*
banner

Report & Results: 2015 Dr Martin Wainstone Cup

Reg Vardy keeps hold of the Doctor Martin title and bags a hefty boost to their bank balance ahead of their Albert Hall National Final assault.

Reg Vardy
 

The Reg Vardy Band received a huge contesting boost of confidence ahead of its National Final appearance in London in a few weeks time, by successfully defending its Doctor Martin Wainstone Cup title.

Fourth time

Under the direction of John Roberts they secured the substantial £4,000 first prize for the fourth time since 2010, beating local rivals East Yorkshire Motor Services by a single point over the three disciplines of own-choice march, solo item and own-choice test piece selection. North- west challengers, Rainford was third ahead of Staffordshire in fourth.

Reg Vardy performed their own-choice march, 'Knight Templar' followed by principal cornet Phil Tait giving a fine rendition of 'Concert Piece for Cornet' by James Curnow.

They rounded off their programme with an outstanding performance of Peter Graham's 'On the Shoulders of Giants', which overturned a two point deficit on their rivals to secure the honours by the narrowest of margins.

Pushed close

There was plenty of fine music to enjoy throughout the day from the 11 competitors at the new home of the Princess Alexandra auditorium at Yarm School, with EYMS under Alan Morrison pushing Reg Vardy all the way to the finishing line.

However, despite topping the marks from adjudicator John Doyle with their march, 'Senator' and with principal cornet Neil Day producing a stunning performance of 'Deborah's Theme' by Ennio Morricone to take the 'Best Soloist Award', they had to be content with second place and a prize package worth £2,500.

Just a hint of tiredness and a few too many small blemishes in their rousing account of 'Arabian Nights' cost them a chance of taking the title for the first time.

Brilliant win

"It's a brilliant win,"Reg Vardy's MD John Roberts later told 4BR: "EYMS produced an excellent performance and I was a little bit nervous when the first two awards were announced, but the quality of our playing on such a difficult test piece was top class and deservedly ensured we retained the title."

Shared opinion

That was an opinion also shared by adjudicator John Doyle when speaking to 4BR. "The top two bands really did stand out with their overall quality,"he said.

"There was little to choose between them on the march and solo items, but Reg Vardy produced a very fine account of their test piece which was a little way clear of a very good EYMS behind them."

Solo praise

John was also full of praise for all the soloists on the day — but especially the prize winning playing of Neil Day of EYMS.

"That was such class playing,"he said. "There were some wonderful efforts from all the featured performers, but he captured the emotion without a hint of struggle even at the top end of the range."

Not suited

John did add however that some of the choices made by bands didn't really suit their obvious strengths.

"I've played all the test pieces chosen and know all their pitfalls well,"he said. "There were some clever choices, but others just found that in such a concentrated playing set-up stamina and concentration faded as they struggled to maintain their earlier good form."

Vardy power

Stamina and concentration were certainly two important aspects for the winners Reg Vardy as they powered through the demanding sections of the former British Open set work to claim victory.

"That's come with having a settled team — one that has got stronger in key positions and throughout the ensemble over the last year or so,"John Roberts added.

"I think the band is now in with a very good chance under Russell Gray to push for the top six at London. This win has certainly given us the confident achieve that and more."

EYMS confidence

EYMS will also take great confidence as they look towards the Albert Hall after their fine performances, which also included a cracking rendition of 'Arabian Nights', whilst an ecstatic Rainford showed their emerging top flight qualities with a fine account of 'Vita Aeternum Variations' as their own choice selection as they returned home £1,000 better off.

Fourth placed Staffordshire will also be happy with their well solid showing (and £500 return) on 'Giants', as well as showcasing a classy flugel soloist Izzy Rutherford on 'Eyes of a Child'.

The final top six places went to Fishburn under Joseph Cook and Thoresby conducted by Leigh Baker.

Varied

On day of varied and at times variable playing though there were highlights from each of the bands — as John Doyle pointed out.

"Everyone brought something to the table. Overall consistency was the key though — the best bands had it throughout their trio of performances whilst others could only do its one or perhaps twice."

Report and image by Steve Jack

I think the band is now in with a very good chance under Russell Gray to push for the top six at London. This win has certainly given us the confident achieve that and moreMD, John Roberts

Results:
Adjudicator: John Doyle

March/Solo/Set Work = Total

1. Reg Vardy (John Roberts): 47/47/98 = 192
2. EYMS (Alan Morrison): 48/48/95 = 191
3. Rainford (Gareth Brindle): 45/45/93 = 183
4. Staffordshire (Dave Purkiss): 46/44/92 = 182
5. Fishburn (Joseph Cook): 44/46/91 = 181
6. Thoresby Colliery (Leigh Baker): 43/43/90 = 176
7. Wingates (Paul Andrews): 42/42/88 = 172
8. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Stig Maersk): 41/40/87 = 168
9. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham): 40/41/85 = 166
10. Marsden Silver (Andrew Warriner): 39/39/84 = 162
11. York Railway Institute (Chris Hirst): 38/38/83 = 159

Best March: Senator (EYMS
Best Soloist: Neil Day (EYMS)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


1st Old Boys

Report & Result: 2025 BrassFest Enniskillen

September 17 • 1st Old Boys lead the way in Enniskillen as new event proves to be a huge hit with local listeners.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd