2007 London and Southern Counties Regional Championship - Third Section

It’s going to be a good band who can gets to grips with Darrol Barry’s ‘Prelude and Jubilate’ with Philip Harper making the decision in the box – a man who knows all about good rhythmic playing.

Sunday 18th March
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Test Piece: Prelude and Jubilate - Darrol Barry

Commences: 10.00am
Draw: 9.00am 

BAE Systems
Conductor: K. Woodger

Last 11 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: DNC (rel)
2004: 11th in Second Section (K. Woodger)
2003: 6th (K. Woodger)
2002: 10th
2001: 9th
2000: 6th 3rd Section (prom)
1999: 2nd 3rd Section
1998: 4th 3rd Section
1997: N/K
1996: 11th 3rd Section

Welcome back for BAE then after a couple of years away from the contesting stage here. They have droped down a section since their last appearance, but they have retained the same MD. Hopefully it is the first of mnay performances here - fingers crossed.

Bradwell Silver
Conductor: Chris Johnston

Last 11 Years:
2006: 14th (C. Johnston)
2005: 11th (K. Durbin)
2004: 5th (B. Keech)
2003: 12th (B. Keech)
2002: 4th (B. Keech)
2001: 13th (B. Keech)
2000: 15th (B. Keech)
1999: 6th in Fourth Section (prom)
1998: 6th in Fourth Section
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

It has been a bit of a tough ride for Bradwell in recent years here. In 2004 they showed promise with a top five finish before having below par performances and placings in the past two years.  A result like 2004 should keep them up, but if its like 2005 and 2006, the trap door could open. 

Brighton and Hove City Brass
Conductor: M. Hackett

Last 11 Years:
2006: 8th in Second Section (J. Williams) (rel)
2005: 12th (C. Aberg)
2004: 13th (E. Flood)
2003: 3rd (E. Flood)
2002: 7th (E. Flood)
2001: 8th (E. Flood)
2000: 11th in First Section (E. Flood) (rel)
1999: 12th in First Section
1998: 12th in First Section
1997: Winners of Second Section
1996: 10th in Third Section (prom)

Brighton begin life in the Third Section after relegation last year and after some pretty solid years in the Second Section – relegation can come as a bit of surprise sometimes if results around you don't go the right way.  For them, a good solid show is the order of the day and some confidence and a platform to build on to get back to those glory days in the First Section – they weren't too log ago remember. 

Croydon Brass
Conductor: P. Martin

Last 11 Years:
2006: 9th (P. Martin)
2005: 9th (A. Caldon)
2004: DNC
2003: 4th (M. Hackett)
2002: 8th
2001: 16th
2000: 12th
1999: 4th in Fourth Section (prom)
1998: 4th in Fourth Section
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Croydon didn't enter in 2004 but have put in two solid performances since and finished 9th on both occasions.  In 2003 they finished as high as 4th so having found their feet another return to the top six is the order of the day.   

Enfield Motor Museum & Potters Bar Contest Band
Conductor: D. Desmond

Last 11 Years:
2006: 11th (S. Groake)
2005: 4th (S. Groarke)
2004: 2nd in Fourth Section (S. Groake) (as Potters Bar) (prom)
2003: 10th (S. Groarke)
2002: 24th
2001: DNC
2000: 31st
1999: 11th
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

The band with perhaps the longest name in UK banding, EPB have done well in recent times under the baton of the talented Sarah Groarke, but since teaming up together they haven't gelled as well and the MD has since departed. A new MD this year and they will surely be looking for a return to form. If they get their name on the trophy it may cost the treasurer a bit to pay the jeweler though. 

Epsom and Ewell Silver
Conductor: E. Howard

Last 11 Years:
2006: 4th (E. Howard)
2005: 6th (E. Howard)
2004: 12th (E. Howard)
2003: 16th in Second Section (rel) (M. Winter)
2002: DNC
2001: 11th (E. Meuir)
2000: 7th (D. Richards)
1999: 10th
1998: 14th in First Section (rel)
1997: N/K
1996: 7th

Epsom are certainly moving in the right direction it seems and produced a rock solid show last year to come in 4th place.  It has taken them time to adjust in the Third Section after being relegated in 2003 but they'll be fancied to do well here this weekend and could be one of the bands to beat if they play to form. 

Fulbourn and Teversham RBL
Conductor: S. Anker

Last 11 Years:
2006: DNC (rel)
2005: 13th in Second Section (P. Mott)
2004: 8th in Third Section (P. Mott) (prom)
2003: 2nd (P. Mott)
2002: 10th in Fourth Section (P. Mott) (prom)
2001: 2nd in Fourth Section (P. Mott)
2000: 9th in Fourth Section (P. Mott)
1999: 31st in Fourth Section
1998: 12th in Fourth Section
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

Fulbourn have been on an upward rise but they didn't compete last year so we are a touch in the dark as to their potential.  Could they have been suffering from the brass band equivalent of the Icarus syndrome as they have flown very high in a very short space of time. Sometimes a little splashdown isn't too much of a bad thing though.

Fulham Brass
Conductor: Paul McLaughlin

Last 11 Years:
2006: 5th (P. McLaughlin)
2005: 3rd in Fourth Section (prom) (P. McLaughlin)
2004: 3rd (P. McLaughlin)
2003: 5th (P. McLaughlin)
2002: 21st (W. Elsom)
2001: 19th (K. Forsyth)
2000: 17th (K. Forsyth)
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: 15th

The South West London outfit continue to make impressive progress.  Paul McLaughlin has done a sterling job just like the football team's counterpart, Chris Coleman in resurrecting their fortunes and taking them in the right direction – it would be a surprise if they didn't do well on Sunday. 

Hangleton
Conductor: M. Pollard

Last 11 Years:
2006: 6th (J. Williams)
2005: 7th (J. Williams)
2004: 14th (C. Nonoo)
2003: 13th (C. Nonoo)
2002: 8th in Fourth Section (C. Nonoo) (prom)
2001: 11th in Fourth Section (C. Nonoo)
2000: 11th in Fourth Section (C. Nonoo)
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC

Hangleton had a couple of tough years in 2003 and 2004 as they found their feet at this level, but 2005 and last year have seen them put in solid shows with their efforts being rewarded with a top sixth place last year. Hopefully they'll make it three good results on the trot and push for a podium place or even better.   

LBG Brass
Conductor: I. Stewart

Last 11 Years:
2005: 2nd (I. Stewart)

LBG (Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham) made their debut here last year and took the contest by storm finishing in the runners up spot, followed by a really commendable 12th at Harrogate against a strong field from around the country. They certainly showed their hand last year and it may be difficult to repeat that again this time around. They are no longer a surprise package, but don't bet against them. 

Littleport Brass
Conductor: N. Bramley

Last 11 Years:
2006: 12th (P. Mead)
2005: DNC (rel)
2004: 3rd   (J. Hammond)
2003: 10th (J. Hammond)
2002: 13th
2001: 12th in Second Section (rel)
2000: 11th in Second Section
1999: 7th in Second Section
1998: 7th in Second Section
1997: Winners of Third Section (prom)
1996: 16th

Littleport returned to the contest last year after failing to make it to the starting line up in 2005 and did a decent enough job in coming 12th.  Prior to that their form was moving in the right direction, so we wonder what they will bring to the contesting stage this time around.  

St. Sebastian's Wokingham
Conductor: TBA

Last 11 Years:
2006: 10th (D. Richards)
2005: 3rd (D. Richards)
2004: 9th (B. Gentry)
2003: 11th (B. Gentry)
2002: 6th (B. Gentry)
2001: 15th (B. Gentry)
2000: 2nd in Fourth Section (B. Gentry)
1999: 2nd in Fourth Section
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: 19th

St. Sebastian Wokingham are more than a capable outfit as 3rd place here showed in 2005 when they went to the National finals.  We're not sure who'll take them this year though and they have been a touch inconsistent here over the past few years. Interesting to see what happens then. 

Stantonbury Brass
Conductor: A. Jenkin

Last 11 Years:
2006: 7th (A. Jenkin)
2005: 8th (A. Jenkin)
2004: 7th (A. Jenkin)
2003: 6th (A. Jenkin)
2002: 11th (A. Jenkin)
2001: 4th (A. Jenkin)
2000: 16th in Second Section (A. Jenkin) (rel)
1999: 13th in Second Section
1998: 8th in Second Section
1997: N/K
1996: Winners

Stantonbury has shown remarkable consistency here in the past four years with two 7th places and an 8th.  That consistency was shown at Butlins when they took a fine 4th place too with a performance of real merit. That should give them a huge boost of confidence ahead of this weekend and could well set them up for a podium place if they are on peak form. 

Thundersley Brass
Conductor: K. Schroeder

Last 11 Years:
2006: Winners of Fourth Section (prom) (K.Schroeder)
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

Thundersley showed their potential here last year by taking home the winners trophy and promotion into the Third Section with an excellent performance.  They went to Harrogate and came a solid 14th off a troublesome early draw, so that was a good effort too. A band that has come a very long way in a short space of time thanks to a fine MD who has really made a great impression. More to come here then?

Waterbeach Brass
Conductor: James Utting

Last 11 Years:
2006: 2nd in Fourth Section (prom) (J.Utting)
2005: 4th (J. Utting)
2004: Winners of Fourth Section (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

Like Thundersley, Waterbeach also make the step up this year having finished runners up in the Fourth Section last year. That led them to Harrogate where off the awful number 2 draw they delivered a well managed and spirited performance to come 13th.  James Utting continues to do a great job and they showed further potential at Butlins finishing 8th off another early draw. Potential top six here then?

Woodbridge Excelsior
Conductor: Alan Duguid

Last 11 Years:
2006: 8th (A. Duguid)
2005: 15th (E. Howells)
2004: 6th (E. Howells)
2003: 2nd in Fourth Section (prom) (E. Howells)
2002: 5th (E. Howells)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: N/K
1996: DNC

An indifferent couple of years for Woodbridge saw them bounce back somewhat last year under the talented Scotsman Alan Duguid with an 8th place finish.  It was Alan's first year with the band so if they can build on it, a top six is more than a possibility and the signs have been encouraging with a slightly unlucky 11th place at Butlins off the number 1 draw. Could go well. 

Past Qualifiers:
2006: Norfolk Wherry Brass, LBG
2005: Jersey Premier Brass, Hitchin, St. Sebastian Wokingham
2004: Sandhurst Silver, Chinnor and Littleport Brass
2003: Ware Brass, Fulbourn and Teversham, Sandhurst Silver
2002: Castleton Brass, Yiewsley and West Drayton
2001: Cantium Brass, Becontree Brass
2000: Stonesfield Silver, Cantium Brass
1999: Woking, Marconi
1998: Brent Brass, Broseley Brass
1997: Littleport Brass, Chichester City
1996: Stantonbury, Chinnor, Cawston
1995: Fairlop Brass, Cawston  

London bands at the Finals:
2006: 9th, 12th
2005: 1st, 13th, 17th
2004: 7th, 15th
2003: 5th, 18th, 20th
2002: 9th, 13th
2001: 7th, 11th
2000: 5th, 11th
1999: 6th, 8th
1998: 2nd, 5th  

4BR Prediction:

As always, its going to be a tough call on who will come out on top at Stevenage on Sunday morning.  Norfolk Wherry have gone up, but LBG get the chance to show they're not one hit wonders after last years result.  Fulham and Stantonbury won't be far away for us either and don't rule out EPB if they pay to form or Epsom or Thundersley influencing the final outcome.

1. Stantonbury Brass
2. L B G
3. Fulham
4. E P B
5. Hangleton
6. Epsom and Ewell

Dark Horses:  Thundersley

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