2006 West of England Regional Championships - Fourth Section
15-Mar-2006A huge field of bands for Alan Morrison and Steve Pritchard Jones to sort out. Now where is Bryan Hurdley when you need him?
Sunday 19th March
Adjudicator: Alan Morrison and Steve Pritchard Jones
Test Piece: Anglian Dances – Alan Fernie
Commences: 9.00am
Draw: Split at 8.00am, 10.00am, 12.00pm
No photo? Please send a JPEG to: general@4barsrest.com stating the conductors name, your band, your region and section.
AW Parker (Drybrook)
Conductor: Kevin White
Last Ten Years:
2005: 3rd (K. White)
2004: 3rd (K. White)
2003: 14th (K. White)
2002: 20th (D. Ventura)
2001: DNC
2000: 12th
1999: 24th
1998: 19th
1997: 8th
1996: N/K
This is a band that you should make the effort to see on Sunday in the Fourth Section. Kevin White has done a cracking job turning the band's fortunes around over the past few years. Two third placings here in recent times bodes well, and although they came 13th in Harrogate last year, they'll want another trip to North Yorkshire - but this time as winners here.
Bideford Town
Conductor: Gary Taylor
Last Ten Years:
2005: 20th (G. Taylor)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
Bideford made a return to the West of England Championships last year after a few years absence. Although they finished in low down in the order of merit, it's good to see the band compete and they will be aiming to do better this time. We wish them well.
Bream Silver
Conductor: Huw Cole
Last Ten Years:
2005: 14th (H. Cole)
2004: 15th Third Section (H. Cole) (rel)
2003: 13th (N. Howard)
2002: 10th (N. Howard)
2001: Winners (N. Howard)
2000: 13th
1999: 5th
1998: 12th
1997: 4th 4th Section (prom)
1996: N/K
It's fair to say its been a tough of couple of years for Bream having come down from the Third Section in 2004 and they came 14th last year. Huw Cole takes the reigns again this year as they look for better times and a move towards the top ten if possible.
Brixham Town
Conductor: B. Cole
Last Ten Years:
Brixham make a return to the contest this year for the first time in a few years. Nice to see them back and we hope it is the first of amany.
Chalford Academy
Conductor: Steve Tubb
Last Ten Years:
2005: 11th (S. Tubb)
2004: 16th (S. Tubb)
2003: 24th (S. Tubb)
2002: 12th (D. Witts)
2001: 20th (D. Witts)
2000: 26th
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: 21st
1996: N/K
Steve Tubb is certainly moving Chalford Training in the right direction, and his work over the past two years has seen the band move from 24th in 2003 up to 11th last year. Another big push up the results table could be on offer if they keep up that sort of form once more and before long they could be mixing it with their bigger brother in the First Section. You never know.
Cheltenham Town
Conductor: J. Button
Last Ten Years:
Another band making a debut here this year. Let's hope its going to be the first of many performances here.
Gosport
Conductor: Derek Jones
Last Ten Years:
Another debutant this year. Gosport and their MD D. Jones make it to the contest stage for the first time we think. They first competed in December 2005 when it took part in a contest at Weymouth. The band was actually formed in 1967 by Cecil Brown, a retired Marines Bandmaster. Derek Jones is only the third MD in the bands history with the other being one Albert Hall - an omen perhaps?
Constantine Silver
Conductor: Keith Anderson
Last Ten Years:
2005: 17th (K. Anderson)
2004: 21st (I. Edwards)
2003: 8th (I. Edwards)
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: 20th
1997: 17th
1996: N/K
Keith Anderson did a great job with Constantine last year after they came last in the 2004 contest. 17th place ws a jump in the right direction for certain. More progress with Anglian Dances would be nice to see, and we think it could well be on the cards.
Hatherleigh Silver
Conductor: Adrian Edwards
Last Ten Years:
2005: 15th (A. Edwards)
2004: 8th (A. Edwards)
2003: 10th (A. Edwards)
2002: 14th (A. Edwards)
2001: 11th (R. Wonnacott)
2000: 18th
1999: 6th
1998: 16th 3rd Section (rel)
1997: 19th 3rd Section
1996: N/K
Adrian Evans has been making solid progress with Hatherleigh in the past four years here and the band will be looking to produce the 8th place of a couple of years as ago as opposed to last year's 15th placing. They've shown they're capable, so its not an impossible task.
Midsomer Norton and Radstock
Conductor: Stewart Lewins
Last Ten Years:
2005: 18th (S. Lewins)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: 19th
2001: 17th
2000: 23rd
1999: 22nd
1998: DNC
1997: 18th
1996: N/K
Midsomer returned last year after a couple of years of absence from the contest and although they came 18th its great to see them competing. We hope that they can improve on their performance this time around; although we don't expect them to win, it will be great to see them back on stage and giving it everything they've got.
Nailsworth
Conductor: W. Thomas
Last Ten Years:
Nailsworth make their debut this year under W. Thomas. Let's hope its the first of many.
New Forest Brass
Conductor: Ian Luxford
Last Ten Years:
2005: 7th (I. Luxford)
2004: 19th 3rd Section (Ian Luxford) (rel)
2003: 6th (Ian Luxford)
2002: 4th (J. Floyd)
2001: DNC
2000: 15th 3rd Section (rel)
1999: 19th 2nd Section (rel)
1998: 16th 2nd Section
1997: 10th 2nd Section
1996: N/K
So what does the 2006 Areas hold in store for New Forest. Having come down a section for 2005 they put in a strong performance last year finishing 7th. They'll be looking to improve on that this year with a podium finish a real possibility.
Okehampton Excelsior
Conductor: Des Law
Last Ten Years:
2005: 16th (D. Law)
2004: 15th (D. Law)
2003: 18th (D. Law)
2002: 22nd (R. Beardon)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
It wouldn't be unfair to suggest that its been tough going for Okehampton, but since returning here in 2002, they've made steady progress, and will hope for the same this time. Another move up the results table would be another sign of solid progress.
Pendennis Brass (Falmouth)
Conductor: C.J. Cottrell
Last Ten Years:
2005: 13th in Third Section (rel) (C. Cotterell)
2004: 18th (G. Thomas)
2003: 9th (G. Thomas)
2002: 3rd 4th Section (prom) (G. Thomas)
2001: 3rd 4th Section (K. Anderson)
2000: 16th (rel)
1999: 16th
1998: 10th
1997: 18th
1996: Winners 4th Section
New beginnings for Pendennis Brass after their relegation into the Fourth Section last year. An immediate chance then to bounce back very quickly and put on a good show. The fourth section is a tough one here though so it might not be completely straight forward, so we'll wait and see.
Porthleven Town
Conductor: S. Wearne
Last Ten Years:
2005: 9th (F. Evans)
2004: 14th (F. Evans)
2003: 20th (F. Evans)
2002: 17th (F. Evans)
2001: 12th (F. Evans)
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
A new era for Porthleven with S. Wearne (we thought it could be Shane Warne till we read it was Wearne) at the helm this year taking over from F. Evans. Looking at recent placings, last year's 9th was a good show for the band – we await to see what this year brings for them – continued improvement hopefully.
Saltash Town
Conductor: Robert Julian
Last Ten Years:
2005: 16th in Third Section (rel) (R. Julian)
2004: 17th (N. Ellis)
2003: 5th (D. Dobson)
2002: 9th (D. Dobson)
2001: Winners 4th Section (prom) (D. Dobson)
2000: 7th 4th Section
1999: 8th 4th Section
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
Saltash have been a band that has made good progress here in the past, but they've had a rough couple of years culminating in relegation here last year. Robert Julian is again at the helm as the band looks to a turn of fortune with an impressive performance here.
