The 11th Exmouth Brass Band Festival, promoted by the South West Brass Band Association, was held on on the weekend at the Exmouth Pavilion, where a good turn out of listeners enjoyed a feast of music presented by 12 bands from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Staffordshire.

Re-organisation

Unfortunately 2 bands, of the original 14 entries, withdrew (one actually on the day) which caused the organisers some embarrassment in re-scheduling of the day’s timetable.

Adjudicator Dr Chris Davis OBE congratulated all the bands in the entertainment contest and their musical directors for the high standard of playing, together with, in the main, well thought out programmes of music.

Mixture

Considering the most inclement weather experienced in the run up to the Festival, the weather behaved itself with a mixture of sun and cloud for the full programme of fringe concerts to go ahead in the Pavilion Gardens where the 12 bands played to a large and appreciative audience.

The awards were presented by Councillor Darryl Nicholas, the Mayor of Exmouth.

Rejuvenated winners

The members of a rejuvenated Soundhouse Brass were delighted with their win, particularly as they were unable to field a band capable of competing in the First Section at the areas this year.

The band carryied off the Exmouth Challenge Trophy, with a performance described by adjudicator Dr Chris Davies as, 'A programme of super contrast. The quality and choice of music did it for you'

The band's flugel player Emma Heards won the 'Best Soloist' prize with her prendition of 'You Needed Me'.

We lost a few good players at the turn of the year and it is due to Simon's inspiring direction that we have been able to attract one or two former players and some new faces around the standsSoundhouise Brass

New MD

Soundhouse's rejuvenation has come under the baton of Simon Badge who was appointed MD at the beginning of the year.

Band Chairman, Garry Thompson told 4BR: "We lost a few good players at the turn of the year and it is due to Simon's inspiring direction that we have been able to attract one or two former players and some new faces around the stands."

Result:

1. Soundhouse Brass (Simon Badge)
2. Pendennis Brass (Steve Thomas)
3. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (David Hatton)
4. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
5. Tiverton Town (Gil Taylor)
6. Weston Brass (Tony Osbourne)
7. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
8. Bideford Town (Roger Ashby)
9. Appledore Silver (Malcolm Read)
10. Launceston Town (Dave Dobson)
11. Chard Concert Brass (Paul Armstrong)
12. Uttoxeter Town Brass (Matt Pope)

Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davies

Exmouth Brass Band Festival Band 2010: Soundhouse Brass
Best Entertaining Band: Pendennis Brass
Best Soloist: Emma Heards (flugel) — Soundhouse Brass
Best Percussion Section: Pendennis Brass
Best Trombone Section: Sidmouth Town