There was a fine cross border victory for AW Parker (Drybrook) at the Welsh Miners Welfare Entertainment Contest in Porthcawl on Saturday, as the Forest of Dean band captured the magnificent South Wales Miners’ Challenge Trophy after delivering a programme set that, ‘had authority and consistency from the first note to the last’ according to adjudicator Paul Holland.

Financial boost

Under the direction of MD Joshua Ruck, it meant that they returned home with a duel financial bonus in a prize package worth £800, after also claiming the separate prize as ‘Most Entertaining Band’.

To round off a fine day by the sea, Josh’s father, Steve showed that he had not lost any of his solo qualities as he picked up the Secretary’s Rosebowl as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ for his lovely flugel horn rendition of ‘Swedish Hymn’.

Close battle

It proved to be a close run battle with Cheltenham National finalists Ebbw Valley directed by Gareth Ritter, who finished just a point behind in second place, whilst there was further boost to the contesting fortunes of Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda, as they came third under Alan Gibbs.

Impressive winners

Adjudicator Paul Holland told 4BR that it was ‘nip and tuck’ between the top two bands for the title, but he felt that overall Dybrook just had extra ‘polish and authority’ with their well balanced programme.

"They were very impressive, well led and produced a fine sound. They had authority and consistency from the first note to the last and just had that extra level of polish in their delivery," he said.

"Overall there was plenty of good playing to enjoy from all the bands — especially the youngsters with Upper Rhondda who I’m sure will be challenging for the top prizes here in a few years time. My only concern was with the overblowing from some bands though."

He added: "Big sounds are great if they are balanced and warm, but going for volume alone isn’t always the wisest option. Some of the best playing came from band’s whose MDs just took a sensible notch off the top dynamics."

Balanced programme

The West of England Second Section band took the honours by opening with ‘Valero’, followed by the TJ Powell march ‘The Bombardier’. With Steve Ruck impressing with his solo contribution there was a neat percussion feature with ‘The Two Imps’ of xylophonist Rebekkah Mustoe and David Crowe, before the ‘Toccata’ from ‘The Once and Future King’ led into the finale of Ray Farr’s arrangement of ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

"It’s a great boost to the band," Chairman David Harding told 4BR. "We have a strong mining tradition and connection, so it’s great to be able to come and play against the strong Welsh bands in a contest such as this.

Our supportive sponsor is a local coal merchant, so I think he will want to get his hands on the trophy!"

Sets up nicely

David added: "The win sets us up nicely for the rest of the season, and with a young band made up of our own locally produced players — with our youngest aged 9 and 10. With three teenage tuba players amongst many others, we believe we have a very bright future ahead of ourselves with our cracking young conductor to lead us.

Our next contest is Wychavon in a few weeks time, so we are already raring to go."

Fine playing

There was plenty of fine playing and inventive presentation for the audience at the Porthcawl Pavilion to enjoy, with Nanette Jones of Ebbw Valley showing her lyrical qualities with ‘Send in the Clowns’ to take the ‘Best Cornet’ award and Daffyd Lewis of Gwaun Cae Gurwen taking the ‘Best Euphonium’ prize for his outstanding all round contribution to their performance.

Welcome fist time visitors Oxford Cherwell took the £200 prize as the highest placed Third Section band with Pillowell Silver taking the Fourth Section trophy.

The youngest player of the day was Oliver Rhys Davies of Ynyshir, aged 9.

They were very impressive, well led and produced a fine sound. They had authority and consistency from the first note to the last and just had that extra level of polish in their deliveryAdjudicator, Paul Holland

Full results:
Adjudicator: Paul Holland
Separate Best Entertainment Award

1. A W Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck) — 187
2. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) — 186
3. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs) — 184
4. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith 2) (Robin Hackett) — 182
5. RAF St Athan Voluntary (Alan Bourne) — 181
6. Oxford Cherwell (Terry Brotherhood) — 180
7. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (Jef Hutcherson) — 179
8. Cinderford (Gary Davies) — 178
9. Pillowell Silver (Ian Whitburn) — 177
10. Abertillery & District (Dean Evans) — 176
11. Ynyshir (Gary Davies) — 175
12. Upper Rhondda (David Langley) — 174

Most Entertaining Band: A W Parker (Drybrook)
Highest Third Section Band not in the prizes: Oxford Cherwell
Highest Fourth Section Band not in the prizes: Pillowell Silver
Best Instrumentalist: Steve Ruck (flugel) A W Parker (Drybrook)
Best Cornet: Nanette Jones (Ebbw Valley)
Best Euphonium: Dafydd Lewis (Gwaun Cae Gurwen)
Youngest Player: Oliver Rhys Davies (Ynishir) — aged 9