An emotional link to one of the most memorable contesting days in modern banding history was reconnected in Cheltenham on Saturday, with the Marple Band claiming the Second Section National title.

Triumph

Tears certainly flowed as members of the North West qualifier celebrated their triumph on the grandstand steps of the famous racecourse, as a band that was down to just six players when it reformed a decade ago, claimed the third National title in its history.

Yet, even more emotive though was the sight of the only two players who played on their historic 1996 British Open victory, once again lifting major championship silverware.

Worth the wait

"It's been well worth the wait," Duncan Stephenson told 4BR as he clutched the National Challenge Cup with friend and fellow Open winner Matt Murphy.

"There are only two of us left now, but this is will be remembered by us both as being every bit as special as that win."

Directed in splendid fashion by Sarah Groarke-Booth, who only returned to conduct the band she played for in her youth in the last three weeks, Marple's excellent rendition of Oliver Waespi's 'Traversada' from the early number 3 draw saw them post a high class marker that could not be matched by the rest of the 17 band field.

Credit

"The band deserve all the credit," Sarah said as she cuddled up to her daughter who was equally determined not to lose grip on a cup that was last in Marple's band room trophy cabinet in 1988.

"It has been amazing to come back and be able to help them for this event. It has brought back so many happy memories — and so many new ones to cherish too."

In a contest that tested all the competitors with its intricate articulation and pulsating rhythmic patterns linked to a simple lyrical opening theme, adjudicators Ian Porthouse and David Thornton told 4BR that they had certainly been very impressed by Marple's ability to maintain musical flow without losing intricate detail.

It was a performance that also repelled the mature challenge of eventual runner-up Lockwood from the North of England, with a solidly delivered rendition from Fulham Brass from London & Southern Counties in third.

The remaining top six places went to Welsh representatives Parc & Dare, Forest of Dean from the West of England, and North West champion Mossley.

Quality solo cornets

On a day when the judges told the excitable audience at the results ceremony that they were also impressed but the quality of the solo cornet playing on show, the 'Best Instrumentalist' award went to the excellent Craig Wintle of Forest of Dean.

"It's a superb piece — and one that made our job quite easy," Ian Porthouse said from the stage. "Its poses all sorts of difficulties from the very first note, not just technically, but rhythmically and musically too."

Extra degree

He later confirmed to 4BR: "The top four or five really played well, but we had no problem with the top two in particular. They were a little bit apart, with the winners having that extra degree of consistency and control."

David Thornton was in agreement. "Right from the word go we had something to listen out for. This is a great work that keeps everyone busy.

It was a question of fine detail between the best bands, and perhaps more obvious elements with the rest, but we were also impressed by the standard of solo playing, especially the solo cornets. They were all very good indeed."

Finely shaped

In the end it was the finely shaped detail of Marple that just won through from the more robust approach of Lockwood under the baton of John Roberts, whilst a typically well managed interpretation from John Ward gave a delighted Fulham, third place.

Elsewhere there were many in the hall who were impressed by the confident approach of Parc & Dare, Forest of Dean and Mossley, all of who may just rue small imperfections on the well laid accounts by their MDs.

Nervousness

Behind the the top six the standard did fall away somewhat, with inconsistencies and some noticeable nervousness in what became troublesome flugel solos, costing some fancied bands dear.

Lower down the results table the technical demands of a stern, but highly evocative and enjoyable set work, saw a number of bands struggle to make a lasting impression in the box.

New chapter

That certainly wasn't the case for Marple though, with an exciting new chapter in the remarkable history now beckoning, as Chairman John Richardson, who has been associated with the band since 1966, told 4BR.

"We have been a band that has enjoyed great highs and lows, but this is as remarkable an achievement as any that has gone before.

We have rebuilt carefully since our reformation ten years ago — from six players to this. Great credit goes to former MD Les Webb, but a few weeks ago we were not expecting to come anywhere at the contest.

Sarah has been remarkable — and her connection with the band makes this victory so special."

Sextet

John also revealed that there were six players in the band that last tasted Third and Second Second National success with Marple under Garry Cutt in 1986 and 1988.

"You can see what it means them," he said as the sextet of players grouped around for a special photographic memory of their own."

In fact you could see exactly what it meant to them all.

It has been amazing to come back and be able to help them for this event. It has brought back so many happy memories — and so many new ones to cherish tooSarah Groarke-Booth

Result:

Saturday 20th September
Test Piece: Traversada (Oliver Waespi)

Adjudicators: Ian Porthouse and David Thornton

1. Marple (Sarah Groake-Booth)
2. Lockwood Brass (John Roberts)
3. Fulham (John Ward)
4. Parc and Dare (Andrew Jones)
5. Forest of Dean (Chris Howley)
6. Mossley (Duncan Byers)
7. Blaenavon Town (James Jones)
8. Wantage Silver 'B' (Danny Dullforce)
9. Ripon City (Malcolm Dibb)
10. Knottingley Silver (Dr Owen Wedgwood)
11. Soham Comrades (Jayne Murrill)
12. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
13. Daventry (Bob Stradling)
14. Tullis Russell Mills (Paul Drury)
15. St David's Brass (John Dickson)
16. St Keverne (Gareth Churcher)
17. Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) (Ian Knapton)

Best Instrumentalist: Craig Wintle (Cornet) Forest of Dean