Music from all corners of the globe inspired Enderby Band to claim a 'Triple Crown' of titles at the Shirebrook Open Entertainment Contest.

The competition attracted seven highly motivated bands that delivered excellent entertainment for the enthusiastic audience at the Shirebrook Leisure Centre venue, with the organisers, Shirebrook Town Council, telling 4BR that they were delighted by the resounding success of the increasingly popular event.

Triple champion

In the end there was to be no denying the defending champion as they showcased an excellent 30 minute set that was packed with high quality arrangements, narration and choreography under MD Simon Gresswell to claim the £750 first prize for a third successive year.

Enderby's 'World Tour' saw them open with a new version of Bellowhead's 'London Town', followed by 'Fibich Poem' arranged by Howard Snell, featuring their talented principal cornet Josie Allen.

All points of the musical compass were explored with 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra', 'Hercab' and 'Karma Naand' to follow, whilst the playful 'Girl from Ipanema' led into the finale of Dan Price's 'American Trilogy'.

Judge impressed

Adjudicator David Hirst was certainly impressed by what he had heard, praising all the bands for their 'innovation, entertainment and musical contrasts', with the winner's marked out for what he called their 'highly enjoyable music making'.

"That was good to hear,"Enderby MD Simon Gresswell told 4BR. "I wanted to make a real mark with our entertainment programmes this year, especially with contests such as Wychavon and Bolsover on the horizon.

Using excellent arrangements by Howard Snell, Martin Winter and Sandy Smith also helps, and the band really worked hard on the whole concept of what I wanted to achieve."

He added: "This a great event and so well supported by the organisers and audience. Winning for a third year has given the band a real boost for the rest of the season."

The runner-up prize of £400 was claimed by First Section Blidworth Welfare by Martin Heartfield, with his talented 13 year old trombonist son Joe taking the 'Best Soloist' award for his super rendition of 'The Wind Beneath My Wings'.

Local favourites Shirebrook Miners Welfare pocketed the third prize of £200, as their new musical partnership with MD Colum O'Shea got off to a highly encouraging start, whilst the new 'Martin Squires Trophy' dedicated by the Cartlidge family in honour of the respected local euphonium player, and presented by Ruth Cartlidge of Shirebrook Miners Welfare Band, went to Enderby's Bob Stradling.

The award remembered Martin, who was a popular player from a banding family, and who recently passed away after a long-term illness. Martin and his family supported local brass band events over many years and Ruth was a close friend who gave a very moving tribute about him before the trophy was presented.

Section awards

The prize for 'Best Second Section Band' and £200 went to Hucknall & Linby Mining Community Brass, with the 'Best Third Section Band' claimed by Rolls Royce (Derby) Band and 'Best Fourth/Unregistered Band' going to Carlton Brass Training Band.

An event spokesperson told 4BR: "The event was extremely well supported with audience numbers up 100% on the previous year.

We have been delighted by the response once more and with the excellent support from the venue and the bands themselves. It's been a resounding success."

This a great event and so well supported by the organisers and audience. Winning for a third year has given the band a real boost for the rest of the seasonMD, Simon Gresswell

Result:

Adjudicator: David Hirst

1. Enderby Band (Simon Gresswell) — 95
2. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield) — 94
3. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Collum O'Shea) — 93
4. Hucknall & Linby Mining Community (Paul Whyley) — 92
5. Rolls Royce (Derby) (Graham Cardwell) — 91
6. Matlock Band (Geoff Hawley) — 90
7. Carlton Brass Training (Geoff Hawley) — 89