ARTICLES

National Championships 2003

The First Section

17 bands from all over the country will try and take the title. We have tried to get as much information as possible about the bands including details from the bands themselves.

Abergavenny Borough Band
Region: Wales

Conductor: Lyndon Price

Lyndon Price originates from Ebbw Vale. A military career including an important time at Knellar Hall preceded BA (Hons) degree studies in Music at Sheffield University. On completing his degree, he then completed the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (Directing). After completing his studies, he took up the position of Head of Brass at the St. Mary's Roman Catholic High School in Chesterfield. Lyndon returned to his native South Wales in 2002 where he now teaches at Ebbw Vale College.

Lyndon has previously played for the Carlton Main Frickley and Weavers Building Groups Bands, and has held the position of Musical Director with the South Yorkshire Police and Frickly Brass Bands. He took over the as Musical Director of the Abergavenny Borough Band in August 2002

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: David Read
Placed 2nd, L Price, Draw 9, Points 187

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Kevin Powell
Principal Euphonium: Jason Harris
Solo Trombone: Phil Bull
Solo Horn: Deb Bull
Soprano: June Humphries

Band history: The band existed before 1884 however the name Abergavenny Borough Band can be traced back to 1906 when they were granted permission to use the Borough Coat of Arms and call themselves the Abergavenny Borough Band.

In the 1960s a fire destroyed the bandroom, the music library and majority of instruments and would have folded if not for the dedication of Mr Bill Parry, the Chairman of more than 50 years who sadly died in 2002. The band started contesting in 1969 under the baton of Mr. Eric Powell and since 1982, when they were first promoted to the championship section, it has maintained its’ position in either the first or championship section.

Achievements: The National Championships have not proved a happy hunting group for the Band in the past, with the best placing being 11th in 2002.

The Band go to Dundee on the back of some recent successes – joint second place in the 2002 first section Welsh Championships and a first prize at the SEWBBA contest in Ebbw Vale in May.

Nationals appearances: 11
Best Result: 11th 1992

Barrow Shipyard Band
Region: North of England

Conductor: John Durrant

Born on the east coast of England, John Durrant started playing in local brass bands before winning an open scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London. On leaving he was offered his first orchestral position followed by four years with the newly formed Leyland Vehicles Band on soprano cornet.

He started his band-conducting career with the Coppull Band before moving to Warburtons Bakery Band (formerly Hogarths). In the 1980’s he founded the St. Helens Youth Bands and was visiting trumpet teacher at Cheetham’s School of Music. John Durrant has worked with a long list of bands including, Ransome, Wingates, East Lancs Paper, Freckleton, Matthews Norfolk Brass, Hanwell and Woking Band.

Regionals: Sunday 16 March, - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 2nd, J. Durrant, Draw 7, Points 190

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Glyn Richards
Principal Euphonium: David Scholes
Solo Trombone: Tim Lysons
Solo Horn: Narrisa Nicholas
Soprano: Kevin Donaldson
Flugel Horn : Janet Hopkins

Band history: Enjoying a long and colourful history linked to the Cumbrian Town of Barrow-in-Furness they were founded as the Barrow Temperance Band in 1892. Shipyard sponsorship followed in 1898 from the shipyard owners Vickers Sons and Maxim Ltd. Since then there were various changes in title to reflect company fortunes until 2002 when BAE Systems (Marine) terminated the very long sponsorship.

A Derbyshire businessman Mr W.Wilson, whose company, Cedar Finance Limited quickly took up the band and with this new sponsorship in place it was unanimously decided to adopt the title that restored the links to the band’s history – The Barrow Shipyard Band.

Recent Achievements:
Northern West Area Championships – 2002
1st Section Placed 4th
Brass at the Guild – Preston 9th February 2003
Placed 12th - 178pts (3)
Cumbria Brass Band Association - Whitehaven 11th May 2003
Placed 5th - 186pts

The Bathgate Band
Region: Scotland

Conductor: Alan Duguid

Alan is currently a student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama studying Composition and Conducting. A native of Aberdeen, he began with Brass Bands at the age of 12 as a cornet player with the Bon-Accord Silver Band. Following his move to Glasgow, Alan joined the Kirkintilloch Band.

His conducting career began at the age of 16 with the Learig Orchestra of Aberdeen and since then he has been involved with many ensembles including the Bon-Accord Silver Band and the Glasgow University Wind Band. He was appointed as resident conductor of The Bathgate Band in July 2001.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March, - Adjudicators: John Berryman & Chris Wormald
Placed 1st, Alan Duigud, Draw 9, Points 90

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Audrey Bird
Principal Euphonium: Dick Pritchard
Solo Trombone: Geoff Turnbull
Solo Horn: Lauren Carrigan
Soprano: Tommy Harrower
Flugel: Diane Field

Band history: The Bathgate Band can trace it's origins to the early part of the nineteenth century and even spent a few years in the 1870's in the guise of the local Volunteer Militia Band. In the 1890's the town council took an interest in the Band, supporting it by public subscription, which prompted a name change to the Bathgate Public Band.

They competed in the inaugural Scottish Championship in 1895 and have participated ever since.

They have won the Second Section National Championships in 1989 and 1997, took first place in the First Section of the Pontins Brass Band Championship in 1998 and third place in the First Section of the National Mineworkers Contest in the year 2000. Grading results 2003 – Promotion from 1st to Championship Section

National appearances: 6
Best Result: Winners 2nd Section in 1989 and 1997.

Recent Achievements:
WSBBA contest - Clydebank 26th May 2002
Placed 2nd. Draw 2, Points 189
Fife Charities Band Contest - September 7th 2002
Placed 4th – 90 points
Brass in the Park – September 2002
Placed 2nd – 192 points
Whitburn Invitation Contest – November 2002
Placed 5th – 92 points

BHK (UK) Ltd Horden
Region: North of England

Conductor: Wilf Beddell

James Wilfred Beddell better known in the brass band world as Wilf, began his musical career with the Thornley Colliery Band before he joined the Easington Colliery Band and finally the Ever Ready Band as Principal Cornet.

Wilf gave 23 valuable years service to the Ever Ready before becoming Musical Director of the BHK Band in 1996. He has guided them from the Fourth to the Championship Section in 8 years.

Regionals: Sunday 16 March, - Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Placed 1st, Draw 1, Points 192

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Andy Holmes
Principal Euphonium: Ritchie Wallace
Solo Trombone: Bob Calvert
Solo Horn: Paul Vickers
Soprano: Terry Foster
Flugel: Jo Brown

Band History: The Horden Colliery Band was formed in 1908 by the miners of the Colliery. Sadly during the 70’s and 80’s the Band went through a period of decline and as a result of the Colliery closure and almost went out of existence.
With great effort and determination by the remaining members they began to rebuild and were able to re-start contesting in the early 90’s.

In 1994 they became North of England Regional Champions (4th Section) finishing 4th out of 19 competing Bands and have subsequently been promoted on three more occasions taking their place in the first section this year for the first time. During 2002 the Band had a difficult time but have recovered going on from strength to strength.

A sponsorship with the BHK (UK) Ltd Company (laminated flooring and decorative panelling specialists) became effective from the 1st January 2003.

Achievements:
Durham League Championships – Placed 4th
Easingwold March contest – Placed 1st
Grading results 2003 – Promotion from 1st to Championship Section

Nationals appearances: 1 – 1994 4th in Section 4th

Bon Accord Silver
Region: Scotland

Conductor: Tony Swainson

Tony came from the ranks of the Salvation Army, based at the Chester le Street Corps in the north east of England. His professional debut came with the Halle Orchestra in 1968 and he was appointed principal Tuba with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra 3 years later where he remained until December 1997 when he decided to develop his career as a conductor, composer and teacher.

Tony has enjoyed considerable success conducting bands in Scotland, England and Norway and has several TV, radio and commercial recordings to his credit. Associated with the Bon-Accord Silver Band since early 1999 he has twice led the band to victory in their section at the Scottish Championships. His teaching activities focus on the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama where he is Professor of Tuba.

Regionals: Saturday 8 March, - Adjudicators: John Berryman & Chris Wormald
Placed 2nd, Tony Swainson, Draw 1, Points 89

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Cooper
Principal Euphonium: Richard Kidd
Solo Trombone: Bruce Wallace
Solo Horn: Karen Johnston
Soprano: Emma Nicol

Band history: In June 1962 the late Stewart Watson MBE conducted the first rehearsal of what was to become known as "The Bon Accord Silver Band". Fund raising events had produced modest funds and additional support came from the granting of weekly accommodation, at no cost, in Aberdeen's Music Centre.

More than thirty years on the Bon Accord Silver Band have achieved qualification to the National Championships some 14 times including two performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Winners of the 1985 and 1998 Scottish Quartet Championships they have also performed at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Achievements:
Grading results 2003 – Promotion from 1st to Championship Section

Nationals appearances: 13
1995 - [1st section]
1999 - 3rd (2nd section)
2000 - 9th [1st section]

City of Bristol
Region: West of England

Conductor: Bryn James

Bryn James started playing at the age of 6 with the Pillowell and then Onward Yorkley before joining the REME. Whilst in the Army he attended The Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall on euphonium. On leaving the Army and returned to Yorkley Onward as Principal Euphonium before starting to conduct the Bream Silver Band for 4 years. Bryn James became conductor of the City of Bristol Band in 1998.

Regionals: Saturday 5th April - Adjudicator: Derek Broadbent
Placed 1st. Bryn James, Draw 10, Points 190

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Danny Winder
Principal Euphonium: Claire Ancell
Solo Trombone: Dave Millington
Solo Horn: Sarah Murie
Soprano: Jimmy Bell
Flugel : Ian Dickenson

Band history: The band was formed in 1936 and was originally called the Fishponds Band (you may recall 4BarsRest's Top 10 worst band names - they were 6th!). After a successful period in the 60’s and early 70’s, the band all but disappeared. The band recovered getting back to the 3rd Section and after the Areas in 1998, Bryn James was appointed Musical Director.

Achievements:
April 2003 - Weston Super Mare Contest (championship section) - 4th
April 2003 - Regional Finals Torquay (1st Section) - 1st
February 2003 - GBBA entertainments contest (1st Section) - 1st
Overall Winners - 1st in Section Most entertaining Band
October 2002 - GBBA Contest (1st Section) - March : 2nd - Test Piece : 2nd
October 2002 Pontins Championship (1st Section) - 3rd

Friary Guildford
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Keith Maxwell

Originally from Northern Ireland, Keith’s formative years were spent playing with the 1st Old Boys (Seacat) Silver band. He started playing euphonium at the age of 8 and later moved to trombone studying at Queen’s University.
Keith joined Friary in 1993, and played solo trombone with both Friary and Aveley and Newham bands. He became Musical Director of Friary Guildford in 1999.

Regionals: Sunday 16 March - Adjudicator: Brian Buckley
Placed 1st. K. Maxwell, Draw 6, Points 189

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Yarham
Principal Euphonium: Dawn Culver
Solo Trombone: Roland Knight
Solo Horn: Alex Stevens
Soprano: Paul Bilkey
Flugel : Richard Straker

Band history: The first brass band in Guildford existed in the early 1900s when the Friary Meux Brewery, originally based in Guildford had its own Brass Band however this band had long ceased to exist.

20 years ago, the current band was formed and 9 players who play in this contest were involved when it was re-formed. There again followed a period of sponsorship by the Friary Meux Brewery but this partnership ended in 1993. It was decided to keep the name Friary (but drop Meux) in the band’s title.

Achievements:
May 2003 - Crawley Entertainment contest : 2nd
November 2002 - Leicestershire BBA contest : 4th
October 2002 - SCABA Folkestone contest : 2nd
May 2002 - Crawley Entertainment contest : 1st
May 2002 - Swindon Festival of Brass contest : 1st
March 2002 - London and Southern Counties regional finals : 6th

Gresley Old Hall
Region: Midlands

Conductor: David Hutchinson

David Hutchinson has been Musical Director of Gresley Old Hall Brass Band since October 15th, 2002. Originally from South Shields, he has played Soprano for Desford, Jones & Crossland and Yorkshire Building Society. He conducted at the National Finals with Kibworth in 1991 coming in 5th place.

Regionals: Saturday 1 March - Adjudicator: Steve Sykes
Placed 3rd. D. Hutchinson, Draw 15, Points 187

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Graham Croft / Ivan Hutchinson - not yet decided until day of contest
Principal Euphonium: Karl Eames
Solo Trombone: Chris Smith
Solo Horn: Adam Shaw
Soprano: Ian Dawn
Flugel : Gary Horsley

Band history: The band was founded in 1857 and has had many name changes latterly being affiliated with Gresley Colliery. Following the pit closure in 1968, the band moved to Gresley Old Hall, its present location. Known as South Derbyshire Miners Welfare Band until the area's pits all closed in the 1980s, when they became Gresley Old Hall.

Achievements:

Nationals appearances: 3 (including Dundee 2003)
Best Result: 13th in 1997
Worst Result: 19th in 1993

Hade Edge (J&E Dickinson)
Region: Yorkshire

Conductor: Simon Wood

Simon Wood has previously conducted Rothwell Temp’ and Dobcross, has certainly contributed enormously to the band’s recent form.

Regionals: Sunday 2 March, - Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill
Placed 2nd - S. Wood, Draw 7, Points 190

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Ian Molyneux
Principal Euphonium: Rebecca Hawkes
Solo Trombone: Sarah Curtis
Solo Horn: Davinia Saville
Soprano: David Turnbull
Flugel: Donna Mellor

Band history: Formed in 1908, the band rehearses in their band room on the outskirts of Holmefirth. Their contesting history has seen one of mixed fortunes. They appeared in the National finals in 1995, their first major success in 21 years which saw promotion to the 1st Section. Fortunes changed but with the appointment of Simon Ward almost three years ago they turned a corner and success at the Yorkshire Regionals came in both 2001(2nd) and 2002 (winners).

Achievements:
National Finals - Preston 2001 – 5th
National Finals - Torquay 2002 – 1st

Kibworth
Region: Midlands

Conductor: John Berryman

John Berryman commenced playing at the age of 8 years in his native Cornwall with Camborne Town Band. At 14 years he was appointed principal cornet being principal of the NYBGB for 6 years. He moved to the GUS Band as principal cornet where he enjoyed 10 successful years. His conducting career began with the Bodmin Town Band before joining Grimethorpe Colliery Band in 1973. Moving back to the Midlands in 1975 he accepted an offer to conduct the William Davis Construction Band and has continued to conduct in this region subsequently.

Regionals: Saturday 1 March - Adjudicator: Steve Sykes
Placed 1st. J. Berryman, Draw 3, Points 190

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Carol Smith
Principal Euphonium: Simon Rotchell
Solo Trombone: Pete Thorburn
Solo Horn: Nathen Waterman
Soprano: Bob Stradling

Band history: The Kibworth Band has been in existence for more than 90 years. Players were originally drawn from the villages of Kibworth Beauchamp and Kibworth Harcourt and the surrounding area. The Band became the 3rd Section Midland Regional Champions in 1964 and subsequently won both the second and the first section titles. Fortunes changes but with sustained effort they regained championship status and secured a short term sponsorship from the Alliance and Leicester Building Society. The band qualified for the National Finals in London in 1990 and again in 1995, when they gained second place.

Achievements:
Grading results 2003 – Promotion from 1st to Championship Section
Grand Shield 2003 – Placed 11th

Last Year: 8th [1st section]

Knottingley Silver
Region: Yorkshire

Conductor: Kevin Belcher

A former cornet/flugal player with Rothwell and Aceprint Kevin was appointed in 1997, since then he has taken the band from the 3rd section to the Championship section from 2004.

Regionals: Sunday 2 March, - Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill
Placed 1st. K. Belcher, Draw 3, Points 191

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Andy Belcher
Principal Euphonium: Bill Lyon
Solo Trombone: Phil Clarke
Solo Horn: Roger Clayton
Soprano: Paul Broadbent

Band history: Since it was formed in 1880, the Band has been part of the local community with many local charities supported as part of the Bands' community spirit. After 3 national finals in the last four years the Band will be promoted for the first time in its history into the Championship section from 1st January 2004.

Achievements:
Second section National finalists 2000 & 2001.
Promoted to First section 2002
1st section Yorkshire Area champions 2003

Grading results 2003 – Promotion from 1st to Championship Section

Riddings Band
Region: Midlands

Conductor: John Davis

With a background playing trumpet in the Midlands region for many years in 1990 he accepted the position of Musical Director with The Riddings Band who were then in the 3rd section. John has conducted many brass bands in the area, including: Bestwood Band, Snibston & Desford Band, The Desford 10 piece, Shirland Band, Rhodian Brass & RJB Brass.

Regionals: Saturday 1 March - Adjudicator: Steve Sykes
Placed 2nd S. Jones, Draw 9, Points 188

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Richard Mason
Principal Euphonium: Brian Hanson
Solo Trombone: Clare Bond
Solo Horn: Pam Davis

Band history: The Band, from the Derbyshire village of Riddings, in the borough of Amber Valley near junction 28 of the M1 motorway. The village being locally famous for its two windmills (no longer standing), whose names were Sarah and James named after the children of the man who built them.

Achievements:
Promoted to Championship Section 1999
Regionals 2000 – Placed 10th
Regionals 2001 – Placed 9th
Regionals 2002 1st Section – Placed 9th
Senior Trophy 2002 – Placed 14th
Senior Trophy 2003 – Placed 8th

Test Valley Brass
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Melvin White

One of the most successful Musical Directors around in terms of results - and especially at getting bands to Finals. At Regional Championships he has guided over 20 bands to various National Finals from the Championship Section down and has conducted at all the major contests in the banding calender. He has conducted all over the country - invariably with success.

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Phillipa Stewart
Principal Euphonium: Kay French
Solo Trombone: Scott Stewart
Solo Horn: George Arnold
Soprano: Adrian Wallace

Band history: Test Valley Brass consists of 3 traditional brass bands, with over 70 playing members, based in Andover, Hampshire, UK. Test Valley Brass (Mitutoyo) is proud to have risen from the 4th Section in 1998 to the Championship Section in 2004, with virtually the same set of players, having won the National UK Brass Band Championships 3rd Section in 1999 and the 4th Section 1998.

TVB also qualified for the 2nd Section National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, in the year 2000 and the 1st Section National Finals at Dundee in 2003. Test Valley Brass Concert Band provides music for the local community, runs a full social calendar, and welcomes all players. Test Valley Brass Youth Band is open to younger players, with a comprehensive educational and tutoring scheme, playing at local events around Andover. This website includes a history of the band, the band's contest results, concerts and diary dates, press releases, photos, newsletters, contacts, brass band links ...

Regionals: Saturday 5th April - Adjudicator: Derek Broadbent
Placed 2nd, Melvin White, Draw 9, Points 189

Treherbert Band
Region: Wales

Conductor: Graham Sheppard

Graham Sheppard is one of the most well known banding personalities in the Principality. For many years he was a very well respected tuba player with the Cory Band and was a member of the band which won the National Finals in 1974 as well as the hat trick of wins in the early 1980's. Since he became conductor of the Treherbert Band they have gone from strength to strength, culminating in the band becoming Welsh Champions in 2002 and winning the Welsh Area Championships earlier this year. .

Regionals: Saturday 15 March - Adjudicator: David Read
Placed 1st, G. Sheppard, Draw 3, Points 188

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Howard Jones
Principal Euphonium: Andrew Pryse
Solo Trombone: Bill Peverelle
Solo Horn: Jane Pryse
Soprano: Tracy Kembury

Band history: Historians believe the Treherbert Drum and Fife Band, in existance around 1897, may have been a forerunner to today's outfit. However it was a brass band set up by the miners of the old Glenrhondda Colliery, which helped put Treherbert on South Wales' musical map.
Crucially for the Glenrhondda Band, the closure of the colliery left the band in a financial vacuum when they were renamed the Upper Rhondda Band. A short time later they were renamed Treherbert and District Silver Band shortened over time to Treherbert Band.

United Co-op Band (Crewe)
Region: North West

Conductor: Jef Sparkes

Jef began playing the tenor horn at the age of 5 and, after a later change to bass, he became a member of the NYBGB and also the NYBB of Wales. At the age of fourteen Jef joined the Fodens. In recent years he changed to euphonium and has occupied chairs with the United Co-op Band (Crewe), Point of Ayr, Williams Fairey, and British Telecom. Jef had been co-Musical Director with Roy for some time taking over the baton from his father in 1985.

Regionals: Sunday 9 March - Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill
Placed 1st. Jef Sparkes, Draw 7, Points 190

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Andy Welsh
Principal Euphonium: Dave Mason
Solo Trombone: Claire Bennett
Solo Horn: Annette Sparkes
Soprano: John Worth

Recent Achievements: Senior Cup 2003 – Placed 12th

United Norwest Co-op Milnrow
Region: North West

Conductor: Andrew White

Regionals: Sunday 9 March - Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill
Placed 2nd. Carl Whiteoak, Draw 10, Points 189

Band History: UNC Milnrow Band can trace its roots back to 1869, when it was connected to St Stephen's Congregational Church, Milnrow. Playing under the name of "The Milnrow Brass Band Club" prior to the First World War in 1914 in 1998 the band merged with the Rochdale Co-op Band to form the present band, The United Norwest Co-op Milnrow Band.

Zone One Brass
Region: London & Southern Counties

Conductor: Simon Dobson

Simon has conducted the band since its first rehearsal on 5th November 2002. Currently a 4th year composition student at the Royal College of Music in London in May 2002, Simon won the European Composer of the Year Competition with his piece ““Four Sketches – A Homage to Britten”. Another of Simon’s pieces, “Lydian Pictures” was chosen as the test piece for the 2003 4th Section Regional Contests. Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band have recently appointed Simon as their composer in Residence. Simon was voted Best Newcomer of the Year for 2002 by 4barsrest readers.

Regionals: Sunday 16 March - Adjudicator: Brian Buckley
Placed 2nd. S. Dobson, Draw 10, Placed 187

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Adam Juckes
Principal Euphonium: Donald Logie
Solo Trombone: Jon Stokes
Solo Horn: Gemma Straw
Soprano: Craig Burnett

Band history: Zone One Brass was formed in May 2002 by 7 students from the Royal College of Music with the aim of providing regular and competitive banding for those who had moved into the central London area..
The majority of the band are students at London’s music colleges, but there are also servicemen and even a teacher among the ranks

Achievements: The band entered in its first ever contest in the London & Southern Counties Regionals in March 2003.

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