ARTICLES

National Championships 2003

The Third Section

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

Audley Brass
Area: Midlands

Conductor: Kevin Birch

Kevin Birch has conducted the band from March 1994 when the band were non contesting and taken them into the second section next year. He is a peripatetic brass and woodwind tutor. A former church organist, baritone and Euphonium player with Roberts Bakery Band and United Co-op Crewe Band and Cheshire Youth Brass Band. Kevin also arranges and composes music for brass some of which have been recorded and published. Prior to joining Audley Kevin gained experience with Tarporley Band, Lyceum Brass and Lions Junior Band.


National Appearances: 1 - placed 16th in Fourth Section in 1999.

How they got there: 3rd place at Midland Area conducted by K M Birch with 181 points.

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Keith Hilton
Euph: Mark Woodvine
Trom: Chris Thompson
Horn: Alison Laycock
Sop: Eleanor Smith
Flugel: Michael Woodvine

Band history:
It is thought the band was formed as a Mission Band by a Mr Arthur Hughes and a few friends about 1902/03. In 1921 fifteen band members pooled their resources and purchased the present band room in Dean Hollow. According to our records almost all of these were connected with the mining industry in some way. In the 20’s and 30’s the band flourished winning numerous competition prizes within the region and about this time became known as Audley Prize Band.

While over the years other village bands came and went Audley remained. In the late 70’s like many organisations even today there was “a falling out” and another band was formed. This band was called Audley and District Band and for about 10 years they coexisted. In 1989 both bands realised the only sensible solution was to re-amalgamate, which they did as the currently named Audley Brass Band. Early in 1994 the organisation suffered from a lack of players and a decision was made to appoint a new Musical Director to try and inject some new life into the band. In March of that year Kevin Birch was appointed.

Achievements:
Pontins 4th Section Champions 1997
Milton Keynes Festival of Brass Champions 1998
Fourth Section North East Midland Champions 1999
Fourth Section Midland Regional Champions 1999
Fourth Section (National Finalists)
Milton Keynes Festival of Brass Champions 1999
Fourth Section Rhyl Festival of Brass Champions 1999
Promotion to Section 3 January 2000
Midlands Area Contest 3rd prize
Midlands Area Contest 3rd Third Section (National Finalists)
Promotion to the Second Section from January 2004

Boarshurst (Greenfield) Silver Band
Area: North West

Conductor: Jonathan Webster

The musical director of the Boarshurst Greenfield Band is Jonathon H. Webster. Since Joining Boarshurst in September 2001 Jonathon has led the band to its highest standing in years. Prior to starting conducting Jonathon played first baritone at the highest possible level for several world class bands.

Throughout his career to date Jonathon has always attempted play in a very musical brass band style and he intends to guide the members of the Boarshurst Band to follow his vision. Jonathon was born into a musical family in Huddersfield in 1966. At the age of nine he joined his local Meltham Band where he played cornet. He later progressed to the Hammonds Sauce Works Band at the young age of 16 and has since played for many of the best brass bands in the world including Brighouse and Rastric, Black Dyke and Leyland Daf.

His real love however is the Cheshire based band Fodens. In recognition of this Jonathon who is managing director of Fred Rhodes Limited, provided sponsorship for the band in 1997. Fred Rhodes Limited is the sole importer throughout the UK for Antoine Courtois Paris whose brass band instruments continue be used by the Fodens band today.

How they got there: Runners up at North West area under Jonathan Webster with 183 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Martin Stott
Euph: Paul Dutton
Trom: Phil Rose
Horn: Nicola Rathburn
Sop: Keith Horsfall
Flugel: Julie Bedder

Band history: Formed in 1849, the history of the band takes in all the great contests of the banding world, including appearances at the British Open itself. The recent resurgence of the band, down to seven players in 2000, occurred when Jonathan Webster took over the baton and there is now a solid band in place and confidence is high, especially after their win at the French Open and qualification for the Finals.

Achievements: Won at French Open in 2002.

Carlton Brass
Area: Midlands

Conductor: Tony Wilson

Tony Wilson is the Musical Director of Carlton Brass and has been associated with brass bands for over 30 years. After a very enjoyable playing career Tony decided it was time to give something back to banding and especially his original band. This led him to help local brass players and eventually pick up the baton in 1998 and provide the band with some musical guidance. A successful formula between band and conductor is working very well and is producing some exciting results. Tony’s commitment to working with music and children and especially in developing young brass players led him to take on the role of 11th Session Music Tutor for Nottingham Schools.

Nationals appearances: 2 previous appearances - this is the 3rd time they have qualified.
Best Result: 2001 6th - 4th Section: 2002 8th - 3rd Section

How they got there: 2nd place at Midland Area conducted by Tony Wilson with 182 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Alan Tyler
Euph: Gary Glover
Trom: Alan Carlin
Horn: John Bailey
Sop: Steve Parker
Flugel: Steve Mercs

Band history: Carlton Brass was effectively born in its current format in 1998, although its associated ‘Carlton Band Organisation’, has its roots dating back to the old Netherfield Railwayman's silver band formed in 1902

Achievements: 2002 and the band are promoted into the 3rd Section, It proved to be an excellent year for the band. The band’s first attempt in the 3rd section and it earns an impressive second place at the Midlands Area and a second invitation to the national finals.

The band retains its title by winning the Crich Tramway Museums Contest for a second time, organised by NEMBBA and open to 2nd, 3rd and 4th section bands. It ended the year by winning both the Leicester and Leamington contests over consecutive weekends. The contest results for the year 2002 - 3 wins, 3 best soloists, 2 seconds, one 4th and an eighth.

Conway Town
Area: Wales

Conductor: Keith Jones

Conwy Town Band’s conductor is Keith G. Jones, Who started conducting the band in 1998, He is a cornet player, who started out with the Colwyn Band in the 1970’s, then joined up and became a member of the R.A.M.C staff band serving in Germany ,Cyprus and Hong Kong .On leaving the Army he was invited to join the Point of Ayr colliery band, where he played on the front row, also quite a long stint on principal cornet until moving on to flugel horn until he left in 1999.
Keith is employed as a brass peripatetic teacher for the Conwy county education department.

How they got there: 2nd place at Welsh Area under Keith Jones with 181 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Wesley Heath
Euph: Garath Hughes
Trom: Tommy Crabtree
Horn: Jonathan Barron
Sop: Hayley Heath
Flugel: Hez Evans

Band history: The band were reformed in 1972 and in 1998 with a different management structure. They have not looked back since and returned back to area competitions in 2000. Released their first CD in 2002.

Achievements: Won Pontins in 2002, (4th section); Promoted into 2nd section for 2004

Daventry Brass
Area: Midlands

Conductor: Paul Northey

Paul became Musical Director of Daventry in 2001. Paul's musical career started in his school days as a Tenor Horn player. He has played at all levels with various bands, including Coventry Festival Band, Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry) and Ransoms.

Paul enjoyed many years success as MD of Dunchurch Band, taking them from the bottom of the third section to the top of the second, where they were due for promotion to the Championship Section. Unfortunately, the first section was introduced that year! Successes under Paul's leadership included wins at Reading, Pontins, Leamington Spa, Northants District and the South Midlands and East Anglia Area. Paul went on to study for his degree in Band Studies at Sheffield University, and also is a licenciate of the Royal Schools of Music (Band Musicianship).

In 1998 Paul took the post of Musical Director of Ibstock Brick Brass who have twice qualified for the National Finals and has taken the band from the Second to the First Section. Early 2003, in addtion to conducting Daventry, he became Musical Director of First Section Band Unity Brass.

How they got there: Winners of Midland Section conducted by Paul Northey with 183 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: James Peachey
Euph: Nick Glanister
Trom: Lesley Northey
Horn: Brian Knight
Sop: Becky Hithersay

Band history: Formed in 19th century. In the late 60s, the band had the famous Bert Sullivan at the helm and he led them into the third section. 2003 is the first time ever that the band has won its regional heat, and only the fourth time that the band has qualified for the National finals, the last being in 1989.

Diggle Band
Area: North West

Conductor: Alan Lawton

Alan Lawton has long been recognised as one of the best band trainers in the business. He was for a very long time associated with the Fairey Band where he played for many years, became resident conductor and won numerous prizes as a player at the highest level. In 1987 he conducted the band to 10 wins 2 second places and 1 third out of 13 Whit Friday contests - an all time record.

He has also been MD of many bands, including spells at BT and and Poynton Bands as well as being a guest conductor at Black Dyke, Fodens and YBS.

How they got there: Won North West area under Norman Law with 185 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: David Pogson
Euph: Phil Kerr
Trom: Paul Kershaw
Horn: Zoe Woodhead
Flugel: Bryce Ford
Sop: Brian Taylor

Band history: Having been dissolved in 1927, the band was reformed in 1996. The band has gone from strength to strength over the last seven years, doing well in local contests. In 2000, the band became North West Area Fourth Section champions.

Achievements: In 2003, they became North West Area Champions in the third section.

Filton Concert Brass
Area: West of England

Conductor: Peter Nutt

How they got there: 3rd place under Bryn James with 183 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Danny Jones
Euph: Carol Murphy
Trom: Alistair Parkes
Horn: David Forber
Sop: Tom Shevlin

Band history: Formed in 1975.

Achievements:

Fulbourn and Teversham RBL
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Peter Mott

How they got there: Runners Up in London & Southern Counties under Peter Mott with 181 points

National Finals appearances: 2001
Result: 13th (4th section)

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Graham Farnham
Euph: Len Reeves
Trom: Linda Shipp
Horn: Avril Farnham
Flugel: Peter Mackley
Sop: David Lenton

Band history: The Fulbourn & Teversham Royal British Legion Brass Band was formed in 1985, and are the only Royal British Legion Brass Band in Cambridgeshire. The present bandmaster Peter Mott took over in 1990 and took the band from the lowest section, to the championship section of the East Anglian Brass Band Association's contest by 2000. Nationally contests have only been entered since 1999 with qualification to the National Finals in 2001 in the 4th section. They were promoted in 2003 to the 3rd section and have qualified in their first year at this level

Hebden Bridge (Walkley Clogs)
Area: Yorkshire

Conductor: Ian Craddock

In 2001 the band was pleased to be able to appoint Mr Ian Craddock as Musical Director. For fifteen years Ian was the principal euphonium with the Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band during which time they won the British Open Championship three times, as well as a National Championship victory.

In recent years he has become a well-respected Adjudicator, adjudicating not only at the highest level in national contests in the UK but also in Europe.

With his wealth of experience Mr Craddock has managed to get excellent results from the band – including winning the 3rd section at the Yorkshire area, winning the 3rd section at Rochdale contest, 3rd at Tameside and achieving a clean sweep of Hymn Tune, March and Test Piece at the Pogson Bray contest at Huddersfield Town Hall in 2002. At the National Finals in Torquay the band finished in a disappointing 11th place but we did bear in mind that was in the whole country.

How they got there: Winners of Yorkshire Area Third Section under Ian Craddock with 188 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Steve Gardner
Euph: Ian Plant
Trom: Peter Drinkel
Horn: Tracy Plant
Sop: Collen Smail

Band history: It is not absolutely clear when Hebden Bridge Brass Band was founded but in 1978 they held their centenary celebration. It has therefore been in existence for at least 122 years. In the early days of brass banding, members were made up from the workforce of the local mills who sponsored them and they, the mill owners, in return got relatively cheap advertising for the mill and products, particularly if the bands performed well and won prizes and recognition at local and national contest.

Hebden Bridge Brand did very well in this respect and in 1911 saw its biggest contest victory becoming the 59th British Open Champions. They returned to Hebden Bridge to find the streets filled with crowds of well wishers wanting to share this great occasion with their band.

Achievements: Yorkshire Area Champions 2002, 2003

Current Form:
Contesting in 2003 got off to a good start, 2nd at Preston, winners again at the Yorkshire Area, 2nd at Pogson Bray and 5th at the very competitive Tameside Open and 4 wins at Whit Friday. So we are looking forward very much to this years finals in Dundee and start 2004 in the 2nd section.

Hoover Band (Bolton)
Area: North West

Conductor: Chris Wormald

Chris Wormald has been Director of Music at Smithills School and Bolton Sixth Form College since 1990.Chris played Tenor Horn with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain from 1977 to 1979 but graduated as an orchestral French Horn player from Hull University in 1982. In 1981 he began freelancing with the Halle, BBC Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestras and in 1983 became Head of Brass Instrumental Teaching for Bolton. He also taught at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and was Musical Director of the Eagley Brass, Wingates Band and Haydock Ogden Travel Band. Since 1994 he has conducted Brighouse & Rastrick, Besses o’ th’ Barn, Wingates and many leading brass bands and continues to publish brass band arrangements with Wright & Round and Studio Music.

Chris transformed music at Smithills School from having no bands, choirs or ensembles whatsoever in 1990 to the numerous award-winning brass, concert and jazz bands that exist today, all of which he formed and conducts, including the internationally renowned Smithills School Senior Brass Band; BBC Radio 2 School Brass Band of The Year in 1999, 2000 & 2001, National Youth Brass Band Champions of Great Britain (School Section) 2001 and winners of countless other national and international titles and awards since 1993.

How they got there: 3rd place at North West area conducted by Chris Wormald with 182 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Selina Govan, deputising for Lynsey Hayes
Euph: Andy Jackson
Trom: Chris Wilcox
Horn: Karen Rawcliffe
Sop; Chris Seddon
Flugel: Janet Gill

Band history: Hoover Band (Bolton), formerly known as the Bolton Borough Band, has one of the longest histories in the world of brass banding. Extensive research has been carried out and documents confirm that the band led a procession of Bolton schools to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria on June 29th 1838

Current Form:
The band is in good form, recently finishing 3rd at the Rhyl Festival in June, although 2nd on music to Beaumaris B, 3rd on entertainment and 3rd overall

Lochgelly Band
Area: Scotland

Conductor: Gavin Lindsay
Former CWS Glasgow soprano star Gavin Lindsay has been making quite a mark as the MD of the Lochgelly band. He took over the baton when the band were at a low ebb in the fourth section and has since embarked on a fantastic winning run. Winning the 4th section at the Scottish Championships and the National Mineworkers Championships in 2002 was followed up by the 3rd section Scottish title in 2003.

As a player Gavin played principal cornet with Band of The Royal Highland Fusiliers,soprano cornet with CWS(Glasgow) Band with whom he won 7 Scottish Championships, the Grand Shield and 2 National Championships. As well as Lochgelly his conducting experience includes Bo'ness and Carriden, Kinniel, Kingdom Brass, Whitburn and CWS(Glasgow).

Gavin is helped in his task by our bandmaster Brian Paterson. Brian is a well known euphonium player and when not preparing a contest winning band he spends his spare time playing with local Championship section band Kingdom Brass. On the contest front Brian has conducted the band at winning performances in the Borders Entertainment Contest and at the Carnegie Invitation Contest. As well as Lochgelly Brian also conducts Perth Silver Band.

How they got there: Won Scottish Area under Gavin Lindsay with 90 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Stewart Hepburn
Euph: Jane Dewar
Trom : Helen Edward
Flugel: Karen Brow
Horn: Fiona McAlpine
Sop: Rab Nicol

Band history: The Lochgelly Band is based in the town of Lochgelly, which is in the county of Fife in Scotland. Since its formation the band have been active participants in both the contest arena and in public performance. However at the beginning of the new millennium the band has surged back to prominence with two successive Scottish Championship victories in 2002 and 2003 bringing us back into the second section. During our successful run the band also won the 4th section of the National Mineworkers Championships in 2002

Current Form: The Lochgelly Band are currently on a great run of form. After having suffered a recent downturn in fortunes the band found themselves languishing in the fourth section. This predicament seemed to galvanise the band into action and they have swept through two sections in the space of two years to now find themselves graded in the second section for 2004. A look at recent results shows that, with the exception of last years nationals, the band has finished either first or second in their section in every contest they have attended in the last two years. Two times, and current, Scottish Champions and reigning Mineworkers Champions this is a band whose belief in themselves and sheer will to win make them a force to be reckoned with. Given that the contest is on home ground and with a favourable choice of test piece the Lochgelly Band will be doing their best to continue their success in Dundee come September.

Nationals Appearances: 3
Best Result: 6th in 1973 in Championship Section
Worst Result: 8th 2002

Michelmersh Silver Band
Area: West of England

Conductor: Brian Kelloway

Brian Kelloway was appointed as the Musical Director of Michelmersh Silver Band in July 2001. Brian started his playing career at the age of eleven enjoying many successful years as a player with Sherborne Town, St Austell, Phoenix (Crewkerne), Stoke-Sub-Hamdon and Yeovil Town brass bands.

In 1990 Brian was elected to the South West Brass Band Association, a position he held for five years, two of which he was the Secretary and the SWBBA representative to the National Federation of Brass Bands. He has studied conducting and arranging under Goff Richards, Richard Evans and Derek Broadbent and was appointed musical director of the Lympstone Band (Devon) in 1995. With Lympstone he enjoyed his first senior contest success as a musical director, securing the band’s first contest success for seventeen years. More contest successes followed with Lympstone Band until, in January 1997, Brian was appointed Musical Director of the Wincanton Band in Somerset.

In 1998 and 1999 Wincanton Band qualified for the National Championships under Brian’s baton. Since joining the Michelmersh Silver Band as Musical Director, the Band gained First Prize in the Second Section of the Wessex Brass Band Association Championships in December 2001, and the following year won the First Section at the same Championships. Success also came, under Brian’s direction, when the Band became the West of England Third Section Champions in 2002 and again in 2003, qualifying them to take part in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in successive years. In September 2002 Brian conducted Michelmersh Silver Band at the National Championships in Torquay. He has played in four previous National Championships - including playing for Yeovil Town (winners of the Third Section National Championships in 1996).

How they got there: Winners of West Area with Brian Kelloway gaining 186 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Jan Boler
Euph: James Kelloway
Trom: Mike Ricketts
Horn: Carrie Dobson
Sop: Nigel Miller

Band history: There is no record of the day the Michelmersh band first played together, but its first anniversary is reported in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal for Saturday, November 19, 1887. Michelmersh Silver Band is a progressive 2nd section brass band located just north of Romsey. We are within easy access from Southampton, Romsey, Winchester, Stockbridge, Andover and the New Forest.

Achievements: The band has been contesting for many years. Nationally, we will be in the 2nd section next year after winning the 3rd section two years running. Locally, being the winning band in the 1st section at Wessex this year we move up to the Championship section next year.

Newbridge Celynen
Area: Wales

Conductor: Paul Holland

Paul began his musical career at the age of ten when he joined his local brass band. At fourteen he had progressed to solo horn for the Parc and Dare Band before moving on to Tredegar and then the Black Dyke Mills Band in 1995.

During his service at Black Dyke, Paul travelled Europe extensively playing in renowned venues and tutoring many master classes at venues such as the Royal Academy of Music. Paul studied music at Huddersfield University leaving in June 1999 with a B.Mus (Hons) degree.

After leaving Black Dyke, Paul returned to Wales and shortly after accepted the position of musical director of Newbridge Celynen in September 2002. Since his appointment, the band has achieved many contest successes including becoming the Welsh Area Champions 2003.

How they got there: Champion Band of Wales, with Paul Holland with 183 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Lucinda Gough
Euph: Nigel Thomas
Trom: Andrew Johnson
Horn: Margaret Blackmore
Sop: Ellie Holland
Flugel: Sarah Corcoran

National Appearances - 8

Band history: Celynen Collieries Band was Reformed in 1952, the band is based in the small welsh village of Newbridge. Through the years the band has seen players move to higher standard bands such as Tredegar, Parc and Dare, Black Dyke Mills Band and YBS. Namely Dave, Anthony and Jason Bandwell, Leanne Blackledge, Adrian Harris, Ian & Neil Roberts and none other than our conductor Paul Holland.

One previous member worthy of a note is none other than Sean Moore who is now the drummer for the Manic Street Preachers. Recently the chairman of the band Mr Colin Price was awarded an MBE for the services to Newbridge Band an award which was richly deserved. The bands Principal Cornet player, Lucinda Gough is a great asset to the band and has won many soloist prizes. Lucinda has also played for Gwent Youth Band, National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Tredegar Youth. The band also welcomes Nigel Thomas our Principal Euphonium who makes his debut for Newbridge Band in Dundee. Nigel has joined us from Mid-Rhondda Band and has previously played for bands such as Tredegar, Parc and Dare, Treherbert, Carlton Main Frickley and Sun-Life.

Current Form: Newbridge are a band that comes to this contest with confidence after a string of good results in recent contests. Currently Welsh Area Champions, 4th at Ebbw Vale (Second Section) and 5th at Weston-Super-Mare.

Sandhurst Silver
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Roger Burke

Roger comes from a brass band family and played during his early career in the Midlands with Enderby and Kibworth bands before moving South to join the army as a Euphonuim player. He qualified musically during his 22 year military career and upon completion of his service in 1993 was accepted to teach on a perepetetic basis by both Surrey and Hampshire music authorities.

Roger's last two years military service were spent at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as co-ordinatior of all the Academy's musical requirements and it was during this period that he developed his relationship with Sandhurst Silver Band. Roger has been musical director for approx. 10 years. Despite the teaching opportunities, when Roger left the army in 1993 he undertook a new career in facilities and contract management. When time allows he still enjoys playing Euphonium and regularly helps other bands throughout the area. He currently works as a contracts manager for a firm of property management consultants throughout London and the South East

How they got there: 3rd place in London & Southern Counties with 180 points with Roger Burke at the helm.

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Chris Hill
Euph: Pat Donovan
Trom: Georgina Carter
Horn: Bob Gates
Sop: Derek Hawkins

Nationals appearances: 2
Best Result: 15th 2002
Worst Result: 19th 2001

Band history: A friendly, progressive 3rd Section band, Sandhurst Silver has been making music in the community since 1908. The band earns its keep without sponsorship, surviving on engagement fees, subscriptions and the occasional donation. It enjoys the active support of Sandhurst Town and Bracknell Forest councils.

Both Chris Hill and Derek Hawkins (brothers-in-law) recently joined SSB from nearby Tadley Band. Chris is covering principle for our usual man Martin Hayter who has unfortunately burst his eardrum. Another family addition - Georgina and Graham( solo cornet) Carter (man and wife) joined early this year after moving down from up north!
Pat Donovan returned this weekend from working in Singapore for 6 months, but as one of our star players will have no problem getting match fit in 3 weeks. Our flugel, Clive Hatto is one of our long standing soloists, has given up a trip to Dallas to play with the band at the finals.

Achievements: Awarded Southern Counties Amateur Band of year 2002

Current Form: A real achievment to qualify for the nationals in our first season in the third section. New members in the cornet, trombone and bass sections are proving beneficial and the bands overall sound is the most significant recent improvement. Holidays have affected some attendence but a level of consistancty has been achieved throughoet this period and performances at engagements have been well received. Band members have commited well to rehearsals for Dundee. Despite going up a section feel it is well within their ability to improve on last years fouth section 15th place. Aiming to reproduce recent area and association form at national level

St. Dennis
Area: West of England

Conductor: Brian Minear

How they got there: 2nd place at West Area with Brian Minear gaining 184 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Jessica Powell
Euph: Richard Hawkey
Trom: Colin Barrett
Horn: Garry Lannie
Sop: Andrew Julian
Flugel: Zoe Hancock

Band history: The St. Dennis Band (Cornwall) was thought to have been formed in 1836 as part of the festivities in connection with the coronation of Queen Victoria and has continued to function by voluntary contributions up to the present time. Their first contest was in 1882 and this was followed by a series of contest successes covering all the ensuing years. Their contest were not confined to Cornwall . They had successes at Crystal Palace, Alexandra Palace and no less than twenty nine first prize winnings of the much coveted Prince of Wales Trophy held annually at the West of England Bandsman’s Festival at Bugle.

After a couple of years of not competing the band is now in the fourth section and is aiming to progress towards the Championship Section again

Achievements: SWBBA, 2000 1st
National Finals, 2001, 2nd
West of England Championships 2002, 1st
National Finals 2002, 1st
Pontins 2002, 2nd
West of England Championships 2003, 2nd

St. Ronan’s Silver
Area: Scotland

Conductor: David McLeod

David McLeod, a brass instructor in Midlothian schools, joined the band as conductor in September 2002. David was born in Hawick where he started his playing career, learning cornet and now lives in Gorebridge with his wife Karen and two daughters.

David has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having played with some of the country's top bands. After moving from Hawick as a youngster, David went on to play with Bonnyrigg Band, Dalkeith Band, Newtongrange, then CWS (Glasgow). David was part of the CWS team that went on to win the UK National Finals in 1990 and also toured Australia with them, including a performance in Sydney Opera House. He studied trumpet at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under John Gracie of the Royal Scottish Orchestra and Nigel Boddice, a well-know trumpet tutor and conductor.

David led St. Ronan's to second place at this year's Scottish Championships and has had other contest success with the Band at the Borders Entertainment Contest where they gained third place as well as the coveted Entertainment prize.

How they got there: 89 points awarded to David McLeod and the band as they qualified in Scotland in second place

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Scott Forrest
Euph: David Lindsay
Trom: Keith Belleville
Horn: Leslie Smith
Flugel: Jill Keddie
Sop: Alan Patterson

Nationals appearances: 1 other
Best Result: 5th place in 1999

Band history: The Band has enjoyed mixed fortunes since re-forming after the Second World War. Contesting took place in the early 1950s, the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was during the later 1970s and 1980s that the Band was at its lowest point. A few dedicated members, led by the late John A. Wilson, soldiered on. The rejuvination began in 1989 when Fred Jones was appointed Conductor. He made rehearsals more focussed and numbers steadily grew. A new constitution was adopted in 1991, putting a proper management structure in place to cope with the growing activities of the Band.

David Robb took over from Fred Jones in 1995, so beginning the most successful period in the Band's long history. The Band re-entered the contesting arena. This has greatly improved playing standards. The Band won the Forth Valley Championships in November 1997 and gained two second places at other Scottish competitions. The greatest break-through came in 1999 when the Band became Scottish Champions and Carnegie Champions in the Fourth Section. The Band went on to represent Scotland at the National Finals of Great Britain in Nottingham where fifth place was awarded. The Band is now in section three.When the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association organised the first band contest in the Borders for many years in December 2001, St. Ronan's went on to win not only the third section prize, but the whole contest.

Stanley Newmarket Colliery
Area: Yorkshire

Conductor: Glynn Thompson

How they got there: 2nd place at Yorkshire Area under G Thompson with 187 points

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Ian Lewis
Euph: Martin Hill
Trom: Tim Benson
Horn: Rhoda Barker
Sop: Kieron Bryce

Band history: Formed in late 1800s and now based in Gawthorpe

Achievements: Qualified for fourth section finals at Harrogate in 2000

Staple Silver
Area: North of England

Conductor: Michael Breckon

Mike began his playing career at the age of eleven, learning trumpet at school and joined Stape Silver Band three months later. At the age of fifteen he entered the boys’ service with the Junior’s Leaders Regiment in Dorset, attending the Royal Military School of Music two years later and served with the Rhine Staff Band in Germany gaining much experience on solo cornet and playing trumpet in the dance band.

On leaving the forces he had three successful years playing in Hammonds Sauce Works band under Geoffrey Whitam, Mike then returned to Pickering playing cornet for both Stape and Kirkbymoorside Band with which he also tasted considerable success. In the early eighties he was deputy band master at Stape and then took over as bandmaster in 1984 and has continued to lead the band ever since.

How they got there: 2nd place at North of England area under Michael Breckon – 183 points

Achievements: Nationals Appearances: 1, 4th section 1993

Principal Players
P. Cornet Katharine Sisk
Euph: Georgina Shepherd
Trom: Steven Lovell
Horn: Helen Breckon
Sop: Sharon Allanson

Band history: The band was formed in 1884 in a small hamlet called Stape on the North Yorkshire Moors. We are now based in the nearby market town of Pickering where we enjoy the facilities at our own band room. The band consists of a full cross section of people from learners still at primary school to retired people. The ladies currently dominant by numbers in the band but it’s not for lack of trying on the men’s part.

Current form: After only this year being promoted to the 3rd section we were to say a little surprised when finishing second to get to the finals after being very close most years since our last visit in the fourth section. With the constant struggle for players and members that is only too familiar in the lower echelons of brass banding we manage to maintain a band to compete and do well regularly. But none the less we are there and hope to do our area proud in Dundee.

Wansbeck’s Ashington Colliery
Area: North of England

Conductor: Nigel Stedman

Nigel once played cornet for the band in the eighties but left to widen his musical talents playing with some of the regions Championship section brass bands. Fortunately for Ashington he returned as temporary MD to help the band out when we were left without a MD. The band were very happy when Nigel decided to take on the role as resident MD on a permanent Basis, and we have went from strength to strength ever since.

How they got there: Winners of North of England Region with 185 points and Nigel Stedman in charge

Nationals appearances: 4
Best Result: 1983 - 3rd [2nd section]
Worst Result: 1994

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Brian Cameron
Euph: Robert Norris
Trom: Bobby Percy
Horn: Mark Elliott
Sop: Peter Scott

Band history: In 1961, the mineworkers of Ashington Colliery asked the Band to represent their colliery and so the band returned to Ashington. This parnership lasted until 1988 when the colliery closed in March of that year. During these partnerships the Band was financed by the miners using their own pay, with a levy of 1d or 3d.

Even though a Colliery band, a good relationship was established with the Local Authority who we represented on numerous occasions. It was through this relationship that we became twinned with a musical group in Germany, Volmetaler Music Group of Schalkmuhle. This partnership has lasted 28 years.

The Local Authority gave the Band grant aid, which enables it to continue the area's Brass Band heritage, and so the band name became Wansbeck's Ashington Colliery Band.

In the years 1983 and 1984, the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain were for the first time held in the Royal Albert Hall. The band was fortunate to be one of the representatives for the Northern Area in both years.
The band played in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen Mother when she opened the Queen Elizabeth Park at Woodhorn in 1978 and then in the presence of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, when they visited the Alcan Smelter on the celebration of its 21st anniversary.

Current Form:
Spennymoor 2003: Placed 3rd (3rd Section)
Easingwold 2003: Highest placed Third section Band
Area Championships 2003: North of England Area Champions (3rd Section)

Ware Brass
Area: L/SC

Conductor: Kenny Durbin

Began playing at the tender age of 11 in the Boys Brigade under Captain Jack Mallet. Kenny joined Borehamwood Brass and quickly set about new and far more challenging music. He also played with Watford School of Music and it was here that he first played under contesting conditions at the 1986 area contest finishing 2nd and achieving his first National Final invitation. With Borehamwood he achieved a National final invitation in 1992.

Kenny’s conducting career took off by accident having a very short spell conducting a local band to help them out, and also helping Ware Brass for a short period. Ware Brass formally invited Kenny to be their Musical Director in August 2000. Ware has developed into an excellent Brass Band and Kenny has been instrumental in us achieving a National Final Invitation in the year 2001 at which the reward was a third placing. A tremendous achievement for all who were involved and a testament to Kenny's enthusiasm, dedication and abilities.

How they got there: Champion Band of London region with 183 points under Kenny Durbin

Nationals appearances: 3
Best Result: Third place in 2001
Worst Result: 10th in 2002

Principal Players
P. Cornet: Mark Huttlestone
Euph: John Woodrow
Trom: Graham Evans
Horn: Alison Moore
Sop: Tony Gleave

Band history: There is evidence of the existence of a Brass or Wind Band in Ware dating back to the mid 19th Century. It was more formalised however by the establishment of an association of bands in the London and Home Counties in 1895, and this date is more commonly used as the official formation of the original Ware Band.

It was with the help of the Cooperative Society, as with many other Brass Bands, that Ware formed the first all Brass Band between the two world wars. It was the Cooperative Society who financed the first uniforms worn by members of the band, these having originally been worn by CWS Manchester Band.


In 1978 the band decided to shake off the more rigid title of Ware Town Band in an attempt to improve and update the image of the band overall. The new title of Ware Brass was not totally accepted in all quarters at the time but is now firmly established both locally and nationally. This latter aspect refering in particular to our association with the Town's twin town of Wulfrath in Germany and their Possaunenchor with whom we have a continuing friendship.
Under the leadship of John Sharples in 1979 the band purchased a new set of uniforms, the blue jackets that were worn until the end of last year. This purchase and the acquisition of brand new instruments in 1988 could not have been achieved without the financial support of the town council. The band owes a great deal to the council particularly with the provision of rehearsal and storage facilities and we hope that this relationship will be maintained indefinitely.

In 1999 with Francis Treadgold at the helm, the band once again purchased new uniforms. The colour has now changed to green, and this purchase was once again made with considerable support from both local industry and individual contributions.

From 2001 the band has been under the musical leadership of Kenny Durbin who has achieved considerable success with the band.

Achievements: In 2002 another good result at the Area Contest produced a further National Final Invitation to Torquay and promotion to the 3rd Section from Jan 2003.
So far 2003 has been spectacular!! Our first appearance at the Area Contest in the 3rd Section, saw us Win, gain our 3rd National Final invitation in 3 years and promotion to the 2nd section from Jan 2004

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