The 56th annual contest organised by the North East Derbyshire District Council was held at the Dronfield Leisure Centre recently, where a trio of bands were invited to perform an own choice entertainment programme of 25 minutes for adjudicator, Derek Renshaw and a very supportive audience.

Enjoyable

After an enjoyable evening it was Shirebrook Colliery Welfare who took the £400 first prize and the T. H. Hallsworth trophy, led by Mark Wilcockson.

Second prize of £300 and the N.E.D.D.C. trophy, went to the Matlock Band directed by Geoff Hawley, with the £150 third prize and and the George Fern Trophy, going to Cheltenham bound National Finalists Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) Band conducted by Ian Knapton.

The Bernard Smith trophy and N.E.D.D.C. plate for the best soloist was awarded to Jane Baldwin, solo horn with Matlock for her delightful performance of Gordon Langford’s ‘Lark in the Clear Air’.

After an enjoyable evening it was Shirebrook Colliery Welfare who took the £400 first prize and the T. H. Hallsworth trophy, led by Mark Wilcockson4BR

Result:
Adjudicator: Derek Renshaw

1. Shirebrook Colliery Welfare (Mark Wilcockson) — 95pts
2. Matlock Band (Geoff Hawley) — 92pts
3. Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) (Ian Knapton) — 90pts

Best Soloist: Jane Baldwin (Matlock)