Brass Bands England Chairman Robert Morgan MBE has given a strongly worded response to the latest press statements by Philip Morris of Kapitol Promotions Ltd published on 4BR over the proposals for English bands to register with Brass Band Players Ltd to be able to compete at the 2013 National Championships of Great Britain.

Response

In response to a request by 4BR to comment on the latest statements from Philip Morris and Kapitol Promotions Ltd, he told 4BR: "My immediate reaction has not changed since day one of this proposal by Kapitol and that is, why?"

He added: "And this is still my question following Kapitol’s statement on 4barsrest. I see that the new Registry, Brass Band Players Ltd. (incidentally, registered at Companies House in 1999) will be almost identical to the existing British Brass Band Registry.

It doesn’t make sense. Although Kapitol wants a new Registry and some of the regions seem to be moving that way (with the exception of the North West), it can’t have gone unnoticed that many bands and band personnel are against the new proposal."

Unaware

He went on: "Following the press statement from the Midlands Region over the weekend it seems that all is not as portrayed with Kapitol’s proposal and its contact with the Regions.

We now know that the North West Region did not take part in the telephone conference and that the secretary of the Midlands Region was unaware of the conference.

We also now know that Wales had a vote on the future of English banding!"

Lack of respect

Robert Morgan also highlighted what he sees as lack of dialogue and respect for bands over the issue.

"As Chairman of BFBB/Brass Bands England (the owner of the BBBR) I, of course, have a vested interest in the outcome for our members, and I think that the real problem with Kapitol’s proposal is a lack of dialogue and respect for bands.

They (the bands) have not been engaged and consulted in the process and in the modern world, this is not acceptable. This is apparent in Kapitol’s thinking following their earlier press release in which they refer to Brass Band England’s pointless ballot; disrespectful to say the least and bordering on arrogance."

Future sale

The possible future sale of the National Championships and the Brass Band Players Registry was also a great concern to the BBE Chairman.

"I would ask everyone making these decisions on behalf of bands, and in particular Regional Committees, to think very carefully before handing over the Registry to Kapitol and, of course Kapitol is just two people; Philip Morris and Nikki Bland, who at any time once this has been approved, could sell on the National Championships and The Registry to anyone.

An independent Registry gives the bands at least some level of control."

The volunteers making these decisions on behalf of our bands and agreeing to Kapitol’s proposals are the present custodians of the brass band movement and should be very careful before selling off the family silverRobert Morgan

Selling the family silver

He also felt that agreeing to Kapitol’s proposals was tantamount to ‘selling off the family silver’: "The volunteers making these decisions on behalf of our bands and agreeing to Kapitol’s proposals are the present custodians of the brass band movement and should be very careful before selling off the family silver."

Common ground

He concluded by stating that he had also sought an independent mediator to try and find common ground between both parties.

"Having said all this, yesterday via email I requested a meeting with Philip Morris and Kapitol Promotions Ltd., together with an independent chairman/mediator to see if it was possible to find some common ground to move forward.

Unfortunately Philip Morris has turned down the opportunity of a discussion — no further comment is required!"