One of the banding world's most famous judges recently made a contest return as a player at the London & Southern Counties Regional Championships in Stevenage — and after a substantial break of 41 years.

David Read MBE had last played on a major contest stage with Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the 1978 European Championships at the Royal Albert Hall — helping them to come runner-up to Black Dyke.

After that his adjudicating career blossomed to such an extent that he spent his next 600 contest appearances behind the curtain in adjudicator's tents all over the world, finally hanging up his pen in 2014.

His autobiography entitled, 'Beyond the Box' was published in 2004 in which he recalled that final contest performance under his great mentor Stanley Boddington.

Lip in trim

Now aged 85, he has always kept his lip in trim with his usual daily practice regime, but as he told 4BR, it wasn't until he sent his treasured cornet back to Besson for a MOT that the opportunity to renew his playing career arose again.

"I was presented with the Besson International cornet for winning the 1973 Champion Soloist of Great Britain title and Roger Webster kindly offered to take it back to Besson for a much need overhaul.

When it returned it was like new — they had done a remarkable job. I was so keen to try it out properly that I rang the Cottenham Band who are close to where I live and asked if I could join them for a blow.

Not surprisingly I enjoyed it so much, and as they needed a cornet player for the Regional Championships it suited us both, so I played on the solo cornet bench for them."

They are such a wonderful band, although it was odd to feel the nerves again just before Peter Mackley, the conductor, brought the baton downDavid Read MBE

Inspired

Cottenham was certainly inspired by having such an experienced player in their ranks, and someone who won a National title with GUS Band even before they were formed, as they came third to qualify for their first National Finals appearance.

David added: "They are such a wonderful band, although it was odd to feel the nerves again just before Peter Mackley, the conductor, brought the baton down.

It was such an enjoyable experience though and the band played so well. For the band to claim a qualification place for Cheltenham is a great achievement and I'm delighted for everyone who made me so welcome."

David is now looking forward to making a return to the National Finals. "I've got a great deal to thank Roger and Besson for, and I've told the band that I'm available if they need me."