Despite the indifferent weather there was no dampening of the musical spirits in Cornwall as the famous West of England Bandsman's Contest took place at Molinnis Park in Bugle.

The 94th event saw bands from the South West area of the UK as well as the Netherlands take part, with the traditional march through the town heralding the start of the competitive action.

St Dennis triumph

The Championship Section title and the famous Royal Trophy were won for the 31st time by St Dennis Band.

Under the direction of MD Darren Hawken they regained the honours, last won in 2016, with a performance of Robert Redhead's 'Isaiah 40' that had "lots to admire"according to the written comments from adjudicator Mark Wilkinson.

It enabled the Cornish band to repel the strong challenge of rivals Verwood Concert Brass by a single point margin, with the welcome Dutch visitors Spijkerpakkenband in third.

It also gave a 'Double' success for a band that are enjoying a fine season under their young MD, as they also took the 'Best March' prize for a vibrant rendition of Paul Drury's 'Jubilee'.

Going well

2018 has already seen them post a fine fourth place finish at the Area contest in Torquay as well as gain promotion to the Grand Shield at the Spring Festival in Blackpool.

"Without tempting fate, things are going well for us,"their delighted conductor told 4BR. "'Isaiah 40' was another demanding test and the players worked so hard on it. It's another good result and I think we have the balance and blend of the band maturing nicely. I think we are making progress in the right direction."

Meanwhile, Ban Secretary Robert Hammett added: "The Bugle contest is an important event for the band — one which we have supported throughout its history.

To claim a 31st victory is something special and builds on the success we have achieved so far this year. We have a busy summer ahead as an organisation before we knuckle down to prepare for 2019 and keep on developing our talented young players."

Good single preparation

Although there was some disappointment that there was just one entrant in both the First and Second Sections, Mark Wilkinson said that he was pleased to hear that Bodmin and Camborne Junior Contesting had prepared their pieces well.

That was also the case in the keenly fought Third Section where local favourites Bugle Silver maintained their recent fine resurgence under MD Steve Osborne by successfully defending their title against two hard working rivals in Redruth Town and Indian Queens.

Superb youth

The excellent Okehampton Excelsior Silver led by Robert Julian won the Fourth Section for the first time since 2015, whilst the quality of youth banding in the region was shown by St Austell Youth and Soundhouse Brass taking the titles in two super contests, where there was a special mention to the fantastic youngsters of Bodmin Training.

The annual AR Trudgian Youth Awards, which recognise that emerging talent, were presented to Grace Denford and Matthew Opie, both of Bodmin.

It's another good result and I think we have the balance and blend of the band maturing nicely. I think we are making progress in the right directionSt Dennis MD, Darren Hawken

Results:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: Isaiah 40 (Robert Redhead)

1. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) — 195
2. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith) — 194
3. Spijkerpakkenband (Erik Janssen) — 191
4. SW Comms (Chris Spreadbury) — 190
5. St Austell (Howard Evans) — 188

March:
Jubilee (Paul Drury)
1. St Dennis — 194
2. Verwood Concert Brass — 193
3. Spijkerpakkenband — 191
4. SW Comms — 190
5. St Austell — 188

Best Player: Andrew Stark (Cornet) SW Comms

First Section:

Test Piece: Symphony of Marches (Gilbert Vinter)

1. Bodmin Town (John Maines) — 194

Hymn:
Guardian of My Soul
1. Bodmin Town — 192

Best Player: Andrew Rowe (euphonium)

Second Section:

Test Piece: Fire in the Blood (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)

1. Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope) — 193

Hymn:
Salutation
1. Camborne Junior Contesting — 189

Best Player: Aaron Thomas (cornet)

Third Section:

Test piece: The Haslemere Suite (Peter Graham)

1. Bugle Silver (Steve Osborne) — 191
2. Redruth Town (James Burns) — 190
3. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold) — 189

Best Player: Nigel Hoskin (soprano) — Indian Queens

Fourth Section:

Test piece: A Circus Suite (Stuart Johnson)

1. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Robert Julian) — 188
2. Lostwithiel Town (Norman Pendrey) — 186

Best Player Lauren Oliver (horn) — Okehampton Excelsior Silver

Youth Section:

Own choice test piece

1. St Austell Youth (Anna Minear) — 190
2. St Dennis Youth (Rachel Sargent) — 187

Best Player: Jenna Congdon (euphonium) — St Austell
Best Cornet Player: Grace Thomas (St Austell)
Winning Conductor: Anna Minear (St Austell)

Training Section:

Own Choice (no longer than 10 minutes)

1. Soundhouse Brass Juniors (Neil Mitchell) — 184
2. St Minver (Barbara Gaeorge) — 181
3. Lostwithiel Training (Susan Berryman) — 179
4. Bodmin Training (Emma Jackson) — 178

Best Player: Ruby Wills (percussion) — St Minver
Best Cornet Player: Charlotte Blaikie (Soundhouse Brass Juniors)

Deportment:
1. Okehampton Excelsior Silver
2. Bugle Silver

Special Awards:
Best Soprano: Dirk Vincken (Spijkerpakkenband)
Best Solo Cornet: Andy Stark (SW Comms)
Best Euphonium: Les Pearse (SW Comms)
Best Horn: Francesca Bazeley (St Dennis)
Best Set of Basses: St Dennis

AR Trudgian Youth Awards:
Grace Denford (Bodmin)
Matthew Opie (Bodmin)