There was plenty of fine music making for the audience and adjudicator David Hirst to enjoy at the 55th Dronfield Entertainments Contest held at Dronfield Leisure Centre on Saturday 7th September.

Excellent

The £400 first prize and the imposing TH Hallsworth Trophy went to First Section Shirebrook Welfare under the direction of Mark Wilcockson.

They produced an excellent programme that started with the upbeat ‘Valero’, before moving through ‘Stal Himmel’ and ‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’ played by cornet soloist Glenn Birks.

Mick Cartlidge, Nick Stokes and John Hudson formed a tutu wearing trio for a rendition of ‘Sandpaper Ballet’, before the band ended with ‘Gaelforce’.

Challenge

It proved good enough to repel the strong challenge from Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield), who gave themselves a boost of confidence (and a handy £300) ahead of their forthcoming National Finals appearance at Cheltenham under MD, Ian Knapton.

Third place and £150 went to Matlock, with euphonium player Kris Garfitt taking the ‘Best Soloist’ prize for his rendition of ‘Varied Mood’.

The £400 first prize and the imposing TH Hallsworth Trophy went to First Section Shirebrook Welfare under the direction of Mark Wilcockson4BR

Result:
Adjudicator: David Hirst

1. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Unison) (Mark Wilcokson) — 85pts
2. Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) (Ian Knapton) — 83pts
3. Matlock Band (Andrew Dennis) — 81pts

Best Soloist: Kris Garfitt (euphonium) — Matlock Band