2006 London and Southern Counties Regional Championships - Fourth Section

A huge field of bands for Chris Wormald to get his teeth into here, and he will have a difficult task for sure to separate these bands into order. Rather him than us.

Sunday March 19th
Adjudicator: Chris Wormald
Test Piece: Anglian Dances – Alan Fernie
Commences: 10.30am
Draw: 9.30am

No photo? Please send a JPEG to:  general@4barsrest.com stating the conductors name, your band, your region and section. 

Amersham
Conductor: A. Fawbert

Last Ten Years:
2005: 16th (A. Fawbert)
2004: DNC
2003: 17th (A. Fawbert) (rel)
2002: 13th (A. Fawbert)
2001: 4th 4th Section (prom)
2000: 13th 4th Section
1999: 21st 4th Section
1998: 13th 4th Section
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Amersham return this year after coming 16th last time out and they will certainly be looking to putting a good performance to boost the confidence levels. Hopefully this will be the year when it all starts to fall into place and we wish them well. 

Battle Town
Conductor: J. Penton

Last Ten Years:
2005: 10th (J. Penton)
2004: 4th (J. Penton)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC

Battle just fell away a little here last year when they came 10th. That would have perhaps been a little bit of a disappointment as they were very close to making it to the National Finals the year before. A return to form then this year perhaps? 

Bletchington Silver
Conductor: Sheldon Barwick

Last Ten Years:
2005: 2nd (S. Barwick)
2004: 18th (S. Barwick)
2003: 15th (S. Barwick)
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC

What a fantastic achievement for Bletchington Silver last year when they made an almost superhuman leap up the prize table to come runners up. Tat led to a great trip to Harrogate for the National Finals where they did themselves proud although the result of 18th may not have shown that on paper. Can they do it again this year then?  

Broseley Development MK
Conductor: D. Johnston

Last Ten Years:

Debut for the development band from the Broseley organization. The senior band takes part in the First Section and have set up this development band to feed players through the ranks in the future. It's a great venture and we hope it succeeds.
 

Chalgrove
Conductor: Michael Pegram

Last Ten Years:
2005: 13th (I. Young)
2004: 14th (S. Sizeland)
2003: 8th (S. Sizeland)
2002: 6th (M. Fricker)
2001: 26th (N. Hall)
2000: 4th (N. Hall)
1999: 17th
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC

Chalgrove are just inching their way back in the right direction it seems and back towards the type of form that saw them come as high s 4th here in 2000. Another step in the right direction under their new MD may just be on the cards.  

Charles Church Camberley
Conductor: R. Cherry

Last Ten Years:
2005: 20th (R. Cherry)
2004: 12th (R. Cherry)
2003: 13th (G. Hughes)
2002: 12th (G. Hughes)
2001: 20th (G. Hughes)
2000: 5th (G. Hughes)
1999: 17th
1998: 15th
1997: N/K
1996: 12th

Charles Church Camberely were a band heading in the right direction but they just hit the buffers somewhat last year when they came 20th. They will certainly want to put that behind them and return to better days and perhaps the first taste of a top ten place since 2000.   

Cobham
Conductor:  David Ruel

Last Ten Years:
2005: 12th (D. Ruel)
2004: DNC
2003: 16th (T. Howard)
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: 25th
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Cobham has a bit of a chequered history here in the past few years, but it was nice to see them here last year under the baton of David Ruel.  If they can show that type of form once more they could possibly be heading to the top ten here. Wait and see.  

Cottenham
Conductor: C. Watson

Last Ten Years:
2005: 15th (C. Watson)
2004: 17th (C. Watson)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

No trace of Cottenham at the contest from 1996 at least, but in the last two years they have held their own and improved a couple of places by coming 15th last year. Perhaps they will have it in them just to up their form again and look for a top ten place?  

Fakenham Town
Conductor: D. Wakefield

Last Ten Years:
2005: 6th (D. Wakefield)
2004: 16th (D. Wakefield)
2003: DNC
2002: 27th (D. Wakefield)
2001: 15th (D. Wakefield)
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Fakenham returned to the contest after a twelve month break away in 2004 and came a respectful 16th. Last year though they certainly upped their form and broke into the top six, so what does 2006 hold in store?  

Great Yarmouth Brass
Conductor: S. Philpot

Last Ten Years:
2005: 13th in Third Section (rel) (S. Philpott)
2004: 17th (S. Philpot)
2003: 2nd Fourth Section (prom) (S. Philpot)
2002: 13th (M. Zipfel)
2001: 8th (F. Wellis)
2000: 22nd (M. Zipfel)
1999: 7th
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Great Yarmouth were making excellent progress it seemed when they came runners up here in 2003 and gained promotion. They found life a bit tougher in the Third Section though and had to be content with 13th place last year – a good effort but not enough to stop them from being relegated. Lets hope the form is good here to make an impression once more then.    

