An amazing £300,000 bequest from a brass band loving GP, will see a major new brass band contest being held in Durham later this year.

Brass band lover

Darlington GP, Dr Ian Martin, who died in 2007, had a passion for brass bands, which seemed to be satisfied with the local Cockerton Prize Band playing carols at his house, named ‘Wainstones’ every year.

Trust

However, following his death, it was revealed that he bequeathed £300,000 for a trust to be set up to fund a contest, to be held locally each year, at which ‘The Wainstones Cup’ would be presented to the winning band.

The ‘Dr Martin Trust’ was set up in 2009 and plans are now well established to hold the first competition on July 17th at The Gala Theatre in Durham City, as part of the Durham Brass Festival.

It is a quite amazing gift to the banding community, and one which we will try to meet Dr Martin’s wishes of holding an annual world class brass band contestJohn Steel

Amazing gift

Trustee John Steel told 4BR: "It is a quite amazing gift to the banding community, and one which we will try to meet Dr Martin’s wishes of holding an annual world class brass band contest."

Prize fund

Organisers hope to attract the very best Championship Section bands with a substantial £7,500 prize fund, which will see the winners pick up a £4,000 first prize.

The contest format will see bands perform a 30 minute programme that must include a march, solo item and own choice test piece.

Restrict

John added: "We will have to restrict the field to 15 competitors, but we hope to attract the very best bands with the £4,000 top prize. In addition there will be £2,000 for the runners up and £1,000 for third, with additional awards for the best solo and march items. Competing bands will each receive an appearance fee of £200."

Demand

John is aware that demand for places will be high: "Entries will open in April and close in May. Each of the 15 bands that obtain a place will get it on a first come first served basis."

He is also keen to point out that whilst Cockerton Band will help organise the contest, they will not benefit from the trust. "The Dr Martin Trust has a single purpose, so whilst we are proud to be associated with the contest, the band does not benefit from any of the proceeds."

Further information

For further information, go to: www.doctormartintrust.com

Or contact:
john.steel@darlington.gov.uk
s.goodwin.55@hotmail.co.uk