*
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    


lINZ

European to offer full programme of attractions

April 14 • A celebration of youth, excellence, and musical diversity underpins the forthcoming European Championships in Linz — from competitions, concert and educators.


next

On demand service replays ConsTest action

April 14 • You can enjoy all the action from the recent ConsTest Birmingham Open and sign up not to miss the action at Fleetwood.


Brisbane Excelsior

Brisbane enjoy plaudits after National success

April 14 • Brisbane Excelsior Band has been congratulated by worldwide supporters following their victory at the recent Australian National Championships.


ECWO

Wind Orchestras prepare for their European Championships in Germany

April 14 • It will not only be brass bands battling for European honours this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Rob Nesbitt

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd