The Ratby Co-operative Band organisation had plenty to celebrate at the recent Leicestershire Brass Band Association (LBBA) Contest in Loughborough, with both their Mid and Senior bands claiming prizes.

In fact all three of their representatives performed well, as the grass roots Junior Band also gave a fine account of themselves at the Charnwood College venue.

Prize winners

The Ratby Co-operative Mid Band under Geoff Newman claimed first prize in the Fourth Section, with solo cornet player Graham Hutchinson gaining the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize for his fine contribution on their chosen test piece, ‘Four Noble Truths’ by Philip Sparke.

Then, later in the day, the Ratby Co-operative Band also chose a Philip Sparke piece, as their performance of ‘A Tale As Yet Untold’ under Michael Fowles saw them take second place in the Championship Section.

All three bands put on fantastic performances, proving to everyone the quality we have in every band at RatbyMichael Fowles

MD delight

Geoff Newman told 4BR: “I’m delighted with how the band played and the result was a fitting reward for all the hard work they put in. This performance will help us push forward into 2015.”

Meanwhile, Michael Fowles, added: “It was a great day for the organisation and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved who made the contest such a success for us.

All three bands put on fantastic performances, proving to everyone the quality we have in every band at Ratby.”