Harwich RBL
Conductor: A. Sanders

Last Ten Years:
A debut we are informed by the organizers of the band from the port town. Hope it is the beginning of a long stay for them here, so good luck.

Haslemere Town
Conductor: G. Wade

Last Ten Years:
2005: 5th (G. Wade)
2004: 10th (G. Wade)
2003: 17th (G. Wade)
2002: DNC
2001: 6th (G. Wade)
2000: 27th (G. Wade)
1999: 29th
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: 21st

Haslemere are heading in the right direction it seems and in the past three years they have leapt up the prize table to come 5th last year.  That's a fine achievement indeed seeing they came 29th in 1999! Another top six or even a qualification place on offer then? 

Hungerford Town
Conductor: T. Crouter

Last Ten Years:
2005: 14th in Third Section (rel) (T. Crouter)
2004: 16th (T. Crouter)
2003: 9th (T. Crouter)
2002: 2nd 4th Section (prom)
2001: 12th 4th Section
2000: 7th 4th Section
1999: 15th 4th Section
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: 20th 4th Section

Hungerford will be looking to put in a better performance here this year than they did 12 months ago when they fell away to come 14th here in the Third Section and fall through the relegation trap door. They have shown that they are more than capable of doing well at this level so it could be that they put in a strong performance this year and challenge for honours.   

Jubilee Brass (Oxford)
Conductor: C. Sadler

Last Ten Years:
2005: 16th in Third Section (rel) (K. Membury)
2004: 11th (K. Membury)
2003: 16th (K. Membury)
2002: 3rd 4th Section (K. Membury) (prom)
2001: 22nd 4th Section (K. Membury)
2000: 6th 4th Section (K. Membury)
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC

Jubilee Brass were starting to find their feet in the Third Section and can count themselves a little unlucky that they were relegated after coming 16th last year. They have been busy of late it seems and that may auger well for this coming contest.   

King's Lynn Town
Conductor: S. Ingham

Last Ten Years:
2005: 8th (S. Ingham)
2004: 9th (S, Ingham)
2003: 13th (D. Taylor)
2002: 22nd (K. Mann)
2001: 12th (K. Mann)
2000: 8th (K. Mann)
1999: 27th
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

King's Lynn continued on their improved form here last year when they came 8th - the third year in a row they have moved up the prize table, and a great leap from the 22nd place they got here in 2002. Another few places and a possible top six may be on the cards then.   

Letchworth Garden City
Conductor: T. Welch

Last Ten Years:
2005: DNC
2004: 15th Third Section (T. Welch) (rel)
2003: 14th (T. Welch)
2002: 8th 4th Section (T. Welch) (prom)
2001: 8th 4th Section (T. Welch)
2000: 13th 4th Section (T. Welch)
1999: 17th 4th Section
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC

Letchworth return to the contest this year after failing to make it to the starting tape twelve months ago. Hopefully they come refreshed and enthusiastic for the contest. We wish them well.  

Loddon
Conductor: J. Knight

Last Ten Years:

Another band which we think are making their debut at the contest this year. Our sources state that they did used to take part many years ago, so it is great to see them back as well. Here's to a long stay! 

Oxford Templars
Conductor: J. Davis

Last Ten Years:

A band with a great name makes its debut at the contest this year. We understand that they were once a part of Oxford Silver Band but are now on their own. We wish them well on their debut. 

Royston Town
Conductor: Simon Jones

Last Ten Years:
2005: 7th (G. Smith)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: 25th (J. Jones)
2001: 27th
2000: 28th
1999: 17th 

Always nice to see a band making it back after a period away, and Royston have been missing from action since 2002 when they came 25th here. Last year they returned in 7th place and they also competed at Butlins earlier in the year when they came joint 6th so that may be an indicator to their form for here.  

Somersham Town
Conductor: D. Chambers

Last Ten Years:
2005: 18th (D. Chambers)
2004: 15th (D. Chambers)
2003: 9th (D. Wilson)
2002: 18th (D. Wilson)
2001: 16th (D. Wilson)
2000: 24th (K. Hopkins)
1999: 28th
1998: 14th
1997: N/K
1996: 19th

Somersham have just bobbled a bit here in the last few years after making excellent progress from their lowly 28th place in 1999. Still, they are more than holding their own, although we think they wouldn't mind just getting back into the top 10 once more as they did in 2003.   

Tadley Concert Brass
Conductor: P. Chapman

Last Ten Years:
2005: 11th (P. Chapman)
2004: 11th (P. Chapman)
2003: 12th (P. Chapman)
2002: 16th (P. Chapman)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Tadley put in yet another good solid performance here last year when they just missed out on a top ten place for the second year in a row. All the bits and bobs are now in place then for a concerted effort to make that breakthrough this year. 

Thundersley Brass
Conductor: K. Schroeder

Last Ten Years:
2005: 9th (K. Schroeder)
2004: 7th (K. Schroeder)
2003: Disqualified (K. Schroeder)
2002: 14th (D. Hirst)
2001: 14th (D. Hirst)
2000: 23rd (K. Nice)
1999: 25th
1998: 3rd
1997: N/K
1996: 17th

A bit of a liquorice allsort bag of results here for Thundersley in the past couple of years, what with a disqualification to their name. However a good solid 7th place was more like it in 2004 and that was followed up by 9th place last year. Can they up their form though and push for a top ten place this time around.    

Wantage Silver B
Conductor: D. Dullforce

Last Ten Years:
2005: 17th (P. Uzzell)
2004: 21st (P. Uzzell)
2003: 11th (D. Dullforce)
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Wantage came 11th here on their debut back at the contest in 2003 but fell away somewhat in 2004 when they came 21st. Last year was better though and a few right steps in the right direction to come 17th. More of the same may well be in order then this weekend.   

Waterbeach Brass
Conductor: James Utting

Last Ten Years:
2005: 4th (J. Utting)
2004: Winners (J. Utting)
2003: DNC
2002: 15th (C. Bell)
2001: 5th (C. Bell)
2000: 12th (P. Mead)
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

The 2004 champions couldn't quite repeat their success last year and just missed out on another trip to the Finals when they came 4th. That was still pretty good though and they will surely be confident of doing well here this time after coming runners up at Butlins. The band to beat perhaps? 

Watford
Conductor: M. France

Last Ten Years:
2005: 19th (M. France)
2004: 19th (M. France)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: DNC

Previously known as the Hosier & Dickinson (Watford) Band, Watford returned in 2004 to come 19th, and they repeated that performance twelve months ago. We think therefore that they will be extra keen to do well this time and push themselves back up the prize table and towards that top ten place.  

Wolverton
Conductor: Johnathan Mott

Last Ten Years:
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: 9th 3rd Section

A return for Wolverton to the contest fro the first time since 2000 when they came 9th in the Third Section. They have been a longish time away so it is great to see them back and we hope they stay for a long time. 

Past Qualifiers:

2005: Norfolk Wherry Brass, Bletchington Silver, Fulham Town
2004: Waterbeach Brass, Potters Bar Town,. Fulham Brass
2003: Great Yarmouth Brass, Woodbridge Excelsior, Hilgay
2002: Sandhurst Silver, Hungerford Town, Jubilee Brass, Ware Brass
2001: Sandhurst Silver, Fulbourn and Taversham, Ware Brass
2000: Canterbury Youth, St. Sebastian's Wokingham, Amersham
1999: Canterbury Youth, St. Sebastian's Wokingham, St. Albans
1998: Stonesfield, Becontree Brass,
1997: Brent Brass, Becontree Brass,
1996: Southend, Becontree Brass, Chichester City
1995: Southend, Crystal Palace, Chichester City 

London bands at the Finals:

2005: 5th, 16th, 18th
2004: 1st, 19th, 20th
2003: 13th, 16th, 21st
2002: 10th, 12th, 15th, 20th
2001: 3rd, 13th, 19th
2000: 11th, 15th, 16th
1999: 4th, 7th, 18th
1998: 5th, 8th

4BR Prediction:

It's anyone's guess who could win this contest – in a field this big, and with so many unknowns it could be a result no one could predict (let alone us).

Still, we will opt for our tried and trusted scientific approach of closing our eyes and placing a pin in the paper (no, honestly we don't). Of the bands here that we know something about with form etc then we think it could be Waterbeach that takes top honours if they play to the form they showed at Butlins, whilst last year's runners up Bletchington should also do well and get a return ticket to Harrogate. Behind them we go for Thundersley to take the final qualification place whilst the top six could well be made up if the likes of Haslemere Town, Fakenham Town and Chalgrove. Our darkest of horses are Royston. You heard it here first.  

1. Waterbeach
2. Bletchington
3. Thundersley
4. Haslemere Town
5. Fakenham Town
6. Chalgrove

Dark Horse: Royston

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