*
banner

Now that's what we call a memorable contesting day...

The Loxley Silver Band certainly had an Area contest day to remember on the weekend in Huddersfield...

Loxley
  After all their trials and tribulations Loxley still came third in the Fourth Section at Huddersfield

The Loxley Silver Band certainly went through the whole range of contesting emotions at the Yorkshire Regional Championships in Huddersfield in the weekend.

On the day they travelled from their base in north Sheffield to rehearse at a local Parish Church ahead of their appearance in the Fourth Section.

Pale and lethargic

However, it soon became apparent that principal trombone player Will Ormesher (who is usually full of life) had become very unwell indeed, with the 19 year old turning pale green and becoming very lethargic.

Thankfully the band has no less than four highly experienced doctors in their ranks, so he was made comfortable on a church pew, quickly assessed and sent to hospital where within the next hour he had undergone an emergency blood transfusion.

Musical triage

Thankfully, Will has made a rapid recovery, but as MD Lee Dunkley told 4BR, on the day it meant some equally quick- thinking triage musical attention.

"The week before the contest our solo baritone had to pull out as his wife was ill in hospital, so we managed to sign James Booth literally minutes before the deadline. James is a cornet player however, but in a week he had mastered the baritone.

However, an hour before we took to the stage I had managed to write a few extra trombone parts out for him to play as well — which he did brilliantly, by using two stands to cope with the extra manuscript!"

it goes to show that when things do go wrong a great brass band full of brilliant people always pulls togetherMD, Lee Dunkley

Podium finish

Incredibly given the circumstances, the band came third, with Lee adding: "To come in the prizes after all that was a brilliant achievement — and it goes to show that when things do go wrong a great brass band full of brilliant people always pulls together.

The whole band would like to pay enormous gratitude to all our doctors especially Dr Becky Hirst for their expert help and to James for his heroics. Will is also on the mend, so after all that, we won't forget our appearance at this Area contest for a very long time!"

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    


wELSH aREA

Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Tredegar leads the way as Welsh Champion with section wins for Parc & Dare, Deiniolen Silver, City of Wrexham and Holywell in Swansea


Stevenage

Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • East London Brass claims the Championship honours in Stevenage with Kidlington Concert Brass, Jersey Premier, Betteshanger and Cobham taking the section titles.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 16 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

March 16 • Musical Director required. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire. . . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm until 10pm. . . Resident or professional sought depending on experience.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Bass trombone and Bb Bass required.. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire.. . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm to 10pm at the Enderby Village Institute.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd