The Felling Band’s recent historic Championship Section victory at the North of England Regional Championships was helped by a number of new signings.

New principal

Former Fairey’s and Brighouse & Rastrick principal cornet Stephen Wilkinson recently took over the end chair at the band – and celebrated his first contest appearance by winning the ‘Best Principal Cornet ‘ Prize at the Dolphin Centre.

Meanwhile, the cornet section was also strengthened by the arrival of Stanley West from Hepworth, and former Reg Vardy player Nigel Brown, while rising star 16-year old Kate Malcolm took on the flugel horn chair after a six month absence due to dental work.

Triumph

Kate recently triumphed at the Tynedale Music Festival, winning in both the under-16 and open brass categories.

Moves

In addition, principal euphonium Clive Parker rejoined from Fishburn, with Jeremy Belton moving to solo baritone. Other moves within the band included Paul Bushby swapping flugel for repiano cornet, while Felling stalwart and former MD Ray Poole moved from repiano to 3rd cornet.

I must thank our existing members for moving to new positions to create what is undoubtedly the strongest band Felling has ever fielded at a regional contest. The result certainly showed thatMD, Steve Malcolm

Result

MD Steve Malcolm commented: "The moves showed just how committed we were to gaining success. I must thank our existing members for moving to new positions to create what is undoubtedly the strongest band Felling has ever fielded at a regional contest. The result certainly showed that."