4BR has been informed that the reigning Midlands Regional Champion, Desford Colliery will not defend its title at Bedworth on March 10th.

Step down

Band Manager Peter Smith told 4BR: "We have decided to step down from this year’s Area contest as there is some disquiet with regard to the ‘clean sheet’ approach which has enabled double registrations.

We have received 15 years of seamless and excellent service from Colin Johnson and his line manager Frank Hodges, and now the lack of transparency is of concern."

We have received 15 years of seamless and excellent service from Colin Johnson and his line manager Frank Hodges, and now the lack of transparency is of concernPeter Smith

Time out and observe

He added: "We have accepted an invitation to compete at the English National Championship in Birmingham and with a major concert in March at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley, the British Open, a major tour of Japan in October and CD recordings to complete, the band has decided to take time out and observe matters."