There were plenty of doubles being drunk in celebration in the bars at the Butlins Skyline Resort in Skegness on Sunday night, as the Flowers Band retained their Mineworkers title under the direction of Paul Holland.

Expensive win

However, before a drop was drunk, the players made sure they enjoyed their well deserved victory by celebrating on the contest stage with the magnificent Warwick Vase Trophy, and a cheque for the sum of £7,000 — although their MD was already making the long journey home to South Wales.

4BR caught up with Paul on Monday morning, who explained that the victory did come at an unexpected cost!

"I promised my wife Ellie that she could enjoy a weekend in New York because I’ve been spending so much time working the band in preparing for the contest. She’s flying today so it meant missing the celebrations – although the result means it was well worth the expense!"

Expectations

The result also means that expectations are increased on his band too. "We have a very busy couple of months ahead – starting with Yeovil, then the Areas, Grand Shield and French Open, as well as a busy concert diary.

The band is working so hard at the moment – and so well. It’s a great atmosphere and the desire to succeed at the highest level is driving us on. We are really aiming to make a mark at all the major contests this year."

Confident

Flowers confident winning set work performance of ‘Un Vie de Matelot’ on the Saturday gave them a little leeway to play with for the following day, where despite another polished entertainment they ended 4th – just enough of a cushion to repel the consistent challenge of Virtuosi GUS.

Their entertainment programme was enhanced by a wonderful performance from 15 year old Thomas Fountain, who won the ‘Best Soloist’ award and £300 with a superb flugel rendition of ‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’.

Best entertainment

There was no doubting which band provided both the judges and the packed audience in the Centre Stage auditorium with the most enjoyable entertainment programme of the day (although they were pushed mighty close by the Grimethorpe Re-Union Band later the same evening) as an inspired Woodfalls took the £1,000 prize money and Butlins Trophy under the exuberant direction of Paul Lovatt- Cooper – a result that pushed the West of England Area champion into third place overall.

Solid

Two solid performances from Redbridge Brass ensured that the Londoners left for home a grand better off after coming fourth overall, whilst the remaining top six places were claimed by EYMS, who bounced back from a disappointing performance on the set work to deliver a sparkling entertainment set, and Thoresby Colliery, who couldn’t quite manage a repeat of their podium placing on the set work to eventually come sixth.

Fancied runners

It wasn’t a weekend to remember for the fancied runners of Desford and Carlton Main as they fell outside the prizes, whilst Senior Trophy winners and Scottish Open champion, Marsden and Tongwynlais could only manage 9th and 10th places respectively.

The bottom two places in the results table were taken by debutants Jaguar Land Rover and the returning Wingates.

Despite the victory, Flowers Band Manager Lee Downie told 4BR that he hoped that the Butlins victory would lead to a 2012 season that sees further progress at the major contests – including a return to the British Open.

I promised my wife Ellie that she could enjoy a weekend in New York because I’ve been spending so much time working the band. She’s flying today so it meant missing the celebrations – although the result means it was well worth the expense!Paul Holland

Open return

"It’s a real achievement to win here two years in a row – and it sets us up for a very important season ahead," he said.

"Paul has really developed us into a competitive top level band that wants to go places – including the British Open once again. This win hopefully sets us on that road this year, so we will be working harder than ever to build on the victory and hopefully qualify for the British Open and London."

First Section:

Eric Ball’s ‘High Peak’ caused plenty of problems with the bands in the First Section, but it was Becontree Brass from the relative lowlands of the outskirts of Dagenham that conquered the summit to claim the £2,000 first prize under conductor Adam Cooke.

Their descriptive performance certainly caught the ear of the judges, who found it ‘solidly played’ and ‘full of quality’, whilst the young MD later told 4BR that the result would provide them with a huge boost of confidence as they start work on their preparation for the forthcoming Area contest in Stevenage.

Great result

"It’s a great result for the band – and shows just how much progress we have been making over the last couple of years. We were promoted back to the First Section in 2011, so to win here is a huge boost ahead of the Areas.

The past few months have been great, with an appearance on Radio 2 on the day of the Royal Wedding with Chris Evans – but this win even tops that!"

Personal double

There was also a personal ‘double’ for principal cornet Mark Kennedy, as he had to remain on stage to help rivals Drighlington, as their cornet player had been taken ill. His personal contribution helped the Yorkshire band claim the runner up spot under Jim Davies.

It also enabled them to gain the pre Yorkshire Area bragging rights, beating off the challenge of the fancied heavyweights Bradford contenders Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel and UNITE the Union, with Kidlington Concert and GT Group Peterlee filling the remaining top six places.

Second Section:

Granville Bantock’s ‘Frogs’ certainly caused problems in the Second Section – although not for reigning champion Mossley under the baton of MD, Duncan Byers, who claimed the Butlins Trophy and the £2,000 first prize for the second successive year.

The former Grimethorpe player told 4BR that he drew on his experience playing under the great Peter Parkes to provide the template on which to build the winning performance.

Working hard

"Even though it’s an old work, it very modern in its rhythmic structure," he said.

"I remember ‘The Major’ working with us on the piece and that clarity of getting those elements right was the key. It’s still a very difficult test piece, but the band has been working so hard and was determined to hold onto the title. Now we want to make sure we go on to qualify for the National Finals and come back here again to see if we can make it a hat trick."

Area to savour

That Area contest should be one to savour in Blackpool as rivals Uppermill claimed second place under the baton of Alan Widdop, with Haslingden & Helmshore in fourth and Delph in sixth.

It was left to the Midlanders of Shirebrook MW Unison conducted by Mark Wilcockson in third and the Yorkshire contenders of Cornerstone Brass in sixth to break up the North West monopoly.

Third Section:

There couldn’t have been a single conductor with a bigger smile on his face in Skegness than David Ashworth on the weekend, as the popular MD led Boarshurst Silver to the Third Section title and the £2,000 first prize.

Promoted from the Fourth Section he led the North West outfit to victory on Philip Sparke’s ‘Three Miniatures’, to beat off the challenge of podium finishers Stamford Brass directed by Robert Prew and defending champion Pemberton Old JJB B, conducted by Peter Ashley.

Rich praise

All three podium finishers drew rich praise from adjudicators Graham O’Connor and Kevin Holdgate, with Boarshurst’s controlled and balanced account showing consistency across all three movements – something the MD was especially proud about.

"It’s a great piece," Dave said. "But it has so much detail in it that it demands consistency throughout. I think my players did just that and more today. I’m really proud of them.

They’ve shown determination and ambition to make a mark at this level after last year’s promotion. I promised them we would celebrate if we won – and now I’ve a big cup to fill!"

Early draw

Stamford Brass set a high bar to beat off the number 1 draw in a contest which saw the six prize winners come from the first eight bands in the draw. The remaining top six places were claimed by Whitworth Vale & Healey, Emley Brass and last year’s Fourth Section winners, Dronfield CMW.

Fourth Section:

There was another early draw North West victor in the Fourth Section, where Coppull & Standish directed by Matt Stringer took the honours with a well structured performance of Philip Wilby’s, ‘The Seasons’ – a work that caused quite a few problems with the competitors on the day according to the judges.

Very musical

Not so the winners, as their rendition was described as being ‘very musical’ and ‘consistent’ by Barry Thompson and Mark Walters to see them take home the £2,000 first prize ahead of Blackpool rivals Greenfield conducted by Tom Haslam, with Deryshire pride being led by third placed Whitwell Brass directed by Simon Gresswell.

Coppull’s Band Chairman told 4BR, that they now hope to build on the victory as they start their preparation for the Area contest in Blackpool.

Ambitious

"We are an ambitious band, but we know we have to work even harder of we are to get to Cheltenham this year. Our Area is such a competitive one – but this win gives us a huge boost of confidence.

It shows just what can be achieved with hard work under a great conductor."

The remaining top six places were claimed by Market Rasen, Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes and Melton.

Junior Ensemble & Youth Section:

With the Championship Section contenders battling it out on the Sunday there was equally fine entertainment on show in the two youth events held at the Reds venue – with another ‘double’ to celebrate as Youth Brass 1000 & Youth Brass 2000 leading the way.

A cracking Junior Ensemble saw four great bands provide Barry Thompson with the type of performances that brought a smile to everyone’s face, with the young performers of Youth Brass 1000 led by Adele Hudson taking the honours.

Double

Not to be outdone though, reigning champion Youth Brass 2000 conducted by Chris Jeans beat off the high class challenges of Wardle High School and St Helens Youth amongst others to claim the £1,000 first prize.

Championship Section:

Saturday 21st January
Venue: Centre Stage

Test Piece: Un Vie de Matelot & Entertainment
Adjudicators: Ray Farr, Roger Webster & Peter Roberts

Set Work/Entertainment = Total

1. Flowers (Paul Holland), 1st/4th = 5*
2. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman), 2nd/3rd = 5
3. Woodfalls (Paul Lovatt-Cooper), 6th/1st = 7
4. Redbridge Brass (Jeremy Wise), 4th/7th = 11
5. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison), 10th/2nd = 12
6. Thoresby Colliery (Ian Porthouse), 3rd/10th = 13*
7. Desford Colliery (Russell Gray), 7th/6th = 13
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann), 9th/5th = 14
9. Marsden Silver Prize (Glyn Williams), 5th/11th = 16*
10. Tongwynlais Temperance (Philip Harper), 8th/8th = 16
11. Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea), 11th/9th = 20
12. Wingates (Andrew Berryman), 12th/12th = 24

* Position on set work takes precedent

William Lippeatt Memorial Trophy for Highest Placed Mining Band: Thoresby Colliery
Most Entertaining Band: Woodfalls
Geoff Dove Soloist Award: Thomas Fountain (Flugel) Virtuosi GUS)

First Section:

Saturday 21st January
Venue: Reds

Test Piece: High Peak (Eric Ball)
Adjudicators: Steve Sykes & Richard Marshall

1. Becontree Brass (Adam Cooke), 5
2. Drighlington (Jim Davies), 6
3. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt), 19
4. UNITE Union (Derek Renshaw), 16
5. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson), 11
6. GT Group Peterlee (Joe Cook), 4
7. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe), 15
8. Enderby (Jonathon Mott), 12
9. Carlton Brass (Geoff Hawley), 7
10. Kippax (David Lancaster), 14
11. Foresters Brass 2000 (Peter Collins), 1
12. Old Silkstone (Simon Kerwin), 2
13. Stannington Brass (Miles Davison), 13
14. South Yorkshire Police (Michael Howley), 18
15. Langley (Cliff Parker), 17
16. Haydock (Mark Quinn), 21
17. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield), 9
18. Leicester Co-op SMW (Graham Jacklin), 8
19. Shirland Welfare Band (Marie Smith), 3
20. Ipswich & Norwich Coop (Roland Morris), 23
21 = Bedworth Brass (David Maplestone), 10
21 = Harborough (Chris Groom), 22
23. Rogerstone (James Jones), 20

Highest Placed Mining Band: GT Group Peterlee

Second Section:

Saturday 21st January
Venue: Lakeside

Test Piece: The Frogs of Aristophanes (Granville Bantock)
Adjudicators: Dr Roger Webster & Mike Kilroy

1. Mossley, (Duncan Byers), 6
2. Uppermill, (Alan Widdop), 15
3. Shirebrook MW Unison, (Mark Wilcockson), 19
4. Haslingden & Helmshore, (David Holland), 14
5. Cornerstone Brass (Damian Wileman), 2
6. Delph (Jonathon Davies), 16
7. Raunds Temperance (Robin Norman), 5
8. Thundersley (John Ward), 11
9. Chalgrove (Terry Brotherhood), 9
10. Fulham Brass (Alan Duguid), 10
11. Dodworth MW (Eliot Darwin), 7
12. York Railway Institute (Gordon Eddison), 7
13. Northfleet Brass (Melvin White), 12
14. Middleton (Neil Samuel), 18
15. NW Ellington Colliery (Jonathon Fenwick), 3
16. St Albans City (Phillip Littlemore), 8
17. Amington (Wesley Kendrick), 4
18. Murton Colliery (Alan Seymour), 1
19. Waterbeach Brass (David Minchin), 13

Highest Placed Mining Band: Shirebrook MW Unison

Third Section:

Saturday 21st January
Venue: Royal Arthur Suite

Test Piece: Three Miniature (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Graham O'Connor & Kevin Holdgate

1. Boarshurst Silver, (David Ashworth), 5
2. Stamford Brass, (Robert Prew), 1
3. Pemberton Old JJB (B), (Peter Ashley), 4
4. Whitworth Vale & Healey, (John Binns), 8
5. Emley Brass (Garry Hallas), 3
6. Dronfield CMW (John Davis), 6
7. Hucknall & Linby Brass (Paul Whyley), 7
8. Hemel Hempstead, David Klein, 2
9. Rolls-Royce (Derby) (Graham Cardwell), 13
10. Eccles Borough (Marieka Gray), 12
11. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathon Beatty), 11
12. Backworth Colliery (Callum Harrison), 9
13. Ibstock Brick Brass (Huw Thomas), 10
14. Hitchin (Craig Patterson), 15
15. Croft Silver (Ian Needham), 14

Highest Placed Mining Band: Emley Brass

Fourth Section:

Saturday 21st January
Venue: Crazy Horse Theatre

Test Piece: The Seasons (Philip Wilby)
Adjudicators: Barry Thompson & Mark Walters

1. Coppull & Standish, (Matt Stringer), 4
2. Greenfield, (Tom Haslam), 13
3. Whitwell, (Simon Gresswell), 11
4. Market Rasen RPC, (Alan Needham), 9
5. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (Steven Askew), 10
6. The Melton Band (Graham Sutton), 2
7. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford), 14
8. Deepcar Brass (Lindon Bolt), 1
9. Banovallum Brass (Steve Ingham), 5
10. Jayess Newbiggin Brass (Andrew Griffiths), 1
11. Thoresby Colliery Youth (Christine Lippeatt), 8
12. Markham Main Colliery (Robert Woofinden), 12
13. Royston Town (Steve Earley), 3
14. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Keith Buxton), 7
15. Bestwood Black Diamonds (Brian Draper), 6

Highest Placed Mining Band: Coppull & Standish

Youth Section:

Sunday 22nd January
Venue: Reds

Programme of Music not to exceed 20 minutes but must include a march and a hymn tune
Adjudicator: Barry Thompson and Mark Walters

1. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans)
2. Wardle High School Youth (Lee Rigg)
3. St Helens Youth Brass (Anna Hughes-Williams)
4. Shirland Welfare Training (Dave Harvey)
5. Lions Youth Brass (Nigel Birch)
6. Enderby Youth (Trevor Hounsome)
7. Coleshill Youth Brass (Stephen Fagg)
8. Croft Mid Band (Ian Bromley)

Junior Ensemble:

Sunday 22nd January
Venue: Reds

Own Choice programme
Adjudicator: Barry Thompson

1. Youth Brass 1000 (Adele Hudson)
2. Shirland Training Ensemble 1 (Dave Harvey)
3. Wigston Enterprise Band (Julie Maxwell)
4. Croft Junior Band (Ian Bromley)

Youngest Player: Luke Winslade (Croft Junior)
Pat Cunnington Memorial Trophy given to most improved player in Wigston Enterprise Band: Chris Thornhill