Brighouse & Rastrick's President, Paul Beaumont has spoken to 4BR about his delight at the National Champion being crowned Saddleworth & Oldham District Champions for 2011.

Proud

Throughout the day, Paul and his wife Julie travelled around the circuit leading the band as they marched to the contest venues proudly carrying the National Championship Trophy.

Speaking over the weekend, Paul told 4BR: "Whit Friday has always held a special place in the hearts of Brighouse & Rastrick Band, and to go around Saddleworth with the National Trophy on display was truly fantastic."

He added: "The band was on top form and to be crowned Saddleworth winners when we're Yorkshire and National Champion makes it extra special for us — and with the added bonus of adding seven grand to the bank balance!"

The band was on top form and to be crowned the Saddleworth winners when we're Yorkshire and National Champion makes it extra special for usPaul Beaumont

King's impact

Paul also paid tribute to the band's Professional Conductor, David King.

"It's great to have David back in the bandroom," he said. "As soon as he walks into our headquarters everybody is lifted. He is back with us of course for the English National, but he lifted the band once again on Whit Friday and we gave superb performances. I would like to place on record my personal thanks to him for his efforts."

Poignant moment

The most poignant moment of day came at the Greenfield contest where a spectator, Alan Chamberlain, tragically lost his life at last year's event.

Brighouse were asked to play in the presence of his family at the spot where the tragic accident took place and performed 'There is a Greenhill Far Away'.

"That moment was what banding is about," said Paul, before adding, "A number of people were in tears and it put the night into perspective."

That march

Brighouse & Rastrick are synonomous on Whit Friday for playing the march 'Ravenswood' but this year left spectators around the circuit open-mouthed with surprise when it was announced they would play 'Knight Templar'.

"We made a decision to do something different, especially with Preston next week at the back of our minds," Paul explained. "The band is relishing the prospect of competing at the English Nationals, on what will be a packed weekend, with an evening concert back in Brighouse in the Central Methodist Church. We hope to return as champions."

Priorities

However, the Brighouse President is hoping that next weekend will be cause for a double celebration, as although he'll be missing a Brighouse contest appearance for the very first time under his Presidential watch due to his son's wedding in Scotland, he did admit he will have one eye on 4BR to check the results!