Shaftesbury Town
Conductor: S. Hawkes
Last Ten Years:
Another of the bands making their debut here. Like the others we hope it is the first of many performances here.
Shanklin Town Brass (IOW)
Conductor: Malcolm Lewis
Last Ten Years:
2005: 6th (M. Lewis)
2004: 13th (M. Lewis)
2003: 11th (M. Lewis)
2002: 15th (M. Lewis)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
Malcolm Lewis and his band will make the trip across the sea from the Isle of Wight once more. Last year they came in 6th place which was a tremendous performance and they will be looking for a place that's higher up the order of merit this time aroundand possibly eyes may be on one of the qualification places.
Sidmouth Town
Conductor: Adrian Harvey
Last Ten Years:
2005: 10th (A. Harvey)
2004: 12th (A. Harvey)
2003: 7th (A. Harvey)
2002: 5th (A. Harvey)
2001: 13th (A. Harvey)
2000: 16th
1999: 15th
1998: DNC
1997: 20th 3rd Section (rel)
1996: N/K
Adrian Harvey and his band will be hoping they can improve on last year's 10th place and push again for those top six places they gained ajust a few years ago. They have done it before so why not this time?
Swindon Brass
Conductor: Francis Cowley
Last Ten Years:
2005: 2nd (F. Cowley)
2004: 4th (F. Cowley)
2003: 17th (F. Cowley)
2002: 14th 3rd Section (rel) (F. Cowley)
2001: 15th 3rd Section (F. Cowley)
2000: 12th 3rd Section
1999: 17th 2nd Section (rel)
1998: DNC
1997: 7th 2nd Section
1996: N/K
Could Swindon be the band to beat? Francis Cowley has done a wonderful job with Swindon in recent years and their 4th place in 2004 was followed by 2nd here last year. That led them to Harrogate where they came 19th - but what a great experience it was for the band. More of the same this timne around and a chance to put the record straight in Harrogate may be on the cards.
Tewkesbury Town
Conductor: Nigel Morgan
Last Ten Years:
2005: 12th (N. Morgan)
2004: 13th Third Section (N. Morgan) (rel)
2003: 10th (N. Morgan)
2002: 15th (N. Morgan)
2001: 4th 4th Section (prom) (N. Morgan)
2000: 6th 4th Section
1999: 3rd 4th Section
1998: 15th 4th Section
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
Nigel Morgan steadied the ship last year here with 12th place having come down from the Third Section. They'll be looking an improvement on last year and if they can play like they did in 2001 when they came 4th, we sense they'll be happy. Thye will have to up their game though from Butlins where they were not in good form and came joint sixth. We have faith though.
Torrington Silver
Conductor: T. Hutchings
Last Ten Years:
2005: 4th (T. Hutchings)
2004: 10th (T. Hutchings)
2003: 16th in Third Section (rel) (T. Hutchings)
2002: 16th (T. Hutchings)
2001: 9th (T. Hutchings)
2000: 10th
1999: 13th
1998: 11th
1997: 9th
1996: N/K
Torrington will be champing at the bit to get onto the contest stage this year after they came 4th last time out. Since coming down from the Third Section in 2004, they've made steady progress in the Fourth Section and perhaps the time is right for them to push back and get promoted via a trip to the Finals.
Verwood Concert Brass
Conductor: David Marshall
Last Ten Years:
2005: Winners (P. Norley)
2004: 11th (P. Norley)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC (rel)
2001: 18th
2000: N/K (rel)
1999: 16th in Third Section
1998: 18th
1997: 11th
1996: N/K
Verwood won here last year and put on a fine show in Harrogate when they beat some formidable opposition by finishing 6th. A good show here should give them promotion, and if they're going to advance, then they'll want to do that as winners. Pre match favourites then?
Watchet Royal British Legion
Conductor: Dave Tilling
Last Ten Years:
2005: 13th (D. Tilling)
2004: 17th (D. Tilling)
2003: 22nd (D. Tilling)
2002: 10th (D. Tilling)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
Dave Tilling and his band continue to go in the right direction after finishing 22nd in 2003, with 17th in 2004 improved upon to 13th last year. So if things continue, a top ten finish this year would be fantastic for them – fingers crossed they give it a real go.
Weymouth Concert Brass
Conductor: A. Davies
Last Ten Years:
2005: DNC
2004: 5th (A. Davies)
2003: 16th (P. George)
2002: 13th
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K
Weymouth Concert Brass return this year after not competing in 2004 when they came 5th - and that was a quite remarkable result given their short history when they returned to the contesting platform here in 2002. Its good to see them back again – we wish them well.
Wilton and District
Conductor: D. Chalk BEM
Last Ten Years:
2005: 19th (D. Chalk BEM)
2004: 9th (D. Chalk BEM)
2003: 13th (D. Chalk BEM)
2002: 8th (D. Chalk BEM)
2001: 16th (D. Chalk BEM)
2000: 21st
1999: 27th
1998: 11th
1997: 10th
1996: N/K
Great strides have been made by Wilton and District over the past few years, especially when you bear in mind that they came 27th in 1999! Dennis Chalk has done a wonderful job with performances that have steadied the ship; although last year went completely against the tide when they came 19th. Hopefully for them it was a blip.
Wincanton Silver
Conductor: J. Sykes
Last Ten Years:
2005: 15th in Third Section (rel) (S. Chislett)
2004: 16th (B. Kelloway)
2003: 14th in Second Section (rel) (M. Winter)
2002: 16th (D. Shead)
2001: 3rd 3rd Section (prom) (D. Shead)
2000: 3rd 3rd Section
1999: 2nd 4th Section (prom)
1998: 2nd 4th Section
1997: 7th 4th Section
1996: N/K
Wincanton come down this year after three years here where they've struggled in the Third Section, so they'll be hoping to bounce back straight away under J Sykes – good luck!
Past Qualifiers:
2005: Verwood Concert Brass, Swindon Brass, AW Parker Drybrook
2004: Pillowell Silver, Bratton Silver, Drybrook and District
2003: Hayle Town, Downton, Camborne B, Calne Silver
2002: St. Dennis, Hayle Town, Pendennis Brass
2001: Saltash Town, St. Dennis, Pendennis Brass
2000: St. Breward Silver, Portishead, Penzance Silver
1999: Lympstone South West Telecoms, Wincanton Silver, Tewkesbury
1998: Test Valley Brass, Wincanton Silver, Lympstone
1997: Lympstone, Phoenix Brass, Test Valley
1996: Pendennis Brass, N/K
1995: City of Bristol, Bideford
West of England bands at the Finals:
2005: 6th, 13th, 19th
2004: 2nd, 10th, 15th
2003: 7th, 14th, 15th, 17th
2002: 1st, 3rd, 19th
2001: 2nd, 7th, 12th
2000: 2nd, 4th, 19th
1999: 1st, 12th, 15th
1998: 1st, 3rd, 12th
4BR Prediction:
This is perhaps the hardest of all the sections anywhere in the country to try and predict. Alan Morrison and Steve Pritchard Jones should enjoy themselves though with a fine test piece and plenty of bands who will want to make the most of their chance to make music form a test piece that is well within their grasp.
We think it could be a repeat of last year in a way and with opt for AW Parker Drybrook to take top honours at last, although we think they will be pushed all the way by Swindon and Verwood once more. After that it could be one heck of a bun fight, but the likes of Shanklin, New Forest and Bream should fancy their chances too. Our dark horse on this one is Porthleven
1. AW Parker (Drybrook)
2. Swindon
3. Verwood Concert
4. Shanklin
5. New Forest
6. Bream Silver
Dark Horse: Porthleven
