The Coalburn Band claimed the Scottish Borders BBA honours in Selkirk at the weekend, with a victory that had a touch of the Olympic spirit about it under conductor Gareth Bowman (above).

Faster, higher, stronger

Their winning programme opened with Alan Fernie’s ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ as they claimed the gold medal position on the results podium with a set that included a splendid prize winning flugel solo from Trevor Gray on ‘Children of Sanchez’ as well as the ‘Prelude to the 49th Parallel’ and the rousing finisher of ‘Dundonnell’ from ‘Hymn of the Highlands’.

In a contest of inventive choices and well presented programmes, rivals Kilmarnock Concert pushed Coalburn all the way to the finishing tape under Raymond Tennant, finishing their programme with a bold rendition of the ‘Fugue’ from Philip Sparke’s ‘Graduation Day’ Suite and a Best Soloist contribution from the outstanding Katie Ankers on soprano.

Quality

In a battle of three quality Second Section outfits, third place went to Tullis Russell Mills directed by Martyn Ramsay.

All three bands will now lock horns at what promises to be an exciting end of year battle at the Scottish Challenge Shield Contest in Perth Concert Hall on December 2nd.

Wonderful victory

Coalburn Band Secretary Daniel Beadle told 4BR: "It’s a wonderful victory. The remarks from both adjudicators were excellent, with Gordon Evans stating that he felt the band was ‘excellent’ and ‘well directed’ and Paul complimenting us in his voice over remarks on our ‘splendid bass end sound’."

He added: "This has given us a huge boost of confidence ahead of the Scottish Challenge Shield in a few weeks time, where we hope to end our year with another victory."

Silverware

The band headed for home with the Scottish Borders Trophy in their grasp, as well as the awards for Best Second Section Band, Best Percussion and Best Instrumentalist, all topped with £250 in prize money.

There was a great atmosphere and sense of competitive enjoyment at the Victoria Halls as the 21 bands from both sides of Hadrian’s Wall (and from the Isle of Man) battled it out throughout the day to try and impress open adjudicators Paul Drury and Gordon Evans.

Cross border challenge

With a host of ensemble and individual awards on offer, Durham Miners returned home with the Entertainment Prize, thanks in no small part to their wonderful vocal singing in ‘Blaydon Races’, whilst section awards were claimed by Selkirk and the emerging Tullis Intermediate.

The very well run event saw the adjudicators aggregate their placing to give the finals results, with Paul Drury providing recorded remarks and Gordon Evans, written assessments.

Next year’s contest will take place on November 2nd at Jedburgh Town Hall.

Results:
Adjudicators: Paul Drury & Gordon Evans
Aggregate placing (Drury/Evans) = Total

1. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) — 1/2 = 3
2. Kilmarnock (Raymond Tennant) — 3/1 = 4
3. Tullis Russell Mills (Martyn Ramsay) — 2/4 = 6
4. Durham Miners (Neil Davies) — 4/3 = 7
5. Shotts St Patrick’s (Paul McKelvie) — 8/5 = 13
6. Selkirk Silver (Alan Fernie) — 7/8 = 15
7. Irvine & Dreghorn (John Boax) — 5/10 = 15
8. Annan Town (David Shanks) — 6/11 = 17
9. Jedburgh (Philip Rosier) — 9/9 = 18
10. Langholm (Alan Fernie) — 15/6 = 21
11. Tullis Intermediate (Steven Craig) — 16/7 = 23
12. St David’s (John Dickson) — 12/12 = 24
13. St Ronan’s (David Robb) — 11/15 = 26
14. Peebles (Stephen Baird) — 14/14 = 28
15. Rushen (John Kinley) — 10/19 = 29
16. Buckhaven (David Neil) — 13/17 = 30
17. Jayess Newbiggin' (Andrew Griffiths) — 18/13 = 31
18. Dumfries (Peter Heyes) — 17/16 = 33
19. Hawick (Alan Fernie) — 19/18 = 37
20. Queensferry (James Anderson) — 20/20 = 40
21. Penicuik Silver (Stuart Black) — 21/21 = 42

First Prize: The Scottish Borders Trophy & £150: Coalburn
Entertainment Prize: Durham Miners
Best Second Section Band: Coalburn
Best Third Section Band: Selkirk
Best Fourth Section Band: Tullis Intermediate
Highest Placed Borders Band: Selkirk
Best Soloist: Kaitie Ankers (soprano) — Kilmarnock
Best Instrumentalist: Trevor Gray (flugel) — Coalburn Silver
Best Solo Cornet: Kilmarnock
Best Basses: Tullis Russell Mills
Best Percussion: Coalburn Silver