2007 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section

Prelude and Jubilate is the name of the game in Third Section, but which bands can make a winning formula out of Darrol Barry’s double mixture.

Saturday 10th March
Adjudicators: David Hirst & Barry Thompson
Test Piece: Prelude and Jubilate – Darrol Barry
Commences: 10.00am

AW Parker (Drybrook)
Conductor: Kevin White

Last 11 Years:
2006: 6th in Fourth Section (K. White) (prom)
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

Kevin White has been building a very solid band at Drybrook over the past few years although 12 months ago they didn't play to the best of their form in coming 6th in the Fourth Section – although we still tipped them to come a touch higher.

That was enough however to give them promotion here, so it will be interesting to see how they get on at the higher level. A dark horse perhaps? 

Bath Spa
Conductor: Dave Walker

Last 11 Years:
2006: 9th in Second Section (D. Baker) (rel)
2005: 14th (J. Tanaka)
2004: 10th (D. Walker)
2003: 9th (A. Whiteaker)
2002: 12th (D. Walker)
2001: 8th (D. Beckley)
2000: 3rd
1999: 6th
1998: 14th
1997: 12th
1996: N/K

Bath Spa dip their toes into the deep waters of the Third Section this year after they couldn't quite do enough 12 months ago in coming 9th in the Second Section to fend off relegation.

They return to a former MD, D. Walker to try and resuscitate their efforts although they may have taken on a bit too much water to float back to the very top just yet. 

Bugle Silver
Conductor: David Pope

Last 11 Years:
2006: 6th (D. Pope)
2005: 12th (D. Pope)
2004: 15th in Second Section (D. Pope) (rel)
2003: 12th (D. Pope)
2002: 14th (D. Pope)
2001: 6th (S. Manley)
2000: 9th
1999: 13th
1998: 8th
1997: 9th
1996: N/K

The band from the famous banding town is moving back in the right direction here it seems under the baton of David Pope. Last year they made a significant leap back towards the Second Section in coming 6th here after delivering a performance that was perhaps heading for a podium place before it just ran out of steam towards the end.

If they have solved their stamina problems this year then they could well be battling it out for a qualification place.   

Camborne B
Conductor: Alan Pope

Last 11 Years:
2006: 5th (A. Pope)
2005: 5th (A. Pope)
2004: 14th (A. Pope)
2003: 3rd in Fourth Section (prom) (A. Pope)
2002: 7th (A. Pope)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K

Alan Pope (there are more Popes down here than a Vatican fancy dress party) is building a fine band under his guidance and last year they opened the contest with a fine performance that was eventually a touch unlucky not to have come higher than it did.

If they have built on that (and they do have some super young players) then look out – this could well be their year. 

Corsham
Conductor: M. Perry

Last 11 Years:
2006: 10th (N/K)
2005: 15th in Second Section (rel) (M. Fricker)
2004: 7th (M. Clark)
2003: 13th (E. Haines)
2002: 13th (M. Knapton)
2001: 5th (M. Knapton)
2000: 8th
1999: 16th
1998: 7th
1997: 14th
1996: N/K

Corsham held their own last year on their first appearance at this level, but their performance was blighted by some nervousness which they will have to eradicate if they are to make more of a mark this time around.

There were glimpses though that they could do just that, so lets hope the nerves don't get the better of them.  

Denmead Brass
Conductor: John Hill

Last 11 Years:
2006: 7th (J. Hill)
2005: 6th (J. Hill)

Denmead could have pushed for a top six place or even better last year but for a lack of consistency throughout their performance.

If they can just rid themselves of that then they showed that they have all the basic ingredients in place to do well.    

Downton
Conductor: Roland Wright

Last 11 Years:
2006: 12th (R. Wright)
2005: 10th (R. Wright)
2004: 6th in Fourth Section (R. Wright) (prom)
2003: 2nd (R. Wright)
2002: 11th
2001: 21st
2000: 20th
1999: 18th
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: N/K

Downton will need to produce a good performance this year if they are not to be drawn into a relegation battle after coming 12th last year. That performance was one that got better the longer it went on, so if they can get off to a good start they did show that they have more than enough about them to secure their future in the section with some comfort.  

Heyl Town
Conductor: Derek Johnstone

Last 11 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: 3rd in Third Section (prom) (D. Johnston)
2004: 2nd (D. Johnston)
2003: Winners of Fourth Section (prom) (D. Johnston)
2002: 2nd (D. Johnston)
2001: 9th (D. Johnston)
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: 14th in Third Section (rel)
1997: DNC
1996: N/K

Although Heyl didn't compete here last year they will surely head for Torquay confident of doing well after their outstanding performance at Butlins which saw them win the Third Section title in fine style.

Derek Johnston really had his band playing out of their skin that day and if they can repeat that kind of form then they can look forward to another very long bus journey to a major finals once again. 

Launceston Town
Conductor: David Dobson

Last 11 Years:
2006: 3rd (G. Lannie)
2005: 9th (G. Lannie)
2004: 14th in Second Section (W. Smith) (rel)
2003: 11th (W. Smith)
2002: 10th (J. Ware)
2001: 11th (N. Chad)
2000: 4th in Third Section (prom)
1999: 10th in Third Section
1998: 3rd in Third Section
1997: 7th in Third Section
1996: N/K

David Dobson has a busy year ahead of him what with the European Championships to look forward too in May, but first things first he will be trying to get Launceston to Harrogate. Last year they just missed out after delivering a performance that grew in stature as it went along.

David has helped deliver the goods with a number of bands over the years and he may just do it again this time too if his band can repeat that kind of form.  

Pillowell Silver
Conductor: Rhodri Griffiths
Last 11 Years:
2006: 9th (J. Glynn)
2005: 5th in Fourth Section (prom) (C. Lewis)
2004: Winners of Fourth Section (C. Lewis)
2003: 9th (B. Howard)
2002: 16th (C. Lewis)
2001: DNC
2000: 7th in Third Section (rel)
1999: DNC
1998: 17th in Second Section (rel)
1997: 11th in Second Section
1996: N/K

We had tipped Pillowell to do really well here last year and that put the kiss of death on their efforts as they fell foul of the dreaded 4BR curse to come home in 9th place. In truth though it wasn't a bad effort although it was a bit of a roller coaster ride in terms of consistency.

If they have sorted that out then they could well feature again – although we haven't quite tipped then to win (we can hear then sigh with relief as they read this!)  

St. Pinnock
Conductor: Simon Dobson

Last 11 Years:
2006: Winners (P. Minear)
2005: 11th (P. Minear)
2004: 9th (P. Minear)
2003: 15th in Second Section (rel) (W. Harris)
2002: 9th (M. Medin)
2001: 10th (J. Whitehead)
2000: 11th
1999: 4th in Third Section (prom)
1998: 2nd in Third Section
1997: 8th in Third Section
1996: N/K

Now this could be interesting. The talented Dobson Junior takes the helm here with St Pinnock and he has both a hard act to follow in Peter Minear as well as a hard act to beat with his dad taking Launceston. We bet the tea times in the Dobson household are interesting to listen too!

St Pinnock were good value for their win after delivering a well crafted performance last year and went on the also produce a decent effort in coming 13th at the finals. They could well be one of the bands to beat here too – even if Dad may have a musical word or two to say about that. 

Totnes
Conductor: Ian Wilkinson

Last 11 Years:
2006: 8th (I. Wilkinson)
2005: DNC (rel)
2004: 13th (S. Manley) (rel)
2003: 14th in First Section (rel) (C. Sproston)
2002: 11th (S. Davis)
2001: 7th (T. Trehern)
2000: 12th
1999: 3rd in Second Section (prom)
1998: 11th in Second Section
1997: 3rd in Second Section
1996: N/K

Totnes returned to the contest stage here last year and came a creditable 8th place that promised to perhaps come even higher but just lacked for stamina in the final third of the piece.

