) sees them end the year
on an upbeat note.
2003?
More of the same we think. The MD has been a real
find and as long as he can keep the troops happy (difficult at the
best of times) B&R will be a force. It could be a very good
year.
Overall Mark: B+ (C – in 2001)
Buy As You View Cory
4BR Ranking: 2 (up 2)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
British Open: 1st
Nationals: 2nd
An excellent year from the Welsh pupil of loaded parents. However,
money has not dulled the appetite and the band very nearly made
it a perfect year in 2002 with wins at the Regionals in Swansea
(a return to form from the 4th place of 2001) and the spectacular
table topper at Birmingham. Here they were simply the only pupil
to get to grips with a very different exam paper.
They went to London to try and make it a second double in three
years and that they were pipped into second place (up 3 from 2001)
was no fault of theirs as they performed quite brilliantly. They
are now the pupil everyone knows they have to beat and they confirm
the adage that hard work and talent pays off. Others should possibly
take note.
2003?
We may well be writing of a BAYV Cory “Treble”
this time next year – they have the talent and work ethic
to do it without doubt. The European is the big aim we feel and
this time they could just well do it.
Overall Mark: A (B+ in 2001)
Carlton Main Frickley
4BR Ranking: 21 (down 7)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 9th
Masters: DNC
British Open: 19th
Spennymoor: 9th
There was a very distinct possibility that 2002 could have been
the last year Carlton Main’s name was read out on the banding
register, but they have overcome immense problems to survive and
set down some firm foundations for the future.
Bradford saw an improvement of 1 place from 2001 when they came
9th, but they dropped out of the Masters and things for a while
looked bleak indeed. Parental control came in the form of Mr Rushworth
and with a few changes they put on a brave show at the Open (19th
and down 2 places from 2001) – although it wasn’t enough
to save them from the drop to the Grand Shield. Spennymoor saw another
step in the right direction though (down 3 places from 2001, but
a better effort than the result on paper seems).
2003?
It will be mighty difficult for the band to make
a real mark as they compete in a ferociously difficult Area contest
and the Grand Shield is perhaps the hardest contest of all to win.
They could do it, (and new sponsorship will help) but we think it
may be 12 months of consolidation.
Overall Mark: C – (C in 2001)
Cwmaman Silver (Tower Colliery)
4BR Ranking: 11 (up 30)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 4th
Grand Shield: 1st
British Open: 5th
A fantastic year for the third ranked Welsh band, who took the
opportunity that they were presented with, with both hands and ended
the year as the most improved pupil in the whole banding school.
Things didn’t start too well as they came 4th in the tough
Welsh exam, but all that was put behind them as they produced a
cracking show on “Checkmate” in Blackpool that beat
more fancied bands and get an exam desk place in Birmingham. Here
they very nearly defied the odds by performing way above expectation
(and that of the audience it must be said) to come home 5th and
beat some of the very best bands in the land. It was a superb achievement.
However, domestically they were brought back to earth a little with
defeats against lesser opposition in the Welsh Championship exams
during the year and ended things with a third place at the Treorchy
contest.
2003?
The Nationals. They now need to build on the superb
achievements of 2002 and push further forward with the next aim
surely a qualification place for London. Three bands make it from
Swansea this year so although still very difficult, it is well within
them to do so. Consolidate that with another good show in Birmingham
and 2003 will be seen as a real success.
Overall Mark: B -
CWS (Glasgow)
4BR Ranking: 15 (down 4)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 7th
European: 8th
British Open: 16th
Glasgow are on a run of form that only Liverpool FC can better
at the moment. 2001 was a dreadful anti climax after a fair start,
but 2002 started badly and just got worse.
The Regionals saw their worse result for God knows how many years
as their defence of the title under David King came off the rails
big time, whilst the European under Ray Farr saw them drop 4 places
from 2001 and come 8th. Worse was to follow though and the appointment
of a new locum parent MD ended after a terrible result at a minor
Scottish exam contest and then disaster at Open where they came
16th (1 down again from 2001) and lost their position at the top
table. Blackpool instead of Bergen now beckons but they have announced
that they are prepared to take medical treatment to sort things
out as Doctor N. Childs will take over the helm for the two most
important contests of the new season.
2003?
A real make or break year. They have the talent
and players to make it back, but they will need a little bit of
luck and a large dose of character to do so. Blackpool and the Grand
Shield will be their defining moment in 2003.
Overall Mark: D (C- in 2001)
Desford Colliery
4BR Ranking: 22 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
Nationals: 8th
The mystery pupil of the banding school and the one who has played
truant more times than Lord Lucan. 2001 was a poor year indeed,
but under the guidance of the old “Major” a bit of military
discipline has been instilled.
The win at the Regionals was a fine bit study work, but they then
went AWOL again and didn’t appear at the Masters or the Grand
Shield. This was a pity as the band is more than capable of coming
through with a bit of honour at these exams. They regrouped though
and came back to school to come 8th at the Nationals with an exam
performance that recalled former glories. We may have to send the
kid catcher around to their house though to ensure a few more ticks
in the attendance register in 2003.
2003?
Who knows eh? If they are serious about making the
grade again then they will not fag off the Grand Shield and Masters,
but you can never be sure with Desford. On their day they will do
well wherever they go, but you have the feeling they may prefer
a sneaky afternoon off from school to a bit of hard work.
Overall Mark: C - (D in 2001)
Ever Ready
4BR Ranking: 17 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
Masters: 13th
British Open: 15th
Nationals: 9th
Mineworkers: 2nd
Spennymoor: 8th
A busy year for the pupil from the North East, and one they should
be fairly pleased with.
They brought in favourite uncle Childs to take them to victory
at the Regionals and then started a solid relationship with an exiled
English uncle in Norway. Mr Farr came and did plenty of good work,
but the results didn’t quite match the expectations although
they were more than adequate. A drop of 6 places at the Masters
and 3 at the Open were the down size, but on the plus side there
was a well deserved 9th at the Nationals, runners up at the Mineworkers
behind the teachers pet and an improvement at the ned of term Spennymoor
bash (up 2). In addition they even managed a local victory or two
as well, so overall just about as good as last year.
2003?
Difficult to say. Should do well at the Regionals
(again) but still needs to break through in the higher class exams
if they really are to be seen as top class challengers. Possibilities
though.
Overall Mark: B – (B – in 2001)
Flowers
4BR Ranking: 18 (down 3)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 3rd
Masters: 5th
Yeovil: 3rd
Grand Shield: 3rd
Wychavon: 1st
Miners Eisteddfod: 1st
Pontins: 3rd
A very busy year for the Cheltenham child, but to borrow a racing
parlance from their home town, they were between weights during
2002.
Against the top class fields they showed that on their day they
could do the business (another fine show at the Masters to come
5th for a second successive year), but once was not enough and they
failed to last the course at the Regionals (down 1), Yeovil (down
1), Pontins (3rd) and the Grand Shield (3rd). Against smaller kids
in the playground they more than hold their own and won in style
at Wychavon and at the Miners Eisteddfod, but when set against a
field of equal strength they disappointed in 2002. They have the
class and talent, but a touch of bad luck (Pontins) and a little
lack of self belief cost them dearly and they missed out on the
two big exams in Birmingham and London.
2003?
The main aims will be to get back to the top tables
of the Open and London in 2003 for sure. Perhaps being a touch less
busy at the less important exams may do them good. Less may gain
them more in the next twelve months.
Overall Mark: C (C in 2001)
Fodens Richardson
4BR Ranking: 1 (up 2)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
Masters: 1st
British Open: 2nd
Nationals: 4th
Spennymoor: 2nd
Top of the class for 2002 and perhaps the star pupil of the academic
year. A change of parental name and the introduction of a hard working
locum parentis in Russell Gray has brought rewards and a fine twelve
months of achievement.
They regained top spot in the local scrap against Master Fairey’s
in Blackpool early in the year and then followed it up with a return
to day out glory in Cambridge and a super table topping win there.
The Open and the return of their Canadian exile father figure saw
them pipped by the Welshmen and they performed with extravagance
and a touch of ill discipline in London to come home 4th when they
could and should possibly have won. Spennymoor saw a runners up
spot for the second year in succession, but overall it was a big
year of success. Well done.
2003?
With a fair bit of pocket money off their new well
to do parents, Fodens cold be the band to beat in 2003. Much will
depend on the development of the relationship with Russell Gray
and whether Bram Tovey can be coaxed back for another crack at the
two biggies in Birmingham and London. Some player moves have occurred,
so keeping the staff happy may be a concern as well.
Overall Mark: A (A – in 2001)
Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal
4BR Ranking: 7 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 2nd
British Open: 14th
Nationals: 7th
Spennymoor: 1st
Mineworkers: 1st
A little bit of an up and down year for our favourite entertainer
at the back of the class. Why oh why they resort to bringing in
a new Governor to take control at the big contests continues to
beyond us, as it has invariably always ended in failure, and they
have one of the best in charge of them on a day to day basis anyway.
Runners up at Bradford was a good tonic to start things off under
Mr Gourlay (up 2 places from 2001), but they choose yet again to
miss the Cambridge entry exam. The Open was a disaster (14th and
down 10 places) and the Nationals saw them perform adequately at
best to come 7th (although the decision to chop up the euph solo
into two badly fitting parts was awful). Back on home turf they
once more became teachers pet at the Miners, before settling back
with Garry Cutt to show off in style at Spennymoor. Once they leave
school a career on stage is a certainty.
2003?
The move further away from exam based academia seems
set to continue in 2003 with strong rumours that there will be no
appearance at the Open this year due to a huge engagement at the
Proms. Added to a school trip to New York and Carnegie Hall and
a further no show at the Masters, Grimethorpe are on the verge of
becoming the only band not to actually need any exam qualifications.
A bigger stage awaits them.
Overall Mark: B (A – in 2001)
JAG Mount Charles
4BR Ranking: 23 (up 9)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 4th
Yeovil: 1st
Grand Shield: 9th
Masters: 14th
Pontins: 5th
Spennymoor:3rd
A real fine….. curates egg of a year for the
band from Cornwall. Up 9 places in the 4BR rankings, 3rd place prize
winners at Spennymoor after giving a corker of a show and winners
at Yeovil. However, they also failed to qualify for London (again),
failed at the Grand Shield to gain a place for the Open and didn’t
couldn’t quite do it at Pontins either. JAG Mount Charles
may soon have the reputation of great entertainers but poor academic
achievers.
The Regionals was a great disappointment (up 1), whilst the Grand
Shield saw them perform poorly (up 5) when a lot was expected of
them. The Masters perhaps confirmed their position when up against
a higher class field (up 3) whilst Pontins saw them relinquish their
title as well. The entertainment stuff was brilliant, but overall
they would surely have exchanged a third at Spennymoor for a place
or two at Birmingham and London.
2003?
The Open and Nationals. If JAG Mount Charles are
to be taken seriously as a band that can hack it against the big
boys in the playground, they have got to get out of the sandpit
with the little kids first. They have the talent for sure, but is
there enough steel in the veins and self belief in their hearts
to finally take a place at London and Birmingham? If they do in
2003, then it will be a fine year indeed.
Overall Mark: C+
Kirkintilloch
4BR Ranking: 13 (up 3)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 1st
British Open: 12th
Nationals: 14th
Spennymoor: 7th
A good year of banding for the second highest ranked Scottish pupil
with a rise of three places up the ranking register.
The two “R’s” – Renton and Ramsey did fine
work with their bairn and it paid off in fine style at Motherwell
with a Regional victory – their first for some time and up
5 from last year. A couple of wins around Scotland followed as did
a solid performance at the Open (up 4) and mid table security in
London. Spennymoor once more saw them perform with merit, although
perhaps a little dourly and they dropped two places to come 7th.
Moving in the right direction although the loss of one “R”
may effect further progress.
2003?
The loss of Allan Ramsey could well hurt the band
more than many may think and with the banding pupils of Scotland
all eager to do well in 2003, it could be a slightly more difficult
year. The European adventure should be something to cherish though,
but further improvements at the two big exam contests should be
their aim.
Overall Mark: B (B+ in 2001)
Leyland
4BR Ranking: 9 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 3rd
Masters: 7th
British Open: 11th
Nationals: 15th
Spennymoor: 6th
A solid year that tailed off somewhat for the band that has now
become accustomed to living sensibly within their parents financial
means.
The use of Garry Cutt meant good results were achieved at the Regionals
(3rd again) and the Master (up 6 places), whilst there was just
a drop of form at the Open (down 2). The Nationals were fraught
with health problems to one of the trombone siblings, so a drop
from 6th to 15th wasn’t as bad as it looked. The change of
MD for Spennymoor however didn’t quite work out as planned,
but 6th (a drop of 2) still was a good effort. Not bad.
2003?
More of the same would be nice as the band are not
quite ready to challenge for the top honours against the bigger
kids of Fodens and Fairey’s quite yet, but are more than capable
of holding off the challenges of the others in the North West class.
May need a bit more class about them to challenge on the bigger
stages though, but don’t write off their chances.
Overall Mark: C + (B+ in 2001)
Ransome
4BR Ranking: 14 (down 2)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 5th
Masters: 10th
Grand Shield: 5th
Spennymoor:5th
A bit of a backward step for young Ransome in 2002 with drop in
the rankings of two places to 14, but the signs are there that an
appetite for hard work will possibly pay dividends in 2003.
No European to distract them, but things started poorly with 5th
place under the departing parent Russell Gray in March. This led
to the appointment of the “Major” and they performed
well to just drop a coupe of places at the Masters. The big disappointment
though was 5th place at the Grand Shield and a missed opportunity
to regain a place at the Open. They were good, but not good enough
on the day and that it showed them how difficult it will be to regain
a place in the premiership banding exam. The jolt seemed to work
though and 5th at Spennymoor may herald an upturn in fortunes for
2003.
2003?
The return to the Open will be the major aim we
feel for the band, as will a return to better form at the Regionals
and a place back at London. 2nd place on “Harrison’s
Dream” seems a long time ago, but they have it in them to
return to at least one of the major venues in 2003 we are sure.
Overall Mark: C (C+ in 2001)
Sellers International
4BR Ranking: 19 (up 6)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 6th
Masters: 4th
Grand Shield: 7th
Spennymoor: 4th
Another pupil to continue improving in 2002, with a further leap
up the ranking table to 19th. This represented another 12 months
of steady rather than spectacular development under the careful
tutelage of their Laird, Mr McCann and bodes well for 2003.
6th place (up 6) at the difficult Yorkshire Regional exam was a
good start (although claims from some quarters that all top 6 bands
there should have qualified were well off the mark), but the band
showed a real glimpse of what they were capable of at the Masters
where they performed admirably to come home with a gold star on
their hands after coming 4th (up 11 places on 2001).
The Grand Shield brought things back into perspective though and
the missed opportunity of gaining a place at the Open must have
hurt. Spennymoor though proved that on their day they can mix it
with the bigger kids though and 4th place (down 1) was a fine end
to the year.
2003?
Another whose main aim will surely be a return to the Open.
The Grand Shield though is full of kids with much the same ability
and so they will have to be prepared to scrap it out for a place.
The Nationals may be beyond them as only one extra band gets to
go this year, so it will be all hands to the deck for Blackpool.
Overall Mark: B- (C in 2001)
Travelsphere Holidays
4BR Ranking: 12 (up 1)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 2nd
Masters: 3rd
British Open: 17th
Nationals: 16th
What started so well, ended on a bit of a low note for Travelsphere
as they finished the year with two disappointing results at the
Open and Nationals and lost a few players into the bargain. However,
some recent good signings may see them return hoping to extend their
good form past the Masters in 2003.
A pretty good start at the Regionals, although they just failed
to regain their title was followed by a splendid performance at
Cambridge (up 15 places). The hopes were surely high for further
success, but two very below par performances at the Open (down 7
and just missing the cut to the Grand Shield) and the Nationals
(16th for a second year) put a real dampner on things. Some household
squabbles meant a few evictions but the new tenants have a stamp
of class about them, so they enter 2003 a with better expectations.
2003?
Capable of doing really well if things hold together. Don’t
be surprised if they put in some really solid showings at the exam
table in 2003. Not quite ready to rough it with the big boys just
yet, butmore than capable of lifting themselves away from the underachievers
at the Open and Nationals.
Overall Mark: C + (C – in 2001)
Tredegar
4BR Ranking: 8 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 3rd
European: 7th
British Open: 8th
Pontins: 1st
Yeovil 7th
Not a bad year for the second highest ranked Welsh pupil, but one
that should have at least contained an appearance at the National
Finals.
A poor start at Yeovil where they were a poor 7th was followed
by their knock out at Swansea. The European saw them perform with
guts and class before they returned to Birmingham to once more take
their place just outside the prize list with 8th (up 5). A change
of parental MD followed but the fostering process of the households
of James Scott and Garry Cutt brought them the Welsh Championship
and a cracking Pontins victory. They continue to be a top class
crusierweight kid rather than a genuine heavyweight though.
2003?
Swansea will be the acid test of the year. Succeed
there and a place in London should set the band up for another solid
year of achievement. A sugar daddy would be even more welcome though.
Overall Mark: C (C in 2001)
Whitburn
4BR Ranking: 10 (no change)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 2nd
British Open: 10th
Nationals: 10th
The top ranked Scottish child spent 2002 consolidating their position
in the top ten of the class and was rewarded with a decent year
as a result. Nothing spectacular, but 12 months of making sure the
gains of the past were not lost.
Runners up again at the Scottish exam board in Motherwell, was
just a tad disappointing perhaps, but they did follow this with
a couple of local successes. The Open saw them perform well without
ever setting the place alight as they did in 2001 and a drop from
5th to 10th was the result. The Nationals was much the same and
a drop of two places to 10th was about right on the day, but perhaps
a touch below their expectations. However, they are a stubborn and
hardy bunch, so a repeat dose may be in order for next year.
2003?
The regaining of the Scottish Crown will be foremost
in their minds we think for 2003, after two years in which they
have been pipped. Plenty of quality, but perhaps in need of a bit
more “devil may care” attitude to really make an impression
south of the border at the big ones later in the year.
Overall Mark: B – (B + in 2001)
Willebroek
4BR Ranking: 25 (up 25)
Exam Results:
Nationals: 1st
Europeans: 2nd
It may appear slightly unfair that Willebroek only appear in two
ranking contests exam and still make it into the top class of 25,
but make no mistake, on the form they showed in 2002 they deserved
it.
National Champions again (retaining the title and winning it for
the 11th time) they took that form to Brussels and gave two outstanding
performances of the set work and own choice “Dove Descending”
that were as good as anything you could have heard on any British
contesting stage. Our European pupil may have a bit of trouble getting
to grips with the more traditional aspects of our banding culture,
but they travel well and shold be in with a fair old shout come
Bergen.
2003?
Bergen looms on the horizon, but after retaining their National
title again recently they will have had plenty of time to prepare
for sure. They are up against some very classy bands this time around
though in the shape of YBS, Williams Fairey and BAYV Cory, so if
they come in the top three they can really shout home about their
achievements. We’ll see though.
Williams Fairey
4BR Ranking: 4 (up 1)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 2nd
Masters: 2nd
British Open: 6th
Nationals: 1st
At last – a real 100% return to form for the pretty boy at
the back of the class. For too long they had flattered to deceive,
but the infusion of a few new faces in the household and the capture
of a new MD in the shape of exile Withington has been the spur they
needed to succeed.
Things started on a bit of a low note when the Snell tenure ended
with a 2nd place and the loss of the title “Best in the North
West”, but true to form the band picked a renegade talent
in the shape of Frank Rentonto take them to Cambridge (up 7 places)
– and it nearly came off. However, it was the appointment
of Allan Withington that seemed to settle the kid down and the Open
proved that the signs were there (6th again). The Nationals were
the perfect stage to show off though and they did so superbly to
bring home the National to their Stockport living room to show the
parents.
2003?
Bergen and the European will be both the financial and musical aim
for the band for sure. Withington on adopted “home soil”
and Fairey’s surely trying out “Masquerade” for
a quartet of victories. The other three majors should also prove
fruitful as well.
Overall Mark: A – (B+ in 2001)
Yorkshire Building Society
4BR Ranking: 5 (down 4)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 4th
Masters: 6th
European: 1st
British Open: 9th
Nationals: 6th
Despite the tremendous win in Brussels (YBS remain the star pupil
in foreign languages) 2002 will be seen as something of a disappointment
for Dr King and his charges.
The Bradford “home test” proved a bit much for the
band (down 2) as many of the new faces they acquired took time to
bed in whilst the Masters was another poorish day (down 4) as they
failed to shine as well as they knew they could. The European was
something else though and they gave two exam papers of breathtaking
quality and bravery. It was a win out of the very top drawer of
banding. That should have charged them for more, but somehow they
seemed slightly spent by the effort of it all and the Open saw a
fall away to 9th as they sort to retain their title, whilst London
remains a prize seemingly beyond them. They performed as well as
they ever have done but still came 6th. Perhaps there’s something
in the water?
2003?
Bergen surely will see YBS determined to crown themselves
not only Champions of Europe, but to ensure their name is etched
into history by becoming the greatest band in the contests history.
If they do it don’t be surprised that they may then conquer
everything else, with a win at London the icing on the cake. Do
not bet against them finally ding it this year.
Overall Mark: B+ (A+ in 2001)
Yorkshire Imperial David
Urquhart
4BR Ranking: 16 (up 7)
Exam Results:
Regionals: 8th
Masters: 15th
British Open: 7th
Spennymoor: 10th
An improving pupil even if the overall results were a touch down
from last year. Mr Evans the MD and his band had a lot of family
changes but they have now settled into their new surroundings and
things look a lot rosier.
The Regionals were harsh (down 1 place from 2001) and the Masters
was a big let down (9 places down from 2001), but there was a general
feeling that better was to come, and so it proved. A real quality
showing at the Open (up 7) and a solid showing at the end of term
bash at Spennymoor confirmed steady progress. Things seem to be
moving in the right direction.
2003?
More of the same really, but with the aim of getting a place at
London top of the list. This could be just beyond them this time
around, but higher marks at the other majors will signal that things
are on the right course.
Overall Mark: B - (C+ in 2001)
© 4BarsRest
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