*
banner

Report & Results: 2019 DCBBA Picnic in the Park

GT Group Peterlee heads the picnic hamper prizes in Durham as section awards are claimed by Spennymoor Town and Houghton Area Youth Bands

Petrlee
  GT Group Peterlee members celebrate their victory

The popular Durham County Brass Band Association 'Picnic in the Park' Entertainment Contest sponsored by the Geneva Group took place in the grounds of Houghall College in Durham on the weekend.

Thirteen bands across three sections competed for a their share of a generous prize fund of over £1,100, with GT Group Peterlee taking the Section A honours, Spennymoor Town winning Section B, and Houghton Area Youth claiming the Youth Section title.

Classic winners

Led by the experienced Graeme Tindall, GT Group Peterlee opened with the classic George Allan march, 'Knight Templar', followed by the suave sounds of Neil Hefti's 'Cute'. 'Prelude on Lavenham' led into the fine solo contribution of Richie Wallace on 'Caviliere del Euphino' arranged by Simon Kerwin, before the 'Finale' from 'Turris Fortissima' rounded off their set.

Defending champion Easington Colliery had to be content with second place this year with Westoe taking third place for the second year running. Ian Robinson of Cockerton Silver, who took the 'Best Second Section Band' prize, took the 'Best Soloist' award for his stunning rendition of 'The Nightingale'.

Successful defence

There was a fine victory for defending champion Spennymoor Town Section B, as Fiona Casewell led them to victory over rivals Bearpark & Esh Colliery with a set that opened with 'Punchinellie' by Jonathan Bates before contrast was shown with 'The Irish Blessing'. The flugel led 'Under the Boardwalk' led into the 'Longest Time' by Billy Joel before they closed with the vibrant 'Stage Centre' by Goff Richards.

There was some wonderful playing for adjudicator Sam Fisher to enjoy throughout the day — but none more so than the Youth Section which saw two excellent performances from the eventual winners Houghton Area Youth led by Brian Adams
and Hetton Lyons Training Band conducted by Glenis Smith.

Youth excel

Houghton opened with the famous 'Te Deum Prelude' by Charpentier, before 'Hymn to the fallen' and the march 'Star Lake' paved the way for a wonderful rendition of 'Share my Yoke' by 'Best Soloist' winnert Sophie Reed and 'Lord of the Dance' rounded things off in style.

Speaking about what he heard, Sam Fisher later said: "The day was packed with excellent performances from start to finish.

I particularly enjoyed seeing the youth bands round the day off in style, with some excellent choreography that gave us all food for thought when it comes to stage presence and performance choreography! My thanks go to the organisers and the bands who took part in a lovely day."

Very pleased

In response, Association Vice-President Hugh Stephenson told 4BR: "We are very pleased with how the day went. We had a large, appreciative audience who enjoyed the sunshine and some fine music making."

He added: "The Association is indebted to the Geneva Group for their financial support, and our thanks go to Tim Oldroyd, CEO and Simon Miller, UK Sales Manager for making that happen."

During the results ceremony, a presentation was made by the Association President George Bramfitt to Peter Lawson for over 50 years dedicated service to the brass band movement associated with Easington Colliery Band."

We are very pleased with how the day went. We had a large, appreciative audience who enjoyed the sunshine and some fine music makingAssociation Vice-President Hugh Stephenson

Results:


Adjudicator: Sam Fisher

Section A:


1. GT Group Peterlee (Graeme Tindall)
2. Easington Colliery (Jonathan Fenwick)
3. Westoe (Aidan Hodgson)
4. Cockerton Prize Silver ( Andy Hunter)
5. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
6. NASUWT Concert (Andrew Hall)
7. Felling (Tina Mortimer)
8. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
9. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Stedman)

Best March: GT Group Peterlee
Best Soloist: Ian Robinson (Cockerton Silver)
Best Second Section Band: Cockerton Silver

Section B:


1. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)
2. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Phillip Tait)

Best March: Spennymoor Town
Best Soloist: Mike Fisher (flugel) — Spennymoor Town
Best Fourth Section Band Spennymoor Town

Youth Section:


1. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams)
2. Hetton Lyons Training Band (Glenis Smith)

Best Soloist: Sophie Reed (Houghton Area Youth)

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd