New Zealand champion Wellington Brass has been enjoying their stay in the UK as they prepare for their appearance at the British Open at Symphony Hall on the weekend.

Having shaken off their jet-lag they have taken time to mix sight-seeing with intensive rehearsals ahead of their performance of 'The Triumph of Time', with a special visit to Whit Friday country, and in particular, Dobcross in Saddleworth.

Glorious sunshine

On Wednesday they were warmly welcomed to the picturesque village, and in glorious sunshine Dobcross Silver Band allowed them the rare honour of marching through the village to replicate the famous Whit Friday experience, culminating in playing the appropriately named Willcock's march 'The Champions' on the village green.

And with a lovely touch of Saddleworth humour, two adjudicators, including the world whistling champion David Morris, acted as judges. Not surprisingly, they missed out on 'Best Local' band for the night, although they were fulsome in their praise for their terrific performance!

Superb concert

Then it was back to the iconic band club where the band delivered a superb concert of light music showcasing many of their outstanding soloists, as well as dedicating Dean Goffin's 'Light of the World', to Bob Platt, the former Dobcross and Brighouse & Rastrick cornet player who recently passed away.

Welcome

The packed audience were thrilled by the New Zealanders performance, with the welcome something that MD David Bremner will remember for a very long time.

"I came to the UK in 2003 with the National Youth Band of New Zealand and wanted to bring the band to Saddleworth,"he said. "The help we have received in planning this trip has been truly superb and we are having a fabulous time.

The concert was an absolute privilege, but to receive the hospitality and welcome we have enjoyed has been very special indeed. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dobcross Silver Band and the band club for their magnificent hospitality."

The concert was an absolute privilege, but to receive the hospitality and welcome we have enjoyed has been very special indeedWellington MD, David Bremner

What it means

Wellington then travelled back to down the M6 to start putting the finishing touches to their preparations, but not before David told us what it will mean to them to compete at the 164th British Open.

"We cannot wait. To have been given the honour by Karyn and Martin Mortimer to compete against the best bands in the world is something that is difficult to put into words.

We are both excited and proud, and I suspect some of the players won't get too much sleep on Friday night! We will go on stage, love every second and give it our best. It's going to be one of those experiences that will be cherished forever."

Homeward bound

Having competed on Saturday, the band will stay in Birmingham and attend the Gala Concert on Sunday before the players go their separate ways on Monday with some flying home and others extending their stay for a short holiday.

Blog

As part of their tour, Wellington Brass has an online blog on their website. To read it go to:

http://www.wellingtonbrass.net.nz/

You can see Wellington's march through Dobcross at:

https://www.facebook.com/saddleworthnewventure/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED