*
banner

Bogus registration attempt in hands of Police

The malicious attempt to try and get Lofthouse 2000 Band disqualified from the Yorkshire Area Championship has been passed to a specialist Police Fraud Team for investigation.

lOFTHOUSE 2000
 

A malicious attempt to try and get a competing band disqualified from the recent Yorkshire Regional Championship is to be investigated by Police.

It follows an attempt to discredit the registration process of Lofthouse 2000 Band in the Fourth Section at Bradford (above) — one which involved the sending of bogus e-mails to the Brass Band Players Registry cancelling long standing player registrations.

Came to light

Thankfully, the matter came to light at the contest where immediate investigations were put in place. The band performed at the contest knowing that the matter would be investigated but still subsequently won the Area title.

Statement:

The Yorkshire Regional Committee has subsequently issued the following statement:

"After a concerted effort by person/persons unknown to discredit and bring about the disqualification of Lofthouse 2000 Band from the 2016 Yorkshire Regional Championships, the Yorkshire Regional Committee has carried out a thorough investigation into the alleged discrepancies with regard to the band's player registrations.

After close consultation with Brass Band Players Registry and thorough consideration of all the facts, the Yorkshire Regional Committee exonerate Lofthouse 2000 Band from any involvement in actions taken (player registration cancellations) and false allegations made by aforementioned person/persons unknown.

The results of the Fourth Section, Yorkshire Championships stand and Lofthouse 2000 Band will represent Yorkshire at the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

The consequences of the action by persons unknown could have repercussions for all brass bands as the accredited registries now seek to add further security checks to their registration systems.

All competing bands in the Yorkshire Region can be assured that, as in previous years, any discrepancies found or allegations made regarding the Yorkshire Championships are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.

This is now a police matter and anyone with information is urged to contact the Action for Fraud Team on 0300 1232040, quoting reference no. NFRC 160301344472.

Peggy Tomlinson
Yorkshire Regional Secretary

This is now a police matter and anyone with information is urged to contact the Action for Fraud Team on 0300 1232040, quoting reference no. NFRC 1603013444724BR

Band statement:

Meanwhile, the band issued its own statement as follows:

"Due to malicious and fraudulent actions, we are saddened to confirm that there was a deliberate attempt to sabotage our performance at the Yorkshire Area Contest, at which we became Fourth Section Area Champion.

This is now a police matter and has been passed on to their specialist Action Fraud Team.

We would like to confirm that we entered the competition with a full complement of eligible players. The players who had their registrations maliciously cancelled have had uninterrupted
registration with the band for many years.

Unfortunately, part of this malicious act has involved the distribution of bogus e-mails to all bands within the Fourth Section and also to the Brass Band Players Registry.

We would urge anyone who has information concerning this matter to please contact the Action for Fraud Team on 0300 1232040, quoting reference no. NFRC 160301344472

We hope for a swift and effective conclusion for everyone involved in this incident.

It is disappointing that this deliberate act could happen within the brass band community, but as a band we will not let this turn of events take away the 'shine' of our success and the motivation to success at the 2016 National Finals at Cheltenham."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd