Once again there was an excellent entry at the annual Skelmanthorpe Slow Melody & Ensemble Contest held at the weekend, with competitors representing 16 bands from across the North of England giving 58 performances for the consideration of adjudicator, Sandy Smith.

Impressed

Sandy was impressed with the standard of playing on show and was on hand to give encouragement and advice throughout before rounding the day off by performing in the infamous ‘Random’ section on the Helicoil!

Sandy Smith was impressed with the standard of playing on show and was on hand to give encouragement and advice throughout4BR

Pleased

Organiser, Graham Bates, was delighted with the day’s proceedings. He told 4BR: "We were pleased to see so many old friends returning to the event, and to make so many new friends whom we hope will return in the future."

He added: "I’d particularly like to thank Sandy for spending the best part of seven hours in the box, and the back stage team who provided the excellent refreshments and ensured everything ran smoothly throughout the day."

Next year’s event will be held on Saturday 10th November

Results:

11 & Under:
1. Alex Smith (Sellers Youth)
2. Ellie Warren (Milnrow Youth)
3. Romany Youell (Skelmanthorpe Training)

14 & Under:
1. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
2. Steve Collins (Milnrow)
3. Kathleen Woods (Poulton Youth)

16 & Under:
1. Steve Collins (Milnrow)
2. Leanne Kirkby (Milnrow Youth)
3. Antony Cockbain (Poulton Youth)

Junior Ensemble:
1. Poulton Youth

Open:
1. Laura Brown (Skelmanthorpe)
2. Ian Gill (Lindley)
3. Tim Galloway (Independent)

Veterans:
1. Brent Warren (Independent)
2. Ian Gill (Lindley)
3. Tim Galloway (Independent)

Open Ensemble:
1. Stephen Lomas & Daniel Brooks (Leyland)
2. Milnrow Youth
3. Band of the Yorkshire Regiment Trombone Quartet

Random:
1. Gillian Kirkby (Poulton)