The well known conductor Duncan Beckley has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years that has been reported in the banding press — especially with bands in Yorkshire.

However, he recently enjoyed the ultimate accolade (and especially as he was born in London) with a 'My Yorkshire' feature piece written about him in The Yorkshire Post newspaper.

Century of wins

It saw Duncan, who has notched up close on a century of contesting wins at every level talk about his early memories after moving to Wakefield as a child and his love of the Dales. He also revealed that he enjoys a weekend antique hunting jaunt to Ripon or Masham whilst he described the famous Hardraw Scar open air contest as his 'hidden gem' of the county.

He also pays tribute to the great, late Peter Kitson who took such as supportive role in his emerging banding career, those who helped him in his teaching profession and his explanation why Black Dyke is his favourite Yorkshire performer.