It showed though that they more than have enough about them to make a serious mark if they can hold things together right to the bitter end rather than just leaving a slightly bitter taste in the mouth of what might have been.  

Verwood Concert Brass
Conductor: David Johnson

Last 11 Years:
2006: Winners of Fourth Section (D. Marshall)
2005: Winners of Fourth Section (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

A band looking for a hat trick of titles. Verwood come to Torquay after being crowned Fourth Section champions for the past two years and last year they were a class above the rest of a massive field and won with style and more than a fair share of classy musicianship.

They couldn't quite repeat that in Harrogate where they came a decent enough 7th, but they showed more than enough about themselves that they will be a band to fear here. Perhaps not a hat trick, but you never know.  

Weston Super Mare Brass
Conductor: Peter Nutt

Last 11 Years:
2006: 11th in Second Section (P. Nutt) (rel)
2005: 12th (P. Nutt)
2004: 9th (P. Nutt)
2003: 7th (D. Tilling)
2002: 14th in First Section (rel) (D. Tilling)
2001: 14th in First Section (D. Tilling)
2000: 3rd in First Section
1999: 7th in Third Section
1998: 3rd (prom)
1997: 5th
1996: N/K

Peter Nutt returns with his seaside based band (although the tide always seems to be out when we are there) and they will be looking to secure for themselves a decent result to show that they have finally started to turn the corner after some poor years of achievement here.

Last year's performance on admittedly a very difficult test piece showed glimpses of promise but that will have to be turned into real consistency against some stiff opposition if they are to make a mark.  

Wooton under Edge and District Silver
Conductor: Dennis Grant

Last 11 Years:
2006: 13th (D. Grant)
2005: 8th (D. Grant)
2004: 11th (R. Carr)
2003: 11th (R. Griffiths)
2002: 13th (D. Thomas)
2001: 13th in Second Section (rel) (P. Cowford)
2000: 11th in Second Section
1999: 15th in Second Section
1998: 6th (prom)
1997: 6th
1996: N/K

Wooton are in need of a decent return this year if they are not to drop through the relegation trap door into the Davy Jones locker that is the massive Fourth Section.

Last year they came 13th with a performance that they may put down to a bad day at the contesting office – but they won't want a repeat performance for sure. Hope springs eternal though.  

Past Qualifiers:

2006: St. Pinnock, Gillingham Imperial Silver
2005: Portishead Town, Shrewton Silver
2004: St. Dennis, Hayle Town, Shrewton Silver
2003: Michelmersh Silver, St. Dennis, Filton Concert Brass
2002: Michelmersh Silver, RBL Crownhill (Plymouth)
2001: Bream Silver, Helston Town
2000: Lympstone SW Telecoms, City of Winchester
1999: Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne), Test Valley Brass
1998: Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne), St. Pinnock, Launceston Town
1997: St. Keverne, Cosham Concert
1996: Yeovil Town, N/K
1995: Stoke sub Hamdon, Corsham 

West of England bands at the Finals:

2006: 13th, 14th
2005: 3rd, 12th
2004: 2nd, 14th, 17th
2003: 4th, 10th, 15th
2002: 6th, 17th
2001: 5th, 6th
2000: 3rd, 10th
1999: 1st, 9th
1998: 6th, 15th  

4BR Prediction:

A difficult one to predict this, but there are a handful of bands that should be more than capable of battling it out for the two qualification places on offer. Heyl showed real class at Butlins and will surely be favourites, but we expect them to be pushed all the way by the Dobson duo, with the son we think taking the honours ahead of his dad with St Pinnock just edging out Launceston. Verwood will surely be strong contenders if they play to form and Pillowell and Camborne B should be up in the mix too. Our dark horse on this occasion is AW Parker (Drybrook)

1. Heyl
2. St. Pinnock
3. Launceston
4. Verwood Concert Brass
5. Camborne B
6. Pillowell

Dark Horses: AW Parker (Drybrook)

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