The 57th Cornish Championships were held at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro last weekend, where adjudicator Derek Greenwood and an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a fine day of music making.

Fine performance

St Dennis conducted by Darren Hawken claimed the major honours with a fine performance of Martin Ellerby’s ‘Chivalry’, with St Keverne directed by Gareth Churcher second, thanks to their vibrant performance of Philip Sparke’s ‘Haakon the Good’. Helston conducted by John Hitchen was third with their well crafted rendition of ‘Purcell Variations’.

Great event

14 bands from training up to Championship Section took part in what proved to be a great event, with the youngest performers producing excellent 10 minute programmes of music shoulder to shoulder with the senior outfits.

Lanner Brass Academy conducted by Philip Matthews took the ‘Highest Training Band’ award, whilst the Junior prize was claimed by Lostwithiel directed by Jane Whitehead. The prize as the ‘Highest Placed Ungraded Band’ went to Newquay, whilst section awards went to Lostwithiel Town, Bodmin Town and Bugle Silver.

Wonderbrass

Before the announcement of the results there was an entertaining concert provided by the all female ‘Wonderbrass’ ensemble, whilst the evening concert was provided by Black Dyke, who opened up their rehearsal to the members of the Cornish Youth Brass Band to enjoy.

St Keverne delight

There was special delight for the St Keverne organisation as all three of their bands, comprising over 100 players claimed awards under the direction of MD Gareth Churcher.

Their Youth Band were first to take to the stage playing Goff Richards' 'A Saddleworth Festival Overture' to win the Fourth Section Award, whilst the Junior ensemble produced a lively 10 minute concert programme to end runner up in their section.

The senior outfit rounded off the day by winning the First Section honours and coming runner-up to Championship Section rivals St Dennis.

The band’s solo cornet player Kelvin Retallack claimed the individual awards as ‘Best Cornet’, with Paul Villers claiming the ‘Best Euphonium’ prize.

It was a brilliant day, especially as we were able to accommodate all the bands through the pre-draw which enabled the youngest players in the training and youth bands to take to the stage next to the best in the senior sectionsFran Calver

Brilliant day

Contest organiser Fran Calver told 4BR: "It was a brilliant day, especially as we were able to accommodate all the bands through the pre-draw which enabled the youngest players in the training and youth bands to take to the stage next to the best in the senior sections."

Fran added: "We had a fine response from all the bands, which all went away with an award, whilst Nicholas Childs gesture to open the Black Dyke rehearsal to players from the Cornish Youth Band was greatly appreciated."

Results:

1. St Dennis (D. Hawken)
2. St Keverne (G. Churcher)
3. Helston (J. Hitchens)
4. Bugle
5. Bodmin
6. St Keverne Youth
7. Lostwithiel
8. Camborne Junior Contesting Band
9. Launceston
10. Newquay
1.. Lostwithiel Juiors
12. St Keverne Juniors
13. Lanner Academy
14. Pendennis

Awards:
Highest placed Championship Section Band: St Dennis Silver (Darren Hawken)
Highest placed First Section Band: St Keverne Silver (Gareth Churcher)
Highest placed Second Section Band: Bugle Silver (Jeremy Willcock)
Highest placed Third Section Band: Bodmin Town (Garry Lannie)
Highest placed Fourth Section Band: Lostwithield Town (Denzil Stephens)
Highest placed Youth Band: St Keverne Youth (Gareth Churcher)
Highest placed Junior Band: Lostwithiel Juniors (Jane Whitehead)
Highest placed Training Band: Lanner Brass Academy (Philip Matthews)
Highest placed Ungraded Band: Newquay (Linda Trethewey)