*
banner

Report & Result: 2023 Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune

Fishburn claims the inaugural march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.

Fishburn
  Fishburn celebrate in Wetherby after their victory

The Fishburn Band claimed the honours at the inaugural Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune contest.

Led by Duncan Beckley, their performances of William German's march 'The President' and their hymn tune selection of 'Love Unknown' saw them secure the overall title, the £300 first prize as well as gain awards for 'Best Championship Section Band' with John Gill taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Second place and the Deportment prize went to fellow North of England rivals Harrogate, as they performed 'Knight Templar' and 'Peace', with the final podium spot going to Hebden Bridge who played 'Knight Templar' and 'Prelude on Lavenham'.

Tewit Youth Band also gave a hugely enjoyable pre-contest concert before the contest began.

Didn't we do well

Speaking about their success son their Facebook page Fishburn said: "Didn't we do well!

Under the expert guidance of Duncan Beckley we have been named the overall winner and also walked away with the prizes for Best Championship Section Band and Best Instrumentalist. The winner's banner will take pride of place on the wall of our bandroom."

Enjoyed listening

Adjudicator Gordon Eddison later wrote on his Facebook page: "The 15 bands worked hard to march well as they progressed through the narrow streets then perform a hymn tune and contest march on the stand. I enjoyed listening to every one.

From Championship through the sections to 'unregistered/training' — although perhaps 'development section' might be better — all had much to praise. Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to be the first adjudicator at this inaugural event — it was an honour."

Result:


Adjudicator: Gordon Eddison
Deportment: Robert Stewart

1. Fishburn (Duncan Beckley): 78/79/31.5 = 188.5
2. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe): 74/75/34 = 183
3. Hebden Bridge (Christopher Binns): 76/77/28 = 181
4. Reg Vardy (Chris Shanks): 70/74/33.5 = 177.5
5. Kippax (James Beecham): 73/78/24 = 175
6. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall): 71/72/30.5 = 173.5
7. Garforth Brass (John Thompson): 67/68/28.5 = 163.5
8. Wetherby & District Silver (Craig Ratcliffe): 61/69/33 = 163
9= Barnsley Brass (Ben Brickles): 66/70/23.5 = 159.5
9= Shepherd Group Academy (Craig Brown): 65/62/32.5 = 159.5
11. Old Silkstone (N/K): 68/65/23 = 156
12. Wakefield Metropolitan (N/K): 60/64/31 = 155
13. Maltby Miners Welfare (N/K): 63/66/25.5 = 154.5
14. Knaresborough Silver (Nicholas Garrett): 57/58/25 = 140
15. Garforth Training (N/K): 56/56/20 = 132

Best Instrumentalist: John Gill (cornet) — Fishburn Band

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    


bbss

Free workshops for youngsters at Brass Band Summer School

July 9 • There will be a free Youth Brass Workshop at Wycliffe College as part of the 40th anniversary BBSS on 6th August. So need to be quick to book a place...


Kerkrade

Live stream action from World Music Contest

July 9 • You can enjoy all the brass band contests at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade this weekend.


Mead and Agnew

Mead adds test match credentials to tutoring

July 9 • Steven Mead met up with cricket broadcaster and test match cricketer Jonathan Agnew to give him a euphonium lesson.


NXTOD

More demand for NXTOD

July 9 • You can enjoy a great mini documentary from the recent Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune contest and sign up for more live brass banding.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd