*
banner

Report & Result: 2018 Midlands Regional Championships: First Section

Staffordshire, Foresters Brass and Enderby are finals bound after success in Bedworth

Bedworth
  Leigh Baker leads a Staffordshire charge to Cheltenham

A curiously severe test of Championship Section aspirations unfolded before adjudicators Major Paul Norley and Richard Marshall on the Saturday at the Civic Hall in Bedworth, although in the end it was a trio of solidly led bands that claimed the qualification places on offer for Cheltenham.

Confident

Come the results it was Staffordshire conducted by Leigh Baker who took the honours for a third time since the section was inaugurated in 1992, as the former Brighouse & Rastrick MD moulded together a coherent, confident performance to secure victory off the early number 3 draw to return to Cheltenham for the first time since 2014.

Joining them there will be Foresters Brass 2000, as the defending champion comfortably secured their return under John Davis (aided by some very fine solo contributions), whilst the emerging Enderby led by Simon Gresswell booked their first National Final appearance since 2014.

None unscathed

No band emerged unscathed from tackling 'Brass Metamorphosis' — a clearly structured work by James Curnow that placed challenging but not overtly taxing demands on both soloists and ensemble. However, it still caused a fair amount of havoc — not helped by a propensity for dynamic and tempi excesses by far too many of the 18 contenders.

The sympathetic remarks of the judges did not hide the reality though; and as has been the case at every regional contest this year the work shone a rather uncomfortable light on First Section standards.

Consistency

Consistency, or the lack of it, was the key in deciding the qualification fates, with an engaging early marker provided by Rushden Town in eventually finishing fourth, ahead of enjoyable accounts from Oddfellows Brass and Bedworth Brass in fifth and sixth respectively.

For Staffordshire (who were relegated from the Championship Section in 2017), victory came after a fraught couple of weeks of contest preparation due to player illness, unavailability and the severe weather conditions.

However, as their hard working Chairman Shaun Elliott later revealed: "Despite all the negative aspects of the preparation causing the cancellation of much needed rehearsals, the players once again showed what an incredible group of people that they all are, by putting all that aside and concentrating on the mission in hand.

My heartfelt thanks go to all the very talented conductors who lead the rehearsals — Alan Gifford, Jonathan Pippen and, of course, Leigh Baker and to all our friends old and new for helping us out. Our challenge is now to go to Cheltenham with the same focus and determination, and win the National title once more!"

A repeat of that 2002 triumph may well be on the cards (even off an early draw) if the band can build on this latest regional triumph, whilst both Foresters Brass 2000 and Enderby will also travel confident of being able to produce performances of potential title success.

For Staffordshire (who were relegated from the Championship Section in 2017), victory came after a fraught couple of weeks of contest preparation due to player illness, unavailability and the severe weather conditions4BR

Result:


First Section:


Test Piece: Brass Metamorphosis (James Curnow)
Adjudicators: Richard Marshall & Major Paul Norley

1. Staffordshire (Leigh Baker)*
2. Foresters Brass (John Davis)*
3. Enderby (Simon Gresswell)*
4. Rushden Town (Adele Hudson)
5. Oddfellows Brass (Rob Boulter)
6. Bedworth Brass (David Maplestone)
7. Burbage Buxton (Steve Critchlow)
8. Kibworth (John Hudson)
9. Bilton Silver (Rugby) (David Stowell)
10. Carlton Brass (Gary Wyatt)
11. Shirebrook MW Unison (Colum O'Shea)
12. Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis)
13. Leicestershire Co-op (Graham Jacklin)
14. Gresley Colliery (David Purkiss)
15. Glossop Old (Duncan Beckley)
16. Harborough (Brad Turnbull)
17. Wigston (Chris Small)
18. Shirley (David Hirst)

*Qualify for National Final

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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it gain ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd