The Reg Vardy Band may not have been able to secure the North of England Regional title for the 37th time in Durham recently, but their runner-up finish under Russell Gray means that they will head to the Albert Hall for a remarkable 50th National Finals appearance.

Formed in 1910 as the Craghead Colliery Band they qualified to compete at the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in 1963.

Almost permanent

They have since become almost a permanent entry in the contest day programme, and although they have yet to raise the famous trophy in triumph they have a record to be proud off, including a famous third place finish in 2004 when many had tipped them for the title.

Following the 50th qualification it was also revealed that their highly respected Chairman Bob Temple had announced his retirement.

Bob first joined the then Ever Ready Band in 1996 to play alongside his lifelong friend Alan Catherall and to fulfil an ambition to play at the Royal Albert Hall.

Making the decision to end his banding career was not an easy one, but brought about by a diagnosis of focal dystonia.

Bob will be greatly missed by everyone associated with the band. His pre-contest pep talks were legendary!Band spokesperson

Greatly missed

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Bob will be greatly missed by everyone associated with the band. His pre-contest pep talks were legendary!

He leaves with so many fond highlights to look back on — including performances alongside Tudhoe Grange School Band each year as he taught at Tudhoe Grange School for 34 years.

However, the most special was a 'Golden Brass Concert' staged in 2014 to mark the 50 year friendship and playing career alongside Alan. The concert programme consisted of Alan's best known arrangements and raised £2000 for neurosurgical advances at James Cook Hospital."

The band has confirmed that their new Chairman is Ian Haigh who will spearhead the approach to seek new sponsors.