A warm, dry day provided the ideal contesting conditions for both bands and spectators at the 92nd West of England Bandsmen's Festival in Bugle.
Perfect day for St Dennis
It was also a perfect day for St Dennis Band, who according to adjudicator Michael Fowles, gave "...an incredibly musical performance"of Gilbert Vinter's classic 'Variations on a Ninth' to claim the wonderful Championship Royal Trophy for the 30th time.
The West of England First Section champion continued their fine 2016 form under MD Darren Hawken ahead of the National final in Cheltenham, as they beat off the strong challenge of Roche Brass and London & Southern Counties visitors Wantage Silver.
It was a contest that Michael Fowles felt had been played out in a tremendous atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie as he added that, "...every performance had given him something"in the seven band field.
March honours
St Dennis also claimed the 'march' honours with a fine rendition of Charles Anderson's 'ORB', whilst baritone player Terry Sleeman took the 'Best Player' award, Kimberly Bazeley was 'Best Euphonium' and Sarah Whitehead 'Best Horn'.
The popularity of the unique Bugle event once again saw entrants and visitors from all parts of the UK, with competitors making the trip from Devon, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and London.
There was also a fine turn-out of youngsters, with the stars of tomorrow in the Training and Youth bands making a significant impact with their unbridled enthusiasm.
Hyde Essay
Hyde Band conducted by Jonathan Lush-Camps took the First Section honours in what was a keen 'Essay' battle with Fulham Brass, whilst Bodmin claimed the Second Section title under John Maines ahead of St Stythians and Avonbank (Evesham).
Tribute
Tadley Concert Brass picked up the Third Section winner's trophy under Paul Chapman, whilst there was a lovely tribute paid by Fourth Section winners Indian Queens, conducted by Mark Arnold, as they made the traditional march down to the contest arena carrying a large photograph of one Cornwall's great brass band characters and long time player, Denzil Boundy.
He recently passed just away days before the contest and they dedicated their victory to him.
St Austell Youth pipped St Dennis Youth in a wonderful Youth contest with a super 10 minute set from Soundhouse taking the Training Section honours ahead of Saltash and Lostwithiel.
Special Award
During the Presentation Ceremony, Festival Chairman Leonard Adams presented the rarely given West of England Bandsmen's Festival 'Special Award' to Clifford Bolitho, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the Cornish brass band movement.
Over the years Clifford had taught literally hundreds of young musicians, with Leonard recalling that he had taken his own first musical steps with him.
Full day
Once again, the Festival provided a wonderful day of music making for visitors as well as brass band supporters — from the morning march through the village to the Festival Bandstand, until the final notes of 'Deep Harmony', played by Royal Trophy winners St Dennis Band at 8.00pm in the village square.
As part of their short concert, the new champion included the march, 'Park Head' by John Brush, a former MD of the band, who recently passed away.
It was also a perfect day for St Dennis Band, who according to adjudicator Michael Fowles, gave "...an incredibly musical performance"of Gilbert Vinter's classic 'Variations on a Ninth'4BR
Results:
Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Michael Fowles
Test-Piece: Variations on a Ninth (Gilbert Vinter)
1. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) — 192
2. Roche Brass (Garry Cutt) — 191
3. Wantage Silver (Craig Paterson) — 190
March:
ORB (Charles Anderson)
1. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) — 48
2. Roche Brass (Garry Cutt) — 47
3. Wantage Silver (Craig Paterson) — 46
Best Player Award: Terry Sleeman (baritone) — St Dennis
First Section:
Test-Piece: Essay (Edward Gregson)
1. Hyde (Jonathan Lush-Camps) — 188
2. Fulham Brass (John Ward) — 187
Hymn:
Thine Be The Glory (G F Handel arr. Philip Wilby)
1. Hyde (Jonathan Lush-Camps) — 46
2. Fulham Brass (John Ward) — 45
Best Player Award: Claire Pitt (cornet) — Fulham Brass
Second Section:
Test-Piece: Dimensions (Peter Graham)
1. Bodmin Town (John Maines) — 186
2. St Stythians (James Burns) — 184
3. Avonbank (Evesham) (Ceri Thomas) — 183
Hymn:
Amazing Grace (arr. William Himes)
1. Bodmin Town (John Maines) — 45
2. Avonbank (Evesham) (Ceri Thomas) — 43
3. St Stythians (James Burns) — 42
Best Player Award: Grace Denford (cornet) — Bodmin Town
Third Section:
Test-Piece: Dancing in the Park (Peter Graham)
1. Tadley Concert Brass (Paul Chapman) — 180
Best Player Award: Ann Bartlett (cornet) — Tadley Concert Brass
Fourth Section:
Test-Piece: Mexican Fiesta (Ronald Hanmer)
1. Indian Queens, Mark Arnold 178.
2. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Richard Beardon) — 177
3. Totnes (Elliot Kerwin) — 176
Best Player Award: Emily Henderson (flugel) — Indian Queens
Youth Section:
Own Choice
1. St Austell Youth (Anna Minear) — 174
2. St Dennis Youth (Rachael Sargent) — 173
Awards:
Best Section: Horns (St Austell)
Best Cornet: Holly Sargent (St Dennis)
E J Williams Memorial Trophy to the Winning Conductor: Anna Minear
Training Section:
1. Soundhouse (Gary Thompson) — 172
2. Saltash (Chris Spreadbury) — 171
3. Lostwithiel (Denzil Stephens) — 170
Best Player Award.
Best Player: Matthew Pascoe (Drum Kit) — Saltash
Best Cornet: Charlotte Blaikie (Soundhouse)
Special Awards:
Best Soprano: Rob Rogers (Roche Brass)
Best Solo Cornet: Kayleigh Mitchell (Roche Brass)
Best Euphonium: Kimberly Bazeley (St Dennis)
Best Solo Horn: Sarah Whitehead (St Dennis)
Best Set of Basses: Roche Brass
A R Trudgian Youth Awards:
Megan Thomas (St Austell)
Gavin Rowe (St Austell)
Deportment Class:
Judge: Gareth Roberts MBE
1. Okehampton Excelsior Silver
2. Shrewton Silver
